Horticulturist

WORKSITE LOCATION:                        FABYAN FOREST PRESERVE, GENEVA, ILLINOIS      

                                                            APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES WEST OF CHICAGO

STARTING HOURLY RATE:                  $28.14

HOURS/SCHEDULE:                             LIMITED TO 40-HOUR WORK WEEK; MAY INCLUDE WEEKENDS, EVENINGS AND HOLIDAYS

APPLICATION DEADLINE:                    OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

                                                                 NOVEMBER 3RD

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direction of the Operations Manager and/or Senior Rangers, performs a wide variety of assigned work required to protect, preserve, interpret, operate and maintain gardens of the District.  

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES & FUNCTIONS

Operations:

• Devises and documents proper and timely procedures and plans for maintaining the historical garden, as well as other gardens in the District
• Carries out the proper pruning and horticultural details of the existing plant materials in compliance with generally accepted plant maintenance for this region
• Assists with the planting of new and annual plant materials
• Devises plans and budgets for each upcoming season
• Schedules, coordinates and regulates public use of assigned areas
• Creates and comprehends landscape plans
• Maintains the grounds of the historical areas of Fabyan Forest Preserve and the Creek Bend Nature Center, Brewster Creek Lodge and other areas as assigned
• Researches the historical records for plans and concepts of the landscape for the historical area
• Other duties as assigned, in keeping with education, experience and training
• Responds to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis
• Works irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays
• Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois driver’s license free from suspension or revocation during term of employment; must maintain insurability with the District’s fleet insurance carrier
• Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee Handbook

Administration:

• Establishes positive relationships with community and preserve users

Staff Supervision:

• A crew leader to Summer Seasonals; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws

Additional duties and functions may be essential.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old
• Education: Associate Degree in Horticulture, science or closely related fields
• Experience: Three (3) years in landscape maintenance and design; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Certifications/Licenses: CPR/1st AID/AED, Pesticide Operator; all licenses/certifications must be obtained and maintained within six months of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting hourly rate for this position is $28.14. This position is eligible for the District’s full-time benefits. Interested applicants may learn more about the District’s competitive compensation program and benefit plans here.
  
ADA
Persons requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act are asked to contact the Human Resources Department at 630-208-8662 or by email at HRForest@kaneforest.com.                                        

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DISTRICT’S MISSION

To acquire, hold, and maintain lands within Kane County, which contribute to the preservation of natural and historic resources and habitats, flora or fauna; to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation, and pleasure of all its citizens.