Assistant Grower

Chicago Botanic Garden • Glencoe, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Grower will assist Production staff in day-to-day greenhouse and nursery operations. Help with plant deliveries to garden areas on a daily basis. Position needs to be flexible to work in changing environments and with different divisions within the department. Watering will be a focus of the position and a required skill set. Assist with pesticide applications, and weekly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control and scouting. One weekend day will be part of the normal workweek, and the position will require the person to work independently on that day with minimal supervision.

This position works in a world-class greenhouse and nursery facility built in 2017. It is one of the largest production operations for a public garden in the United States.

Requirements

• General horticultural knowledge required, with greenhouse and nursery experience preferred, a minimum of 1 year of related work experience is desired
• General knowledge of small tools and equipment
• Able to work for 9 months including one weekend day per workweek
• A valid driver’s license and insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society
• Must have or be able to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator’s license through the IL Dept. of Agriculture for chemical applications
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Assist Plant Production staff in growing plants through mixing soil, transplanting, thinning plugs, repotting, spacing, weeding, pruning, watering, fertilizing and sanitizing
• Work one weekend day and scheduled holidays under the direction of the Plant Production staff
• Serve as a team member of the department’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program including weekly bio releases and inform staff with insect and disease issues as observed
• Keep work and storage areas clean and organized
• Assist production staff with the delivery of plants to garden and grounds areas
• Apply pesticides to crops and growing areas as assigned to support the IPM program
• Support the department’s sanitation program with weekly disinfectant sprays and floor washing as required

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), Life & AD&D insurance, Legal Shield, Commuter Reimbursement, Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Personal days, 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