Assistant Horticulturist

Chicago Botanic Garden • Glencoe, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Works closely with the supervising Horticulturist to maintain a diverse collection of plants in different display gardens with high attention to detail. Oversees the work of Groundskeepers and volunteers with the direction of the supervising Horticulturist. Spends most of the time working out in the gardens. This is a seasonal, full-time (average of 40 hours per week) position. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in landscape maintenance and construction of landscape beds and plantings required.
• Completed horticulture training program, taken classes in gardening, or commensurate experience required.
• Ability to recognize most weeds within complex mixed herbaceous and woody plant borders. Ability to identify common ornamental plants, as well as learn to identify new ones encountered in your work.
• Competency in general landscape maintenance and construction of landscape beds.
• Ability to work independently, under the direction of the supervising Horticulturist.
• Ability to speak, read, and write basic English; some level of Spanish is a plus. Basic level of computer skills for purposes of interdepartmental documentation and communication.
• A current, valid driver’s license and ability to be insurable by the Garden.

Responsibilities

• General landscape maintenance and construction of landscape beds including weeding, watering, mulching, planting and transplanting, pruning trees and shrubs, mowing, grooming perennial borders, raking, digging, deadheading, basic integrated pest management (IPM) monitoring, organizing tool storage areas, sharpening and maintaining tools and equipment, picking up trash, and edging.
• Oversee the work of Groundskeeper seasonals and volunteers with the direction of the supervising Horticulturist.
• Assist with the maintenance of ancillary gardens assigned to their supervising Horticulturist.
• Safely operate small equipment such as Bobcat Mini-loader, golf carts, push mowers, blowers, snow blowers, and tillers.
• Respond to public and staff questions for general information.
• Provide current information to the Horticulturists regarding plant accessions, removals, transfers, and label requirements. Label plants and assist with installation of accession tags.
• Inform the Horticulturists of disease, insect, weed, and animal problems.
• Assist with public programs (minimal due to current schedule of public programs).
• Other duties as assigned.

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 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
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees