General Info

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Assistant Horticulturist — FILLED

PURPOSE: To maintain an attractive area for the education and enjoyment of visitors

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
1. Assist with the maintenance of garden areas through weeding, watering, dead heading, fertilizing, planting, removing debris, pruning, edging, mowing, mulching, winterizing, removing snow, maintaining and inventorying tools.

2. Assist the Horticulturists with developing designs, selecting and ordering plants for annual and permanent displays within the Garden.

3. Provide current information to Plant Records regarding plant accessions, removals, transfers and label requirements. Label plants in a timely manner and assist with installation of accession tags.

4. Serve as a horticultural resource for the Garden by leading tours, giving demonstrations, answering visitor and staff questions and serving on planning teams.

5. Inform the Supervisor, Plant Health Care of disease, insect, animal and weed problems.

6. Perform in a Horticulturist’s capacity when called upon to do so.

7. Assist with other projects such as events as requested.

8. Maintain a good level of computer literacy for purposes of interdepartmental documentation and communication.

DEPARTMENT: Display Gardens

REPORTS TO: Senior Horticulturist

SUPERVISES: Seasonals, Volunteers, Interns

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Horticulture Services, Plant Production, Visitor Operations and Programs, Model Railroad Garden Engineers, Maintenance, Development, Public Relations, Collections, Education.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or commensurate experience with two years experience in landscape maintenance and installation. Good communication skills - written and verbal. Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs. Work weekends on a rotational basis.