Aquatic Plant Harvester Operator

Chicago Botanic Garden • Glencoe, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chicago Botanic Garden is looking for a detail-oriented and mechanically adept seasonal employee to operate our Aquatic Plant Harvester in summer 2026—with the potential for returning
for subsequent seasons. Located 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, the Garden's 385-acre campus includes 60 acres of lakes. Over the past 20 years, half a million native aquatic and shoreline plants have been added along five miles of our lakeshore. To help maintain desirable submerged plant communities and overall lake aesthetics, periodic trimming of excessive submerged vegetation growth and algal mats is conducted.

The Aquatic Plant Harvester Operator, operates specialized equipment with underwater blades that cut submerged plant stems, which are then transported onto an onboard storage area via conveyor belts. Once full, the harvester connects to a shore-based conveyor system, offloading the plant material into a dump truck for transport to the Garden’s landscape waste processing area, where it is converted into mulch.

Requirements

• Minimum one year experience operating diesel and/or gasoline engines in a professional setting
• Minimum one year experience towing and backing up a trailer
• Minimum one year experience navigating boats on water
• Minimum one season experience maintaining diesel and/or gasoline engines
• A strong work ethic and ability to function independent of continuous supervision
• A high comfort level being in and around water and an ability to swim should the need arise in an emergency
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and insurable by the Garden
• Availability to work from early May through early September
• Normal work schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (some schedule flexibility may be possible)
• Candidates with an interest and ability to return in subsequent years are strongly preferred

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of diesel engine operation is a plus

Responsibilities

• Operate and provide basic maintenance on the Garden’s aquatic plant harvester and conveyor equipment.
• Navigating and maneuvering the harvester safely on the water.
• Monitoring and adjusting harvester blade height for efficient plant removal.
• Clearing jams in the harvester and conveyor system as needed.
• Transporting cut plant material using the harvester’s conveyor system.
• Coordinating with team to ensure efficient harvesting operations.
• Conducting routine inspections to identify maintenance needs or equipment issues.
• Following all safety protocols for equipment operation and working near water.

Benefits

• Wellness initiative benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan
• Holidays
• Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed