JOB SUMMARY:

The Greenhouse Seasonal Worker is responsible for supporting the Walnut Grove Vocational Farm (WGVF) Program Director in day-to-day greenhouse operations. Acts as a greenhouse greeter welcoming and assisting greenhouse customers with their questions and purchases. Must demonstrate good judgment, ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, and ability to be self-motivated and well organized.

The Walnut Grove Vocational Farm (WGVF) program provides agriculture and horticulture-based training for individuals with developmental disabilities in a comfortable and supportive integrated environment, through participation in the farm’s retail plant business, half-acre vegetable garden and CSA program.

POSITION CONTEXT:

The position reports directly to the WGVF Program Director. The position is seasonal and is required to work a part-time work week, as designated by the DCCG Employee Handbook, including evenings and weekends. We are looking for an individual to fill in on Tuesdays or Thursdays and Sundays. Must be available every Sunday from April 28 to May 26, 2024.

EXAMPLES OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Assist in day-to-day greenhouse operations, including seeding, transplanting, and grooming plants.
• Maintain greenhouse supplies in an orderly manner.
• Greet and assist customers in a welcoming and friendly manner.
• Complete customer purchases using the cash register.
• Pull plant material for online orders leading up to and during the greenhouse season.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of:

• Cash register and customer service experience preferred.
• Beginner horticulture methods or desire to learn.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to give and receive information clearly.

Ability to:

• Commit to weekend work and have a flexible schedule
• Deliver services to those in need with compassion, clear boundaries and good communication skills.
• Work autonomously and problem-solve.
• Handle multiple tasks at the same time in a professional manner.
• Prioritize work and complete work in a timely fashion.
• Keep an open mind to new work ideas and methods.
• Work with people of diverse backgrounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working environment is mostly in a temperature-controlled greenhouse, which requires exposure to warm temperature conditions on occasion. The noise level varies but is generally moderate to loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and kneeling. May require lifting or moving objects up to 50 lbs. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to handle plants without damage. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Minimum a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Cash register and customer service experience preferred.
• Beginner horticulture experience or desire to learn.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 – 12 per week

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Kirkland, IL 60146 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Kirkland, IL 60146: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person