Assistant Botanic Gardens Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Model Railroad Garden Engineer

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Visitor Events & Programs

Reports to: Lead Model Railroad Garden Engineer

Seasonal, part-time

Supervises: Model Railroad Garden Volunteers

Seasonal Part-time employees are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate’s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate’s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual’s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview: Perform daily operations and maintenance duties for the Model Railroad Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is a seasonal part-time position from May through October 2026.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Set up, operate, and take down trains for Model Railroad Garden exhibition.
• Welcome and answer questions from the Garden visitors; questions regarding the Model Railroad Garden and general questions about the Chicago Botanic Garden as a whole such as - hours, events, directions to other gardens.
• Ensure exhibition buildings and props are in order each morning and throughout the day. Remove debris as necessary from tracks. Help keep footpaths and exhibition area clean.
• Monitor exhibition during the day for any breakdowns or derailments throughout the shift, correct the derailment problem, and re-rail the rolling stock as well as watch for any potential problems to report to the operating engineer.
• Address electrical and mechanical problems as they arise whenever possible; communicate with operating or chief engineer about other problems or needed repairs. Assist with repairs or other projects as directed.
• Direct the work of volunteer assistant engineers during assigned shift.
• Work in a collaborative manner with all Engineers/Volunteers for a seamless operation.
• Attend annual training and periodic engineers’ meetings.
• Assist with training new staff and volunteers as needed.
• Assist with special Model Railroad Garden events as required.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• One year of experience in customer service, public engagement, or education—or equivalent education.
• Background knowledge and technical expertise to operate G-scale trains, track, and control panels.
• Excellent people skills; the ability to work with the public and in a team environment to create a five-star visitor experience.
• Evening and weekend work may be required; flexible schedule helpful.
• Availability to work from mid-May through early Oct.

Physical Demands: Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift moderate weight (approximately 15 pounds). Position requires standing and walking and some ladder climbing for much of the shift (shift is approximately four to five hours).

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.