Weekend Gardener Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Gardener (Seasonal)

Department: Park Operations

Reports To: Associate Director of Grounds and Custodial Services

Range: $16.25 to $17.75/hr (non-exempt)

Company Description

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world.

Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute’s collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

Our 36-acre park is home to North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Position Summary:

The Gardener plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the aesthetic appeal and health of outdoor spaces, we are seeking a seasonal gardener to join us for the 2026 season July - September. This position involves cultivating plants, flowers, and shrubs to create vibrant and inviting environments for visitors. Additionally, this role requires regular maintenance tasks such as pruning, weeding, and fertilizing to ensure the longevity and vitality of the gardens. Ultimately, the Gardener's efforts contribute to maintaining beautiful landscapes that enrich the customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform regular maintenance tasks including watering, weeding, pruning, and mulching to ensure plant health.

• Monitor plant growth and health, identifying and addressing any pest or disease issues promptly.

• Maintain gardening tools and equipment, ensuring they are in good working condition for efficient use.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Proven experience in gardening.

• Plant identification skills.

• Certification in horticulture or a related field is a plus.

Advanced gardening skills are essential for the daily tasks of planting, nurturing, and maintaining various types of flora. Knowledge of plant care techniques allows the Gardener to make informed decisions about watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Strong communication skills are also vital, as the Gardener will interact with the Grounds Manager to understand and contribute to the scope of work needed. Overall, strong gardening skills and experience will ensure that the Gardener can maintain beautiful outdoor spaces that meet guest expectations.

Education and Experience

• 3-5 years of landscaping or grounds experience

• Experience operating mechanical equipment (lawn mowers, line trimmers, chain saws, etc.)

Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• The Ravinia season runs from early July through mid-September. Applicants who are available to work the entire season will receive priority in hiring.

• This position is outdoors and in all weather conditions, with prolonged periods of standing, walking, pushing/pulling, and lifting/carrying.

• Gardener works 40 hours per week, including weekends.

• Interested candidates may apply online, email jcisneros@ravinia.org, call, or text (847) 847-9164.

• Si hablas español llame a Jorge Cisneros (847) 847-9164.

Benefits

Eligible for Illinois Paid Leave plan.

Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success. We strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate based on any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.