Plant Conservatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview:

The Seasonal Horticulturist is a seasonal position. We offer competitive compensation, and PTO for seasonal employees.

Job Purpose:
The Seasonal Horticulturist will assist in the ongoing maintenance of the Conservatory, greenhouses and planting beds throughout the Park District. Typical duties will include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching. The seasonal horticulturist will also assist in plant sales. markets, special events, and horticulture related programs. The Seasonal horticulturist drives park district vehicles.
Essential Functions:
In order to effectively perform the functions of this position, the Seasonal Horticulturist shall assume the following responsibilities and associated duties:

• Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching.
• Assist with care of Conservatory birds and pond maintenance.
• Work special events, programs, and plant sales and markets such as Fall Fest, Fall Mum & Bulbs Sale, Fright at Night, Winter Greens Market, etc.
• Snow and ice removal around the Conservatory.
• Answers horticulture-related questions from the public based on background, expertise, education, and/or certification.
• Coordinates with other Park District staff regarding horticultural operations at the Conservatory and parks and/or facilities.
• Promotes an environment of safe work habits and active participation in the Park District's risk management and safety programs.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive public image.
• Maintains a complete actionable understanding of the Park District's emergency action plans (EAPs); acts as a leader (as assigned) in the execution of EAPs when required.

Additional Functions:

• Collaborates with Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) as assigned.
• Assists leading volunteers in the Conservatory and parks.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.
• Completes training as assigned.
• Drives conservatory vehicles to and from locations where work is being performed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Work Experience Required:

• High school diploma or GED, or combination of experience and education.
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Must maintain valid driver's license at all times. Must pass a pre-employment drug test. This position is part of a random drug test policy.
• Ability to distinguish weeds from flowers.
• Ability to work at height.
• Physical fitness and strength to lift 50 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to operate heavy and light work-related equipment.
• Ability to work on hands and knees to weed flower beds.
• Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.

Recommended:

• Some knowledge of gardening and plant care.
• Associate degree in Horticulture or closely related field of study.
• Knowledge of landscape care and maintenance.
• Knowledge of native plantings.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations:

• Frequently - Sitting, walking, standing, reaching, and climbing.
• Occasionally - Balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
• Strength - Work requires digging and handling heavy weight (up to 100 lbs.) of materials or equipment.
• Will be exposed to chemicals such as cleaning materials, acids, glues, chlorine, and pesticides.
• Will be exposed to daily inclement weather including extreme heat, sun, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice and wind.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required as it pertains to the particular job duty, including: safety goggles, glasses, face shields, steel tip work boots, protective rubber or leather gloves, hard hat, paint spray respirator, protective suits and outer wear, and back brace.
• Some exposure to noise, dust, fumes, elevation, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to work in high places.
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise verbal and written manner.
• Ability to maintain effective audio-visual and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing, and operating assigned equipment.
• Math skills include measuring, calculating, and estimating.
• Ability to interpret and explain Park District and department policies, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of responsibility.

Hours:

This is a part time, seasonal position, typically through December. Weekdays typically 7am-3pm. Must be able to work a share of weekends.

Customers:

Internal: Park District staff

External: Patrons of Conservatory and Park District, residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, partner organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park business community

This job description is not designedto cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer!