Employment
Applications are accepted online only via employment@chicagobotanic.org. We are unable to accept any in-person or phone calls related to updates on application status or timelines. Anticipated dates to fill positions are to be determined. We thank you for your patience.
Please check back for information about opportunities in various departments at the Garden. Resumés and applications are only accepted for open positions. Applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered. Please see how to apply for further information.
The Chicago Botanic Garden requires all existing employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated by October 15, 2021; hires after this date must be fully vaccinated upon hire or may request a medical/religious exemption after an offer is extended.
Click here for internships.
Year-Round
Building Engineer I
Requisition Number: 921
Overview: To assist the manager of Buildings and Hospitality in managing environmental controls and systems in all of our buildings, as well as performing general building and infrastructure repairs, maintenance, and minor construction, relative to these systems. This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 921
Overview: To assist the manager of Buildings and Hospitality in managing environmental controls and systems in all of our buildings, as well as performing general building and infrastructure repairs, maintenance, and minor construction, relative to these systems. This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Construction Lead
Requisition Number: 922
Overview: The person in this position is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and construction of various built elements and other projects on our grounds and in our buildings. This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 922
Overview: The person in this position is responsible for repairs, maintenance, and construction of various built elements and other projects on our grounds and in our buildings. This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Coordinator, Visitor Events & Programs
Requisition Number: 934
Overview: To support planning and implementation of public events that attract current and new audiences to the Garden and enhance the visitor experience while adhering to established Garden standards. This is a year-round, full-time position working Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 934
Overview: To support planning and implementation of public events that attract current and new audiences to the Garden and enhance the visitor experience while adhering to established Garden standards. This is a year-round, full-time position working Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Custodian
Requisition Number: 903
Overview: The custodian is responsible for ensuring clean and well-maintained areas within the facilities of the Garden. The custodian will assist in setting up and cleaning up from special events and supporting other departments. This is a full-time position, working 40 hours a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 11:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 903
Overview: The custodian is responsible for ensuring clean and well-maintained areas within the facilities of the Garden. The custodian will assist in setting up and cleaning up from special events and supporting other departments. This is a full-time position, working 40 hours a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 11:30 p.m.
Customer Support Center Coordinator (A-B)
Requisition Number: 942
Overview: To process phone registrations for classes, events, programs, and memberships. Work interdepartmentally to support registration details with program managers, coordinators, and associates. Provide exceptional customer service when answering phone calls directed to the Support Center from the Garden's main phone number and provide information to our varied customer base. This is a year-round... Read more
Requisition Number: 942
Overview: To process phone registrations for classes, events, programs, and memberships. Work interdepartmentally to support registration details with program managers, coordinators, and associates. Provide exceptional customer service when answering phone calls directed to the Support Center from the Garden's main phone number and provide information to our varied customer base. This is a year-round... Read more
Data Strategist, Windy City Harvest (Chicago, IL)
Requisition Number: 940
Overview: Windy City Harvest is the urban agriculture department of the Chicago Botanic Garden, with a 15 year-plus history of serving 200-plus participants annually in multiple programs. Windy City Harvest is part of the Learning and Engagement division. Historically, data for all participants has been collected and analyzed using a series of Excel spreadsheets. In 2019, the Chicago Botanic Garden... Read more
Requisition Number: 940
Overview: Windy City Harvest is the urban agriculture department of the Chicago Botanic Garden, with a 15 year-plus history of serving 200-plus participants annually in multiple programs. Windy City Harvest is part of the Learning and Engagement division. Historically, data for all participants has been collected and analyzed using a series of Excel spreadsheets. In 2019, the Chicago Botanic Garden... Read more
Development Officer
Requisition Number: 918
Overview: Raise general operating, program, and project grants from private foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies through LOIs, proposals, reports, prospecting, tracking, and stewardship actions. This is a front-line fundraising position that involves managing a portfolio of current and prospective institutional funders. This is a year-round, full-time, salaried position working... Read more
Requisition Number: 918
Overview: Raise general operating, program, and project grants from private foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies through LOIs, proposals, reports, prospecting, tracking, and stewardship actions. This is a front-line fundraising position that involves managing a portfolio of current and prospective institutional funders. This is a year-round, full-time, salaried position working... Read more
Grant Accounting Manager (A-B)
Requisition Number: 937
Overview: The grant accounting manager is responsible for all aspects of the financial management, and supports all strategic and programmatic matters as they relate to accounting, fiscal/grant compliance and budget management, and financial analysis for the variety of federal/ local and private grants. During this time of transition back to in-person office settings, remote work opportunities are being... Read more
Requisition Number: 937
Overview: The grant accounting manager is responsible for all aspects of the financial management, and supports all strategic and programmatic matters as they relate to accounting, fiscal/grant compliance and budget management, and financial analysis for the variety of federal/ local and private grants. During this time of transition back to in-person office settings, remote work opportunities are being... Read more
