General Info

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Prarie – River Management – FILLED

PURPOSE: Help manage and develop Chicago Botanic Garden 15-acre prairie and 22-acre river corridor natural areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Perform a variety of activities related to invasive weed management including herbicide application, brush cutting and removal, digging, mowing and debris removal, deadheading, etc.
Perform a variety of activities related to the development and maintenance of these natural areas such as planting, watering, seed collection and cleaning, seed nursery maintenance, path clearance, litter pick-up, etc.
Seasonal staff will be working with other seasonal staff, interns and volunteers. Volunteer supervision will be required at times. Dependent upon applicant backgrounds, one seasonal may be hired to undertake additional supervisory responsibilities (at a higher pay rate).
Safe operation of small equipment including mowers, hedge trimmers, water pumps, and sprayers will be required. Care and responsibility for Garden tools and machines is expected.
Seasonal staff will be expected to learn to recognize the plants in the areas in which they are working.
Seasonal staff may be expected to assist with plant surveys, data entry, literature research and report writing. Miscellaneous office work and organizational duties will be required.

DEPARTMENT: Restoration Ecology

REPORTS TO: Ecologist

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree and/or experience in botany, horticulture, restoration ecology, or equivalent. Knowledge of local flora preferred but not required. A strong work ethic, good people skills, and an ability to carry our assignments with little supervision are required. Individuals must be able to work alone for long hours in the out-of-doors performing repetitive, arduous tasks under inclement conditions (heat, rain, mosquitoes, poison ivy).

Assistants are expected to be able to take and pass the State of Illinois’ General Standards Pesticide License Test and be able to carry and lift 40 pounds. Experience with Microsoft Office Excel and Word programs is desirable. A valid driver’s license is necessary with a good driving record.

References and school records required.

MINIMUM PAY: $10/hour.