Title: Horticulturist, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Exemption Status : Non-exempt

Department : Display Gardens

Reports to Senior Horticulturist, Krasberg Rose Garden and Heritage Garden

Year-round Full-time

Supervises : Assistant Horticulturist, seasonals, interns, and volunteers

Position Overview:

The horticulturist, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, provides an aesthetically appealing and well-maintained display garden, growing a selection of fruits and vegetables that are best suited for the Chicago area and blending them within the overall ornamental landscape.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

• Maintain assigned garden through weeding, watering, deadheading, fertilizing, planting, harvesting, removing debris, pruning, edging, mowing, mulching, winterizing, removing snow, and maintaining and inventorying tools and supplies.
• Utilize organic growing practices, where practical.

• Safely operate small equipment such as club cars, loaders, mowers, rototillers, sod cutters, leaf blowers, weed whips, hedge trimmers, and snow blowers.
• Design, select, and order plants for annual and permanent displays, with approval from designated Garden staff. Collaborate with curators and other staff, as directed, on these displays.
• Prepare budget proposals for plants, tools, and supplies. Work within the assigned budget once it is approved.
• Work with the Plant Collections team to develop, display, and document collections plants in the garden, including new accessions, removals, transfers, and label requirements for display plants. Label plant material in a timely manner and assist with installing accession tags. Work with the Development team to ensure donated plants, spaces, and hardscape are properly labeled as such.
• Cooperate with the director, Volunteer Services, to develop and maintain a smooth and efficiently run volunteer program. Identify volunteer needs, recruit, train, and provide instruction for assignments. Support Corporate Volunteer program.

• Inform the supervisor, Plant Health Care, of disease, insect, animal and weed problems. Assist the Plant Health Care team, as requested.
• Serve as a horticultural resource for the Garden by teaching classes, leading tours, giving demonstrations and interviews, answering visitor and staff questions, and serving on planning teams.
• Assist with special events, exhibitions, and programs, as needed, and assist other horticulture staff in their Garden areas, when needed.
• Collaborate with Windy City Harvest to host and supervise interns, and to deliver their programming within the garden.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to distribute produce harvested from the garden.

• Notify the Maintenance Department of necessary repairs to garden features and equipment.

• Maintain a good level of computer literacy for the purposes of interdepartmental documentation and communication.
• Assist with other duties and projects as assigned.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

VALUES

As an organization, we…

BEHAVIORS

As an organization, we…

Prioritize a culture of GROWTH.

We commit to remaining curious in how we approach our work.

• Create and maintain spaces for learning.
• Test new ideas and are willing to take risks to achieve our vision.
• Collaborate to strengthen our skills and impact.
• Demonstrate perseverance and humility as we work towards our long-term impact.

Seek to UNDERSTAND.

We seek to understand others from their perspective.

• Provide opportunities for input and feedback from others.
• Actively listen to all points of view.
• Consider individuals’ lived experiences.
• Advocate for and protect time for reflection especially during times of conflict or confusion.

See one another through a lens of RESILIENCE.

We believe that all individuals can experience good outcomes with support.

• Give others the space to balance work and personal needs.
• Support others and demonstrate empathy especially during challenging and stressful times.
• Seek opportunities to learn from and about one another.
• Ask questions about and anticipate the needs of others.

Build TRUST through TRANSPARENCY

We hold ourselves and others accountable by centering decision making that honors all people.

• Communicate information in a timely manner.
• Provide clarity in complex situations with the goal of common understanding.
• Discuss both positive and negative outcomes openly.
• Evaluate the impacts of our actions.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Associate’s degree in horticulture or commensurate experience.
• Experience in landscape maintenance and staff supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Garden .
• Obtain and maintain an Illinois Pesticide Operator license within six months of employment.
• Ability to work some weekends and holidays, as requested .

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry items up to 50 pounds. Work outside in all types of weather.

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. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

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.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.