Horticulturist, Exhibits
Requisition Number: 930
Overview: Collaborate with various inter- and cross-departmental Garden teams to develop detailed, creative designs to support and enhance Garden activities, exhibitions, events, and indoor displays. Work along with staff to build and maintain the installations. This is a year-round, full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 930
Overview: Collaborate with various inter- and cross-departmental Garden teams to develop detailed, creative designs to support and enhance Garden activities, exhibitions, events, and indoor displays. Work along with staff to build and maintain the installations. This is a year-round, full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Manager Customer Support Center
Requisition Number: 941
Overview: To oversee all aspects of the Customer Support Center. Maintain staff schedules, oversee sales of memberships, membership upgrades, admissions, tickets for visitor events and programs, registrations for various Garden and School of the Botanic Garden programs, and disseminate general Garden information. To enhance the visitor experience by providing exceptional customer service. Work closely with... Read more
Requisition Number: 941
Overview: To oversee all aspects of the Customer Support Center. Maintain staff schedules, oversee sales of memberships, membership upgrades, admissions, tickets for visitor events and programs, registrations for various Garden and School of the Botanic Garden programs, and disseminate general Garden information. To enhance the visitor experience by providing exceptional customer service. Work closely with... Read more
Manager, Internal Communications
Requisition Number: 944
Overview: Reporting to the VP Marketing and Communications, the Manager Internal Communications will bring a strategic discipline to leading and elevating internal communications. The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation and execution of the internal communications strategy. This person will excel with partners by collaborating with key internal stakeholders. With a proven... Read more
Requisition Number: 944
Overview: Reporting to the VP Marketing and Communications, the Manager Internal Communications will bring a strategic discipline to leading and elevating internal communications. The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation and execution of the internal communications strategy. This person will excel with partners by collaborating with key internal stakeholders. With a proven... Read more
Mechanic
Requisition Number: 920
Overview: The person in this position is responsible for the maintenance and repair of Garden vehicles, equipment, and various tools. This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 920
Overview: The person in this position is responsible for the maintenance and repair of Garden vehicles, equipment, and various tools. This is a full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sales & Aggregation Manager, Windy City Harvest (Chicago, IL)
Requisition Number: 919
Overview: The Windy City Harvest sales manager is responsible for oversight of the internal earned revenue accounting practices of all Windy City Harvest farm sites. This role also is responsible for training and supervising program participants and staff in procedures related to produce sales, seedling sales, harvest, quality control, and food safety. In addition to main duties, the sales manager oversees... Read more
Requisition Number: 919
Overview: The Windy City Harvest sales manager is responsible for oversight of the internal earned revenue accounting practices of all Windy City Harvest farm sites. This role also is responsible for training and supervising program participants and staff in procedures related to produce sales, seedling sales, harvest, quality control, and food safety. In addition to main duties, the sales manager oversees... Read more
Supervisor, Carpentry
Requisition Number: 949
Overview: Supervise and perform carpentry in all areas and provide supervisory backup when needed in other areas. This is a year-round, full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Requisition Number: 949
Overview: Supervise and perform carpentry in all areas and provide supervisory backup when needed in other areas. This is a year-round, full-time position, working Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Seasonal
Custodian (A-B)
Requisition Number: 892
Overview: The custodian is responsible for ensuring clean and well-maintained areas within the facilities of the Garden. The custodian will assist in setting up and cleaning up from special events, especially weddings and supporting other departments. This is a seasonal, full-time position, working 40 hours a week—Monday and Thursday through Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The season is anticipated to end... Read more
Requisition Number: 892
Overview: The custodian is responsible for ensuring clean and well-maintained areas within the facilities of the Garden. The custodian will assist in setting up and cleaning up from special events, especially weddings and supporting other departments. This is a seasonal, full-time position, working 40 hours a week—Monday and Thursday through Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The season is anticipated to end... Read more
Field Technician - Bureau of Land Management (El Centro, CA)
Requisition Number: 946
Overview: This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for six months (26 weeks), working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew working within the BLM El Centro Field Office in El Centro, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the Lead Botanist will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (w/cellular) for conducting scouting research, participating in calls,... Read more
Requisition Number: 946
Overview: This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for six months (26 weeks), working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew working within the BLM El Centro Field Office in El Centro, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the Lead Botanist will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (w/cellular) for conducting scouting research, participating in calls,... Read more
Field Technician - Bureau of Land Management (Grand Junction, CO)
Requisition Number: 948
Overview: This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for eight months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, primarily in western Colorado and the areas managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. Specific target collection areas will vary by species and their priority seed zones. The crew will be based out of Grand Junction... Read more
Requisition Number: 948
