Garden Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Title: Security Event Associate 

Exemption Status: Hourly

Department:  Security

Reports to: Special Event Officer, Security

Seasonal Resource, Fall/Winter Events

Fall: October 5 through 25, 2026; and Winter: November 4, 2026, through January 3, 2027

Resource employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

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 (unless it is a flat rate as indicated). 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:

A Security Event Associate at the Chicago Botanic Garden serves the visitors, members and staff by maintaining the safety and security of the property, personnel and collections of the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is accomplished through a combination of patrols, emergency response, standing on post, observation, reporting, and working closely Garden staff, local law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Security Event Associates will be posted in various Garden locations to keep our visitors safe for fall/winter events along a lighted trail on the main island, the gatehouse, or assigned to assist in vehicle traffic control. All shift posts are located outside. This is a seasonal position fall/winter events in the evenings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Maintain the safety of visitors, employees, and property at the Garden while enforcing Garden rules and regulations.
• Provide information and assistance to the visitor in a pleasant, professional manner.
• Work closely with Visitor Services to provide the best information and service for the visitor. 
• Assist with providing emergency first aid to employees and to visitors.
• Prepare accurate and clear reports of accidents, illness, theft, vandalism or any other unusual occurrences with immediate notification to Security Management.
• Perform responsibilities specific to each post as assigned for the event.
• Perform patrols including buildings, islands, gardens, and other Garden property. Control traffic whenever needed.
• Make appropriate Security Department operating and safety checks.
• Pick up and deliver persons and materials as needed.
• Assist Security Management in other areas as directed. 

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

Minimum of one year experience in customer service. Security customer service experience preferred.

High school diploma or equivalent. 

Excellent oral and written communication skills

First aid and CPR training preferred.

Availability to work evening shifts on both weekdays and weekends from October 5 through 25,  2026, for Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns.

Preference for continued availability to work shifts during Lightscape, from November 4, 2026, through January 3, 2027. (Note: There will be Lightscape incentive pay for working this event based on number of shifts.)

Physical Demands:

Exposure to outdoor environments and often varied weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds; frequent walking, standing.

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, 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.