Plant Health Care Assistant - Seasonal
About The Position
The assistant plant health care seasonal primary responsibility is to keep the general grounds weed free. This position will spend most of their time working independently out on the general grounds performing manual weed control, spraying herbicides, and performing general landscape maintenance. This position also assists the plant health care specialists with other duties such as fertilization, pruning, equipment maintenance, making spray treatments, aerating turf and other projects. As needed, this position will assist with general landscape maintenance tasks such as planting, transplanting, pruning trees and shrubs, watering, mulching, mowing, maintaining tools and equipment, chipping brush, weeding, removing refuse, deadheading, edging, and greenhouse work under the direction of the grounds crew. The seasonal position is anticipated to start in April 2026 for six months working 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the week day. There may be occasional evening, weekend and holiday hours requested.
Requirements
- Completed a horticulture-training program or taken classes in gardening with experience in landscape maintenance.
- Must be able to identify weeds.
- Must obtain a pesticide Operator’s License through the Illinois Department of Agriculture within first month of employment.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- A valid driver’s license and insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Remove weeds using manual techniques and herbicide sprays under the direction of the PHC Supervisor.
- Maintain an accurate daily log of herbicide applied.
- Safely operate small equipment such as golf carts, weed whips, leaf blowers, chain saws, and sprayers.
- Inform the plant health care supervisor of disease, insect, weed and animal problems as well as tool and equipment problems.
- Keep tools, supplies, vehicles, and work areas clean and organized.
- Assist with Plant Health Care Department activities such as equipment maintenance, fertilization, making spray treatments, and aerating turf under the direction of the Plant Health Care Specialists.
- As needed, perform the following tasks consisting primarily of manual labor under the direction of full-time grounds crew staff: mulching, planting, transplanting, pruning trees and shrubs, watering, maintaining tools and equipment, chipping brush, removing debris, deadheading, edging, and greenhouse work.
- Work safely without injury to self, others, property or plants.
- Respond to visitors and staff questions for general information. Interact daily with staff, volunteers and the public in a friendly and respectful manner.
- Assist the Horticulture Division with support for special events and other projects as needed.
Benefits
- Seasonal Full-time employees with a six or more month assignment and scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the following Benefits: 2026 A Guide to Your Benefits Seasonal FTBE JP.pdf [https://chicagobotanic1000-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/myhr_chicagobotanic_org/IQBNbvGkTiSaQbTM_Upzrrv0AbYDICwEVdDnDndaU1g8J_0?e=uzer6c]
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
