Floriculturist Class 2

Chicago Park District•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Chicago Park District and the Service Employees International Union Local 703. The District is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants. Under general supervision, this role carries out as well as supervises and instructs apprentice personnel in the propagation and maintenance of all types of horticultural plant materials in Park District facilities such as conservatories, propagating houses, nurseries and other indoor and outdoor floral areas. Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

One year of experience performing floriculture and horticulture activities such as those described above, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required.
Must be appropriately licensed with a valid State of Illinois Pesticide License in order to apply pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire.
Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of floriculture.
Good knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions as applied to this position.
Good knowledge in plant identification.
Considerable knowledge in the use and handling of chemicals.
Skill in the safe operation of equipment and machinery used in floriculture.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public and patrons.
Ability to act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of superiors.
Ability to select the proper hand tools for the job required.

Responsibilities

Diagnoses, prescribes and carries out a treatment plan for plant problems.
Prepares proper soil mediums for plants.
Properly maintains plant and seedling beds.
Carries out proper planting spacing of plants.
Pots and transplants plants according to prescribed techniques and procedures.
Applies toxic chemicals to treat and prevent plant problems.
Applies non-toxic chemicals to treat and prevent plant problems.
Stores chemicals in specified storage areas.
Selects and utilizes the proper hand tools for the job required.
Provides assistance to the public and patrons regarding plant maintenance and identification.
Supervises and instructs the apprentice personnel in the proper techniques of plant maintenance and propagation.

Benefits

Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days for first year of employment).
12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
4 paid personal days per year.
13 paid holidays per year.
12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility)
Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs – Transit Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
Free Admission to most Chicago museums.