FLSA Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt AFSCME

Salary Range: $35.01/hr - $40.52/hr

Benefits: A generous benefits package including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance, pension (IMRF) plan, paid time off including vacation, sick and holiday pay, employee assistance program, fitness center membership and discounted facility and program costs.

Reports to: Event Manager

Date: January 2024

Summary

Under the supervision and direction of the Event Manager, the Head Horticulturist is responsible for the planning, organizing and supervision of the Bird Haven Greenhouse.

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

• Daily operations of the Bird Haven Greenhouse
• Select and grow all plant material used in flower shows, the grounds and the items used for plant sales
• Act as the Park District’ liaison to the Joliet Area Garden Club which has met at the Horticultural Center since 2002
• Maintenance at Greenhouse grounds
• Work with community groups, Joliet Area Hospice, Senior Services, District and Garden clubs of Illinois and many schools, libraries in the area (Cornerstone Services)
• Coordinate Spring Garden Day, Gardeners’ Flea Market and the Annual Spring Plant Sale
• Lecture, as needed, at other facilities in the Park District
• Purchase and do billing for all items at the Greenhouse
• Available on a daily basis to answer plant questions in person or by phone/email
• Work with staff on other events, such as Santa Breakfast, Bunny Breakfast and Fall Frenzy
• Teach horticultural programs for the District
• Provide outstanding customer service to customers
• Facilitate new Joliet Area Community Garden
• Maintain an inventory of all supplies and equipment at the facility
• Perform/be backup for Event Manager duties when Event Manager not present
• Perform all other related activities and duties as assigned

Hours

May require days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Supervisory responsibilities

Assistant Horticulturalist and Maintenance when Event Manager not present

Work Environment

Working environment is that of a typical office with moderate noise from office machines and conversation and also exposure to outdoor weather conditions and toxic chemicals.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Education and Experience

• High School Degree or Equivalent required
• Degree in Plant and Soil Science/Horticulture or similar degree required

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• CPR and AED certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days
• Valid Illinois driver’s license
• State of Illinois Pesticide Applicator License within 60 days of hire

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The Joliet Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.