Landscape/Garden Worker II

Landscape/Garden Worker IIThe Landscape/Garden Worker II is responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the Botanical Gardens, trails, other landscaped areas, and high-visibility native spaces.Primary ResponsibilitiesPerform landscape maintenance activities such as mowing and bed care to botanical garden spaces and defined landscape beds throughout the preservesPrune shrubs and trees using horticultural best practicesMulch beds and utility spacesPerform fall cleanups of beds as well as leaf management in turf and other hardscape areas as directedProvide chemical or mechanical control of weeds including invasive species as appropriatePerform trail maintenance, including removal of fallen trees, limbing up of branches, repair of uneven surfaces, and erosion controlInstall landscapes including planting trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals and bulbs; and hardscapes including all prep workGreenhouse related tasks, including potting, watering, and tending to various plantsOperate various grounds maintenance equipment such as zero turn mower, edger, string trimmer, sprayer, chainsaw, and basic gardening hand toolsLoad bulk materials with skid steer and/or loader tractorAssists with maintenance of high visibility native areas including invasive removal, timber stand improvement and restoration workInstall and recover holiday lights and accessoriesClear snow and ice from sidewalksSecondary ResponsibilitiesAs a backup to Operations staff, takes turn opening the forest preservesAnswer questions and assist the public during special events (such as rentals or weddings)Assists in directing volunteers in areas managed by the Botanical Gardens or as directedSupport and participate in tasks, projects, and efforts of the Lake of the Woods Operations department as directedPerform other duties as assignedRequirementsMinimum Education and ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED; a degree in horticulture, natural resources, botany or related field is a plusExperience with or ability to learn the use and maintenance of tools of the trade, both powered and non-poweredValid State of Illinois Class D Driver's License (Class C preferred) and 18 years of age at time of start dateCurrent Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employmentAED/CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employmentSkills and AbilitiesAbility to understand and follow both verbal and written directionsGood communication skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with supervisors, team members, volunteers, and the publicStrong ornamental, native plant, and tree identification preferredArcGIS experience preferredStrong chainsaw and tree felling experience preferredExperience with and maintenance of garden ponds and pump systems preferredAbility to work independently under general direction from the Site Superintendent or Gardens and Trails Supervisor, to exercise judgment in the performance of duties, and to identify or solve problems as they ariseAbility to represent the Forest Preserves in a professional manner and to maintain composure and self-control in difficult situationsWork Environment and Physical DemandsWork is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public, and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels. Working from heights on a ladder or in a lift is required.Normal duties may include stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:Work bootsProtective glovesSafety goggles or glassesChapsEarplugs or ear coversReflective vest or hi-vis shirtRespirators or masksHelmets or hard hatsThe work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be assigned at any time.