Groundskeeper - Seasonal

Position Overview

Under close supervision from a full-time lead, the Groundskeeper, seasonal is an entry-level position that:

• Performs general landscaping and grounds maintenance, consisting primarily of manual labor.
• Works primarily with a small crew, but alone at times.
• Assists with special projects including public programs and other support.
• Works occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, as requested.
• Works in different Display Gardens and Grounds areas during the season as assigned.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Working under close supervision and following direct instructions to learn and complete general landscape maintenance which includes weeding, watering, mulching, planting and transplanting, raking, digging, and edging.
• General clean-up and maintenance, such as picking up trash and landscape waste, removing refuse, tidying up tool and equipment storage areas, cleaning paths, and maintaining tools.
• Reporting any tool or equipment problems to Manager, Grounds.
• Assisting with indoors with projects such as shop organization and greenhouse work when weather prohibits outdoor work, and as assigned.
• Assisting with support for public programs and other projects as needed.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of small tools used in landscape maintenance preferred.
• Some landscape maintenance experience is preferred.
• Willingness to do physical work in the field and learn basic landscaping techniques.
• Interest in learning basic gardening skills, as evidenced by participation in training sessions or asking questions about plant care.
• Interest in learning to identify basic weeds through training and guidance from experienced staff/supervisor.
• Able to communicate at a basic level, for instructions and reporting in English or Spanish.
• A current/valid driver’s license to operate motor vehicles including golf cart, and insurable by the Garden 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 in all types of weather. Must be comfortable working on slopes and step ladders.

Benefits

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers the following benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan
• Holidays
• Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

Compensation Philosophy

Our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated. Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.