Overview: This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for eight months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, primarily in western Colorado and the areas managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. Specific target collection areas will vary by species and their priority seed zones. The crew will be based out of Grand Junction... Read more
Field Technician - Bureau of Land Management (St. George, Utah)
Requisition Number: 936
Overview: These field technician roles are contract-funded positions for seven months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew within the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert, including the Mojave Desert ecoregion sections of the following Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices: Arizona Strip in Arizona (including BLM portions of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Caliente and... Read more
Requisition Number: 936
Overview: These field technician roles are contract-funded positions for seven months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew within the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert, including the Mojave Desert ecoregion sections of the following Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices: Arizona Strip in Arizona (including BLM portions of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Caliente and... Read more
Field Technician - Bureau of Land Management (West Great Basin)
Requisition Number: 953
Overview: This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for five months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the areas managed by the BLM Eagle Lake and Applegate Field Offices. The crew will be based out of Susanville, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the crew will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (with cellular) for conducting... Read more
Requisition Number: 953
Overview: This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for five months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the areas managed by the BLM Eagle Lake and Applegate Field Offices. The crew will be based out of Susanville, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the crew will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (with cellular) for conducting... Read more
Field Technician - Bureau of Land Management A-C (Great Basin)
Requisition Number: 951
Overview: These three Field Technician roles are contract-funded positions for five months, each working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in one of three areas managed by BLM Field Offices: - Owhyee Field Office in Marsing, Idaho; Boise District Office in Boise, Idaho - Burns District Office in Hines, Oregon; Vale District Office in Vale, Oregon - Salt Lake City Field Office in West Valley... Read more
Requisition Number: 951
Overview: These three Field Technician roles are contract-funded positions for five months, each working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in one of three areas managed by BLM Field Offices: - Owhyee Field Office in Marsing, Idaho; Boise District Office in Boise, Idaho - Burns District Office in Hines, Oregon; Vale District Office in Vale, Oregon - Salt Lake City Field Office in West Valley... Read more
Groundskeeper (A-F)
Requisition Number: 885
Overview: Six seasonal groundskeepers will be hired for 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. This is a seasonal, full-time position working Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There may be... Read more
Requisition Number: 885
Overview: Six seasonal groundskeepers will be hired for 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. This is a seasonal, full-time position working Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There may be... Read more
Lead Botanist - Bureau of Land Management (El Centro, CA)
Requisition Number: 945
Overview: This Lead Botanist role is a contract-funded position for six months (26 weeks), working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew working within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office in El Centro, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the Lead Botanist will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (w/cellular) for conducting scouting research... Read more
Requisition Number: 945
Overview: This Lead Botanist role is a contract-funded position for six months (26 weeks), working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew working within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office in El Centro, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the Lead Botanist will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (w/cellular) for conducting scouting research... Read more
Lead Botanist - Bureau of Land Management (Grand Junction, CO)
Requisition Number: 947
Overview: This Lead Botanist role is a contract-funded position for eight months, leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, primarily in western Colorado and the areas managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. Specific target collection areas will vary by species and their priority seed zones. The crew will be based out of Grand Junction,... Read more
Requisition Number: 947
Overview: This Lead Botanist role is a contract-funded position for eight months, leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, primarily in western Colorado and the areas managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. Specific target collection areas will vary by species and their priority seed zones. The crew will be based out of Grand Junction,... Read more
Lead Botanist - Bureau of Land Management (West Great Basin)
Requisition Number: 952
Overview: This Lead Botanist role is a contract-funded position for eight months, leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, primarily in western Colorado—specifically the areas managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. The crew will be based out of Grand Junction, Colorado. As BLM office space will not be provided, the Lead Botanist will be... Read more
Requisition Number: 952
Overview: This Lead Botanist role is a contract-funded position for eight months, leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, primarily in western Colorado—specifically the areas managed by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. The crew will be based out of Grand Junction, Colorado. As BLM office space will not be provided, the Lead Botanist will be... Read more
Lead Botanist - Bureau of Land Management A-C (Great Basin)
Requisition Number: 950
Overview: These three Lead Botanist roles are contract-funded positions for five months, each leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in one of three areas managed by BLM Field Offices: - Owhyee Field Office in Marsing, Idaho; Boise District Office in Boise, Idaho - Burns District Office in Hines, Oregon; Vale District Office in Vale, Oregon - Salt Lake City Field Office in West Valley City,... Read more
Requisition Number: 950
Overview: These three Lead Botanist roles are contract-funded positions for five months, each leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in one of three areas managed by BLM Field Offices: - Owhyee Field Office in Marsing, Idaho; Boise District Office in Boise, Idaho - Burns District Office in Hines, Oregon; Vale District Office in Vale, Oregon - Salt Lake City Field Office in West Valley City,... Read more
Lightscape - Security Visitor Support
Requisition Number: 933
Overview: The Lightscape—security, visitor support position will be posted in specific Garden locations to keep our visitors safe along a lighted trail on the main island or assigned to assist in vehicle traffic control. The ideal applicant has a friendly, outgoing demeanor and is flexible to support the team. Training is provided and all shift posts are located outside. This is a seasonal position for the... Read more
Requisition Number: 933
Overview: The Lightscape—security, visitor support position will be posted in specific Garden locations to keep our visitors safe along a lighted trail on the main island or assigned to assist in vehicle traffic control. The ideal applicant has a friendly, outgoing demeanor and is flexible to support the team. Training is provided and all shift posts are located outside. This is a seasonal position for the... Read more
Lightscape - Visitor Assistant
Requisition Number: 932
Overview: The visitor assistant (fall/winter events) position is seasonal from now through January 2, 2022, for the Lightscape event. The ideal applicant has a friendly, outgoing demeanor and exceptional customer relations skills, is flexible, and is able to work independently, as well as part of a team. All positions are evening shifts, beginning at approximately 3:15 p.m. and lasting six to eight hours,... Read more
Requisition Number: 932
Overview: The visitor assistant (fall/winter events) position is seasonal from now through January 2, 2022, for the Lightscape event. The ideal applicant has a friendly, outgoing demeanor and exceptional customer relations skills, is flexible, and is able to work independently, as well as part of a team. All positions are evening shifts, beginning at approximately 3:15 p.m. and lasting six to eight hours,... Read more
Plant Health Care Assistant
Requisition Number: 884
Overview: The primary responsibility of the seasonal assistant plant health care position is to keep the general grounds free of weeds. This person will spend most of their time working independently out on the general grounds performing manual weed control, spraying herbicides, and performing general landscape maintenance. This person also assists the plant health care specialists with other duties such... Read more
Requisition Number: 884
Overview: The primary responsibility of the seasonal assistant plant health care position is to keep the general grounds free of weeds. This person will spend most of their time working independently out on the general grounds performing manual weed control, spraying herbicides, and performing general landscape maintenance. This person also assists the plant health care specialists with other duties such... Read more
Security Officer (A-B)
Requisition Number: 911
Overview: A Security Officer at the Chicago Botanic Garden serves the visitors, members and staff by maintaining the safety and security of the property, personnel and collections of the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is accomplished through a combination of driving patrols, foot patrols, emergency response, standing guard duty, observation, reporting, and working closely with local law enforcement and... Read more
Requisition Number: 911
Overview: A Security Officer at the Chicago Botanic Garden serves the visitors, members and staff by maintaining the safety and security of the property, personnel and collections of the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is accomplished through a combination of driving patrols, foot patrols, emergency response, standing guard duty, observation, reporting, and working closely with local law enforcement and... Read more
Senior Botanist - Bureau of Land Management (St. George, Utah)
Requisition Number: 935
Overview: This senior botanist role is a contract-funded position for seven months, leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew within the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert, including the Mojave Desert ecoregion sections of the following Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices: Arizona Strip in Arizona (including BLM portions of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Caliente, and... Read more
Requisition Number: 935
Overview: This senior botanist role is a contract-funded position for seven months, leading a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew within the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert, including the Mojave Desert ecoregion sections of the following Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices: Arizona Strip in Arizona (including BLM portions of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Caliente, and... Read more
Visitor Support Associate
Requisition Number: 912
Overview: A Visitor Support Associate is the first person to greet people as they enter the Garden through the Gatehouse. In addition to welcoming staff, visitors and other personnel to the Garden, the Visitor Support Associate will also accurately record attendance figures, perform cash-handling functions, and direct people to the correct locations. This is a seasonal part-time position with schedule... Read more
Requisition Number: 912
Overview: A Visitor Support Associate is the first person to greet people as they enter the Garden through the Gatehouse. In addition to welcoming staff, visitors and other personnel to the Garden, the Visitor Support Associate will also accurately record attendance figures, perform cash-handling functions, and direct people to the correct locations. This is a seasonal part-time position with schedule... Read more
The Chicago Botanic Garden welcomes veterans to our workforce. At the Garden, where we are a leading provider of horticultural therapy services for veterans, we value the dedication of our nation's service members.
We believe that veterans add a unique perspective and bring valuable experience to the workforce. As part of our commitment to veterans, the Garden has joined the state of Illinois and other leading Illinois employers in the Illinois Hires Heroes Consortium (IHHC). Consortium members agree to implement programs to recruit, train, and retain veterans; we will list jobs on sites including Hero2Hired (H2H), a site aimed at helping veterans find jobs. We have completed training to help us understand military skills and how that experience can be applied to our work at the Garden.
We encourage veterans to apply for internships, as well as full- and part-time employment.
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, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, 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.
EEO is the Law & Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision Poster