Landscape Specialist - Conservatory

Landscape Specialist - ConservatoryOak Park Conservatory - Oak Park, IL 60304Overview: Salary Range $16.00 Hourly Position Type Part Time Non IMRF Job Shift Day Education Level 2 Year Degree Category Non-UnionDescription: The Landscape Specialist - Conservatory is a Part-Time Position. We offer competitive compensation, PTO and an employee discount for part-time employees.The Landscape Specialist performs landscape management practices at the Park District's parks, facilities, historic properties, and natural areas. Typical duties will include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching, bed preparation, plant installation, shrub and tree pruning, and seasonal cleanup operations. The Landscape Specialist will also assist in plant sales, markets, special events, and horticulture related programs. This position is a part-time, year-round IMRF position.Essential FunctionsImplements horticulture practices including but not limited to bed preparation, plant installation, mulching, edging, trimming, pruning, watering, weed removal, and application of our integrated pest management policyPerforms snow and ice removal removal at the Conservatory and other Park District parks and/or facilitiesUses, operates, and maintains horticultural tools and equipmentAnswers horticulture-related questions from the public based on background, expertise, education, and/or certificationWork special events, programs, and plants sales, and marketsAssists with maintenance and upkeep of Conservatory showrooms, production greenhouses, and planting beds throughout the districtEnsure that all installation work is performed in accordance with industry and park district standardsPromotes an environment of safe work habits and active participation in the Park Districts risk management and safety programsMaintains a complete actionable understanding of the Park Districts emergency action plans (EAPs); acts as a leader (as assigned) in the execution of EAPs when requiredActs as a leader and nurtures a work culture that promotes open, frequent, and dynamicProvides excellent customer service and maintains a positive public imageDrives Park district vehiclesAdditional FunctionsCollaborates with Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) as assignedPlans and participates in Conservatory special projects, programs, and activitiesCompletes accident and incident reports in a timely mannerCommunication and promotes teamwork to accomplish goals and objectivesBecomes familiar with the personnel policies and manual of the Park DistrictAssist with care of Conservatory birds and pond maintenancePerforms other tasks as assignedKnowledge, Skills, and Work Experience RequiredMust be at least 18 years of ageAssociate degree or certificate in horticulture, biology, related field, 1 year experience as landscape laborer/foreman, project manager, or equivalent combination of education and experienceKnowledge of principles and implementation of integrated pest managementGeneral knowledge of annual, perennial, native and woody plant material, and cultural requirementsAbility to identify weedsAbility to operate medium and light work-related equipmentAbility to maintain multiple projects in a dynamic environmentStrong interpersonal and customer service skillsStrong sense of self-motivation and independent work habitsAbility to organize, prioritize, and problem solveValid Illinois Pesticide Applications license or ability to obtain within 3 months of employmentCertification in advanced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The district provides this trainingPhysical fitness and strength to lift to 50 pounds without accommodation and 100 pounds with accommodationAbility to work on hands and knees to weed flower bedsAbility to work at heightMust have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Must maintain valid driver's license at all times. Must pass a pre-employment drug test. This position is part of a random drug test policy.Work Environment, Physical Demands and ConsiderationsFrequently Sitting, walking, standing, reachingOccasionally Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawlingStrength Work requires digging and handling heavy weight (up to 100lbs.) materials or equipmentWill be exposed to chemicals such as cleaning materials, acids, glues, chlorine, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticidesWill be exposed to inclement weather including extreme heat, sun, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice, and windWill include computer usePersonal protective equipment (PPE) is required as it pertains to the job duty, including safety goggles, glasses, face shields, steel tip work boots, protective rubber or leather gloves, hard hat, paint spray respirator, protective suits and outer wear, and back braceSome exposure to noise, dust, fumes, elevation, and confined spacesAbility to present ideas and recommendations in a concise verbal and written mannerAbility to maintain effective audio-visual and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing, and operating assigned equipmentMath skills including measuring, calculating, and estimatingAbility to interpret and explain Park District and department policies, practices, and proceduresDemonstrated safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of responsibilityHours: This is a part time, IMRF position that works year-round. Weekdays are typically 7am-3pm. Must be able to work a share of weekends.Customers: Internal: Park District staff, External: Patrons of Conservatory and Park District, residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, partner organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park business communityThe Park District of Oak Park is an equal opportunity employer!