Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Horticulture

Reports to: Supervisor, Grounds

Seasonal Full-time, approximately nine months

Position Overview: The seasonal groundskeeper performs general landscaping and grounds maintenance, consisting primarily of manual labor under the direction of full-time horticulture staff; working independently or with a crew. Assist with special projects such as event preparation and support. The work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There may be occasional evening, weekend and holiday hours requested. Work and area assignments may change during the season as needed by the Garden.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• General landscape maintenance including planting and transplanting, pruning trees and shrubs, watering, mulching, mowing, grooming, raking, hoeing, digging, chipping brush, weeding, fertilizing, deadheading, and edging.
• General clean-up and equipment maintenance such as picking up trash and landscape waste, removing refuse, tidying up tool and equipment storage areas, cleaning paths, and sharpening and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Safely operate small equipment such as golf carts, leaf flowers, mowers, rototillers, and weed eaters.
• Report any tool or equipment problems to the supervisor, Grounds.
• Assist indoors with projects such as equipment maintenance, shop organization, and greenhouse work when weather prohibits outdoor work.
• Work safely without injury to self, others, property, or plants.
• Interact daily with staff, volunteers, and the public in a friendly and respectful manner.
• Assist the Horticulture Division with support for special events and other projects as needed.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• General knowledge of small tools and equipment preferred.
• Some landscape maintenance experience preferred.
• A valid driver's license and insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society is preferred but not required.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry items up to 50 pounds. Must be able and willing to work outdoors when the weather is hot, humid, or cold. Be comfortable working on slopes and stepladders.

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.