Park Attendant - Allerton Park & Retreat Center

About the role

The Park Attendant position at Allerton Park & Retreat Center involves performing tasks directly related to the maintenance and operation of Allerton Park, the University of Illinois Arboretum, and affiliated components. The role requires a combination of physical labor and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, spray, plant, prune, fertilize, and care for landscape plantings.
• Aid in public functions and events, such as directing traffic and setting up facilities.
• Assist in park construction and maintenance projects, including repairs and renovations.
• Mop, dust, sweep, remove trash, polish, scrub, and service various areas.
• Operate, maintain, repair, and adjust equipment used in the performance of assigned duties.
• Collect and dispose of garbage, litter, debris, and pruning material.
• Remove snow and ice from roads, paths, walks, and parking lots.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The employee is required to exert strenuous physical activity for up to two hours, carry and lift bags and plants weighing up to 55 pounds, and work in an outdoor environment year-round. The schedule is for the second shift (3:00 - 11:00 p.m.) from Tuesday to Saturday. The position requires dependable attendance and the ability to work overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a current State of Illinois Pesticide Operator's License.
• Valid State of Illinois driver's license, appropriate for the vehicles to be operated.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Customer service and responding to client needs while protecting University property and interests.
• Working knowledge of Park grounds, buildings, and utilities standards.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relations with the public, Allerton team members, and UI faculty, staff, and allied agency personnel.
• Teamwork and ability to function as part of a team.
• Enforcement of pertinent administrative rules and regulations.
• Detail-oriented and concise report writing.
• Handling routine duties and flexibility in response to changing conditions.
• Following established procedures for routine and non-routine assignments.
• Positive attitude towards client-focused environments.
• Knowledge of University physical plant standards.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0558 - Park Attendant position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $28.26 per hour. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 20, 2026. To be considered, applicants should apply through https://jobs.illinois.edu. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and proof of licenses and degree(s) if applicable. For further information about this specific position, please contact dgreen21@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.