Horticulture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the

not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

The department of Animal Care and Horticulture is an integrated team that cares for the animals and plants that live at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

This position assists the Director of Horticulture in the management of operational components that support the horticulture team. Responsibilities include inventorying, organizing and maintaining equipment and tools; coordinating cross-departmentally on the scheduling and execution of projects; hiring, onboarding, and supervising seasonal staff; assisting in the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems; organizing chemical use and record keeping on behalf of the horticulture team; and maintaining an ISA Arborist Certification. This position also frequently gives guidance on horticulture operations projects and oversees horticulture contractors. These work priorities happen in addition to the responsibilities of a horticulturist. Horticulturists report to the Director of Horticulture and are critical hands-on members of the horticulture team, responsible for performing day-to-day plant care and garden maintenance in her or his landscape area. Horticulturists also regularly provide direction and supervision of volunteer gardeners. 

• Maintain horticulture team tool and supply inventory, ensuring that tools are clean, regularly maintained, and functioning properly. Assist with sourcing and ordering of tools, supplies, and plant materials as needed. 
• Coordinate interdepartmentally to ensure efficient completion of horticulture projects. 
• Oversee horticulture contractors, including scheduling and coordinating them on grounds 
• Manage irrigation system maintenance, irrigation system repair, and irrigation schedules.
• Maintain Illinois pesticide applicator license and under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, manage the appropriate use of plant pesticides and fertilizers on zoo grounds. Maintains a chemical use log on behalf of the horticulture team.
• Maintain ISA arborist certification within year of employment.  
• Supports horticultural operations in zoo gardens, frequently interacting with and overseeing horticulture operations projects and horticulture contractors. 
• Lead semiweekly volunteer gardening crews, coordinating gardening activities, tracking volunteer gardener’s attendance, hours, and interactions with each other and guest. Regularly inspecting volunteer gardeners’ work and ensuring quality standards are being met in planting, weeding, and general cultivation.
• Performing and coordinating lawn care and maintenance of lawn care equipment
• Manage maintenance of green roofs, creating yearly maintenance calendar and working with horticulturists to guide them on yearly maintenance. 

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Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of seasonal staff and volunteers, providing day-to-day direction and supervision.

• Coordinate landscape waste disposal and container ordering with Manager of Grounds and Maintenance.
• Under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, facilitate horticulture skill and tool training for horticulturists, seasonal staff, and volunteers as needed.
• Able to work all days of the week on a flexible schedule.  A weekend shift may be assigned during peak growing season.
• Frequently works independently and in groups with other zoo staff and volunteers. 
• Daily inspection of assigned garden areas, ensuring gardens meet aesthetic standards and that safety concerns are addressed. 
• Daily grooming, watering, and weeding of garden beds, planted containers, lawns, and interior scapes. Setup and removal of hoses as necessary for watering task, using watering cans and other watering tools as needed. 
• Installation of display plants, seasonal greens, and permanent collections plants under the guidance of Director of Horticulture and/or Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs. 
• Pruning of trees, shrubs, and hedges using power and manual tools while maintaining proper tool sanitation. 
• Assists with garden planning and design in assigned landscape areas and interiorscapes. 
• Utilizes knowledge of plant identification to coordinate with animal care staff to protect zoo animals from potentially toxic plants. 
• Uses appropriate technology, tools, and other resources to support operational and programmatic activities. 
• Capture plant record events (planting, removals, rejuvenation pruning, label failures, etc.) and report those to Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs. 
• Participate in plant health care, following best cultural practices and integrated pest management plans. 
• Ensures cleanliness, order, and safety of working environment for one’s self and those in and surrounding the work site.

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• On call after hours to assist with emergency needs such as storm damage clean up
• Acts as a primary contact for critical operations related activities at all times; including emergency situations and storm related activities
• Represent the zoo at internal and external functions, including but not limited to zoo donor tours, zoo special events, professional meetings and conferences, and zoo horticulture-related programming
• Use electric cart and/or hand truck to transport plants and supplies
• Use vehicle for zoo pick-ups and deliveries
• Direct volunteers and guests in a zoo emergency 
• May be asked to participate in a zoo committee
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Advanced knowledge of proper horticulture techniques and best practices, handling and use on a variety of related tools, equipment and machinery, irrigation systems, and turf maintenance
• Advanced skill in public speaking and moderating groups of people
• Ability to train personnel in the proper use of tools, pesticides, and horticultural operations practices and procedures, and enforce safe work practices
• Ability to maintain an organized schedule and records, using PCs, spreadsheets, etc
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Knowledge of Midwestern plant species and growing requirements
• Ability to respond calmly and productively in emergency situations be they human or animal
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions  

Associate’s degree in horticulture or related field, Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Three years of practical experience in applied horticulture and team leadership. Must have proven knowledge and an affinity for the operation and maintenance of mechanical tools and irrigation systems. Experience in a public garden setting preferred. Supervisory experience also preferred. ISA Arborist Certification preferred.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individual.

Ability to lift on frequent basis up to 75 lbs. Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach and climb. Ability to safely and effectively utilize the program tools and equipment. Ability to move about on sometimes slippery, muddy surfaces. Ability to work in all weather conditions. Ability to work on uneven terrain. No allergy to plants or animals which may interfere with the ability to work.

Available to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed and assigned

Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned.

Able to work flex schedule seasonally.     

Ability to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicators license and ISA Arborist Certification Must have valid driver’s license with good driving record. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Compensation: $56,000-$61,000

Our Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.  For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield)  as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!