Flower Lead

BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY • West Chicago, IL

2d • $21 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Flower Lead will oversee layout, installation, and maintenance of the Gardens at Ball trial and display gardens during the summer months and participate in a unique job-sharing experience during the winter months with our Greenhouse department. During the winter months, the Flower Lead will assist in producing the plant material to be used on the Ball Grounds the following season. The Flower Lead will share equal responsibilities between the Grounds and Greenhouse departments. This position reports directly to the Display Gardens Horticulturist during the summer season and the Grounds Greenhouse Grower during the winter season. This is a full-time shared position eligible for benefits.

Requirements

• Horticulture degree or equivalent Horticulture experience.
• 3yrs field or growing experience preferred
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Licensed Spray Operator or ability to obtain license within 90 days of hire
• Knowledge of IPM best practices
• Working knowledge of plant ID at all stages of growth
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly Excel and Word
• Working knowledge of greenhouse operations
• Working knowledge of field plant installation and plant health care
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Spanish speaking is a plus
• Readily takes action on challenges, without unnecessary planning
• Adapts communication style across one-on-one, small group, and large group settings, engaging effectively with diverse audiences and levels
• Makes sound decisions, even when faced with incomplete information

Nice To Haves

• 3yrs field or growing experience preferred
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Spanish speaking is a plus

Responsibilities

• Layout and maintenance of annual and perennial display and trial gardens
• Guide and train less experienced personnel in proper horticultural best practices
• Fertilize as needed
• Harvest and record harvest notes for fruits and vegetables as needed / requested
• Assist with labelling of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals
• Report and/or resolve any problems or issues noticed in the gardens
• Weekend watering during the summer season
• Keep records of planting times, personnel, extra/additional plant material, and substitutions
• Receive and log plant shipments
• Check plant shipments against plant orders and report discrepancies
• Stick unrooted cuttings
• Sow seed in cells and open trays
• Transplant rooted cuttings and seedlings into final tray or container size
• Apply fertilizer as directed
• Scout for pests/abnormalities and report to head grower
• Manage inventory in the Quonsets and keep records of plant locations and numbers

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees