Employment
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.
Click here for internships.
Seasonal
Aquatic Plant Harvester Operator
Requisition Number: 291
Overview: The Chicago Botanic Garden is looking for an energetic, mechanically-adept seasonal employee to operate our aquatic plant harvester in summer 2015—and, ideally, in subsequent years as well. The Garden's 60 acres of lakes benefit from periodic "mowing" to help keep submerged aquatic vegetation and surface algae mats in check.
Requisition Number: 291
Overview: The Chicago Botanic Garden is looking for an energetic, mechanically-adept seasonal employee to operate our aquatic plant harvester in summer 2015—and, ideally, in subsequent years as well. The Garden's 60 acres of lakes benefit from periodic "mowing" to help keep submerged aquatic vegetation and surface algae mats in check.
Aquatic Plant Maintenance A-H
Requisition Number: 273
Overview: Over the past 14 years, a half million native aquatic and shoreline plants have been added along 4.5 miles of the Garden's lakeshore. The Aquatic Plant Maintenance seasonal staff maintain these new shoreline plantings, including removal of weedy/invasive plant and algae species, replanting due to plant mortality or herbivory, and other maintenance activities to support robust plant... Read more
Requisition Number: 273
Overview: Over the past 14 years, a half million native aquatic and shoreline plants have been added along 4.5 miles of the Garden's lakeshore. The Aquatic Plant Maintenance seasonal staff maintain these new shoreline plantings, including removal of weedy/invasive plant and algae species, replanting due to plant mortality or herbivory, and other maintenance activities to support robust plant... Read more
Assistant Horticulturist, Seasonal A-I
Requisition Number: 280
Overview: The assistant horticulturist seasonals work closely with the horticulturists to maintain a diverse collection of plants in different display gardens with high attention to detail. They will spend most of their time working out in the gardens and assisting with the supervision of other seasonal staff and volunteers. There are eight positions that will be working in different areas with... Read more
Requisition Number: 280
Overview: The assistant horticulturist seasonals work closely with the horticulturists to maintain a diverse collection of plants in different display gardens with high attention to detail. They will spend most of their time working out in the gardens and assisting with the supervision of other seasonal staff and volunteers. There are eight positions that will be working in different areas with... Read more
Camp Operations Assistant B, Camp CBG
Requisition Number: 268
Overview: To assist the manager of Camp Programs in all aspects of management of Camp CBG, with a focus on day-to-day logistics.Camp CBG is a specialized program of the Education department that focuses on the development, delivery, and evaluation of outdoor science, nature, art, and food-based educational programs for children ages 2 to 15.
Requisition Number: 268
Overview: To assist the manager of Camp Programs in all aspects of management of Camp CBG, with a focus on day-to-day logistics.Camp CBG is a specialized program of the Education department that focuses on the development, delivery, and evaluation of outdoor science, nature, art, and food-based educational programs for children ages 2 to 15.
Collections Specialist
Requisition Number: 287
Overview: Assist curators of woody and herbaceous perennial plants in data gathering and analysis of the Garden's plant collections.
Requisition Number: 287
Overview: Assist curators of woody and herbaceous perennial plants in data gathering and analysis of the Garden's plant collections.
College First Instructor A-B
Requisition Number: 288
Overview: The instructor will deliver an eight-week summer hands-on science internship program for students in grades 11 to 12. The instructor will collaborate with a co-instructor to design and deliver an environmental science curriculum with emphasis on outdoor field investigations, and oversee student mentorship assignments and individual research projects. The instructor should be available to work for... Read more
Requisition Number: 288
Overview: The instructor will deliver an eight-week summer hands-on science internship program for students in grades 11 to 12. The instructor will collaborate with a co-instructor to design and deliver an environmental science curriculum with emphasis on outdoor field investigations, and oversee student mentorship assignments and individual research projects. The instructor should be available to work for... Read more
Crew Leader (Rodeo), Windy City Harvest
Requisition Number: 295
Overview: Join a team of dedicated, mission-oriented urban farmers and youth workers who oversee a seasonal transitional jobs crew employed in the Windy City Harvest (WCH) Corps program. Windy City Harvest is looking for a dedicated, organized, flexible, and hard-working Rodeo Farm corps crew leader. The crew leader will lead and engage, working side-by-side with crew members to maintain all aspects of a... Read more
Requisition Number: 295
Overview: Join a team of dedicated, mission-oriented urban farmers and youth workers who oversee a seasonal transitional jobs crew employed in the Windy City Harvest (WCH) Corps program. Windy City Harvest is looking for a dedicated, organized, flexible, and hard-working Rodeo Farm corps crew leader. The crew leader will lead and engage, working side-by-side with crew members to maintain all aspects of a... Read more
Family Drop-in Programs Instructor
Requisition Number: 285
Overview: To facilitate and develop a range of free, hands-on, nature-themed education activities and programs for children and families in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden and Native Plant Garden. Weekend hours required.
Requisition Number: 285
Overview: To facilitate and develop a range of free, hands-on, nature-themed education activities and programs for children and families in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden and Native Plant Garden. Weekend hours required.
Groundskeeper, Seasonal
Requisition Number: 299
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. There may be occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Work and area assignments may change during the season as... Read more
Requisition Number: 299
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. There may be occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Work and area assignments may change during the season as... Read more
Interpretive Programs Intern
Requisition Number: 277
Overview: To achieve hands-on experience in museum education programs and volunteer management while assisting with and supporting seasonal programs in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable, Malott Japanese, English Walled, and Model Railroad Gardens and the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition. Learn operational aspects of a botanic garden/museum setting by working on a variety of projects and attending... Read more
Requisition Number: 277
Overview: To achieve hands-on experience in museum education programs and volunteer management while assisting with and supporting seasonal programs in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable, Malott Japanese, English Walled, and Model Railroad Gardens and the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition. Learn operational aspects of a botanic garden/museum setting by working on a variety of projects and attending... Read more
Midewin Research Assistant for Plants of Concern
Requisition Number: 286
Overview: As part of a cooperative program with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Plants of Concern is recruiting for a seasonal research assistant. This seven-month, 35-hour per week position involves a suite of studies on rare plants at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, including those restricted to the unique dolomite prairie habitat. The Midewin program is part of a broader Plants of Concern (... Read more
Requisition Number: 286
Overview: As part of a cooperative program with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Plants of Concern is recruiting for a seasonal research assistant. This seven-month, 35-hour per week position involves a suite of studies on rare plants at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, including those restricted to the unique dolomite prairie habitat. The Midewin program is part of a broader Plants of Concern (... Read more
Prairie- River Management Technician A-B
Requisition Number: 281
Overview: Assist in the management of two of the Garden's natural areas: a 15-acre created prairie (exhibits six different types of prairie communities found in northeastern Illinois) and a mile-long urban river reach with an adjorning 22 acres of developing wetlands, prairie, and savanna. This position involves physically demanding work for extended periods of time. Typical work responsibilities... Read more
Requisition Number: 281
Overview: Assist in the management of two of the Garden's natural areas: a 15-acre created prairie (exhibits six different types of prairie communities found in northeastern Illinois) and a mile-long urban river reach with an adjorning 22 acres of developing wetlands, prairie, and savanna. This position involves physically demanding work for extended periods of time. Typical work responsibilities... Read more
Science First Assistant A-B
Requisition Number: 290
Overview: This position assists the manager of secondary education & career programs and the Science First instructors with the Science First program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting the instructors with class and field activities, preparing for laboratory and field projects, and working with Science First students on their daily lessons and projects. The assistant should be... Read more
Requisition Number: 290
Overview: This position assists the manager of secondary education & career programs and the Science First instructors with the Science First program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting the instructors with class and field activities, preparing for laboratory and field projects, and working with Science First students on their daily lessons and projects. The assistant should be... Read more
Science First Instructor A-B
Requisition Number: 289
Overview: The instructor will deliver a hands-on, free summer science program for Chicago Public School students in grades 8 to 10. The instructor will collaborate with a co-instructor to design and co-deliver an informal science curriculum with emphasis on outdoor field investigations and group research projects. The instructor should be available to work/teach for 37.5 hours per week from June 29 to... Read more
Requisition Number: 289
Overview: The instructor will deliver a hands-on, free summer science program for Chicago Public School students in grades 8 to 10. The instructor will collaborate with a co-instructor to design and co-deliver an informal science curriculum with emphasis on outdoor field investigations and group research projects. The instructor should be available to work/teach for 37.5 hours per week from June 29 to... Read more
Seasonal Assistant, Plant Health Care
Requisition Number: 298
Overview: The seasonal assistant for plant health care's primary responsibility is to keep the general grounds weed free. The assistant will spend most of his/her time working independently in the Garden grounds performing manual weed control, spraying herbicides, and performing general landscape maintenance. The seasonal assistant also assists the plant health care specialists with other duties such... Read more
Requisition Number: 298
Overview: The seasonal assistant for plant health care's primary responsibility is to keep the general grounds weed free. The assistant will spend most of his/her time working independently in the Garden grounds performing manual weed control, spraying herbicides, and performing general landscape maintenance. The seasonal assistant also assists the plant health care specialists with other duties such... Read more
Shoreline Maintenance A-B
Requisition Number: 274
Overview: Strengthen the Chicago Botanic Garden's aquatic plant and urban lake studies program by maintaining aesthetic shoreline conditions and quality lakeshore habitat.
Requisition Number: 274
Overview: Strengthen the Chicago Botanic Garden's aquatic plant and urban lake studies program by maintaining aesthetic shoreline conditions and quality lakeshore habitat.
Windy City Harvest Corps Farm Operations Crew Leader
Requisition Number: 294
Overview: Join a team of dedicated, mission-oriented urban farmers and youth workers to oversee a seasonal crew employed in the Windy City Harvest (WCH) Corps program. Windy City Harvest is looking for a dedicated, organized, flexible, and hard-working farm operations crew leader. The crew leader will lead and engage a work crew in maintaining various Windy City Harvest farm sites. The crew leader will... Read more
Requisition Number: 294
Overview: Join a team of dedicated, mission-oriented urban farmers and youth workers to oversee a seasonal crew employed in the Windy City Harvest (WCH) Corps program. Windy City Harvest is looking for a dedicated, organized, flexible, and hard-working farm operations crew leader. The crew leader will lead and engage a work crew in maintaining various Windy City Harvest farm sites. The crew leader will... Read more
Regular
Development Officer
Requisition Number: 269
Overview: This position will raise significant operating funds from foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies by researching potential funding sources; developing proposals, reports, and other written documents; and conducting meaningful contact with donors and prospective donors.
Requisition Number: 269
Overview: This position will raise significant operating funds from foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies by researching potential funding sources; developing proposals, reports, and other written documents; and conducting meaningful contact with donors and prospective donors.
Foreman, Grounds
Requisition Number: 297
Overview: The grounds foreman operates landscaping equipment, supervises crews, performs general grounds maintenance, and provides support for all Garden areas.
Requisition Number: 297
Overview: The grounds foreman operates landscaping equipment, supervises crews, performs general grounds maintenance, and provides support for all Garden areas.
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Requisition Number: 296
Overview: The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great horticultural display gardens and living museums. In 2014, more than 1 million people visited the Garden's 26 gardens and 4 natural areas, which are uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around 9 islands. The permanent plant collection has... Read more
Requisition Number: 296
Overview: The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great horticultural display gardens and living museums. In 2014, more than 1 million people visited the Garden's 26 gardens and 4 natural areas, which are uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around 9 islands. The permanent plant collection has... Read more
Internship
Display Gardens Intern A-C
Requisition Number: 270
Overview: The display gardens intern will learn how to properly maintain a public display garden by working with a senior horticulturist and his or her team of staff and volunteers. The intern will attend regular staff meetings and weekly intern meetings with guest speakers to learn about general operations at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Requisition Number: 270
Overview: The display gardens intern will learn how to properly maintain a public display garden by working with a senior horticulturist and his or her team of staff and volunteers. The intern will attend regular staff meetings and weekly intern meetings with guest speakers to learn about general operations at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Plant Evaluation Intern
Requisition Number: 201
Overview: Do you have an interest in learning about new garden plants? Would you like to be a part of a program that shares information on how ornamental plants grow with professional horticulturists, landscape designers, educators, researchers, and home gardeners? The Plant Evaluation internship provides an opportunity to observe plants in outdoor gardens and document their performance through data... Read more
Requisition Number: 201
Overview: Do you have an interest in learning about new garden plants? Would you like to be a part of a program that shares information on how ornamental plants grow with professional horticulturists, landscape designers, educators, researchers, and home gardeners? The Plant Evaluation internship provides an opportunity to observe plants in outdoor gardens and document their performance through data... Read more
Propagation Intern
Requisition Number: 272
Overview: The propagation intern will learn about and gain experience in propagating plants by assisting with the propagation of annuals, perennials, native plants, tropical plants, and floriculture crops grown in the production greenhouses and nursery. The intern will attend regular staff meetings and weekly intern meetings with guest speakers during the summer to learn about general operations at the... Read more
Requisition Number: 272
Overview: The propagation intern will learn about and gain experience in propagating plants by assisting with the propagation of annuals, perennials, native plants, tropical plants, and floriculture crops grown in the production greenhouses and nursery. The intern will attend regular staff meetings and weekly intern meetings with guest speakers during the summer to learn about general operations at the... Read more
Urban Garden Lab Intern
Requisition Number: 292
Overview: The intern will assist with delivery of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) summer enrichment program (15 students ages, 15 to 18) at After School Matters' downtown headquarters. The intern will help guide youth in their exploration of the environmental and community benefits of rooftop gardening and help them discover the science behind sustainable urban agriculture.
Requisition Number: 292
Overview: The intern will assist with delivery of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) summer enrichment program (15 students ages, 15 to 18) at After School Matters' downtown headquarters. The intern will help guide youth in their exploration of the environmental and community benefits of rooftop gardening and help them discover the science behind sustainable urban agriculture.
Windy City Harvest Youth Farm Intern
Requisition Number: 278
Overview: Work with Chicago's most innovative horticulture training program for teens, the Windy City Harvest Youth Farm! The Windy City Harvest Youth Farm interns will work as part of a dedicated, energetic team at one of our sustainable farms, working alongside teenagers to produce vibrant young people and delicious, organically grown food for underserved communities. Windy City Harvest Youth Farm... Read more
Requisition Number: 278
Overview: Work with Chicago's most innovative horticulture training program for teens, the Windy City Harvest Youth Farm! The Windy City Harvest Youth Farm interns will work as part of a dedicated, energetic team at one of our sustainable farms, working alongside teenagers to produce vibrant young people and delicious, organically grown food for underserved communities. Windy City Harvest Youth Farm... 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.