Landscape/Garden Worker I - Part Time

Champaign County Forest Preserve District•Mahomet, IL

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Landscape/Garden Worker I is a part-time, non-exempt, year-round position within the Lake of the Woods Botanical Gardens department, located at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, IL. This role involves performing a variety of duties related to the Botanical Gardens, trails, other landscaped areas, and high-visibility native spaces. Work hours are typically Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm, with more weekly hours in the summer and fewer in the winter. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Experience with or ability to learn the use of maintenance tools of the trade, both powered and non-powered
Valid Illinois Driver’s License and 18 years of age at start date
Current Illinois Pesticide Operator License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
AED/CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment
Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written directions
Good communication skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with supervisors, team members, volunteers, and the public
Ability to work independently under general direction from the Site Superintendent or Gardens and Trails Supervisor, to exercise judgment in the performance of duties, and to identify or solve problems as they arise
Ability to represent the Forest Preserves in a professional manner and to maintain composure and self-control in difficult situations

Nice To Haves

A degree in horticulture, natural resources, botany or related field is a plus
Ornamental, native plant, and tree identification preferred
ArcGIS experience a plus
Chainsaw and tree felling experience preferred
Experience with and maintenance of garden ponds and pump systems a plus

Responsibilities

Perform landscape maintenance activities such as mowing and bed care to botanical garden spaces and defined landscape beds throughout the preserves
Prune shrubs and trees using horticultural best practices
Mulch beds and utility spaces
Perform fall cleanups of beds as well as leaf management in turf and other hardscape areas as directed
Provide chemical or mechanical control of weeds including invasive species as directed
Perform trail maintenance, including removal of fallen trees, limbing up of branches, repair of uneven surfaces, and erosion control
Install landscapes including planting trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals and bulbs; and hardscapes including all prep work
Irrigate plants in beds and containers and assist with irrigation repairs
Greenhouse related tasks, including potting, watering, and tending to various plants
Operate various grounds maintenance equipment such as zero turn mower, edger, string trimmer, sprayer, chainsaw, and basic gardening hand tools
Load bulk materials with skid steer and/or loader tractor
Assists with maintenance of high visibility native areas including invasive removal, timber stand improvement and restoration work
Install and recover holiday lights and accessories
Clear snow and ice from sidewalks
Answer questions and assist the public during special events (such as rentals or weddings)
Assists in directing volunteers in areas managed by the Botanical Gardens or as directed
Support and participate in tasks, projects, and efforts of the Lake of the Woods Operations department as directed
Perform other duties as assigned