Landscape Specialist - Conservatory

Overview:

The Landscape Specialist - Conservatory is a Part-Time Position. We offer competitive compensation, PTO and an employee discount for part-time employees.

Job Purpose:

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 Functions:

To effectively perform the functions of this position, the Landscape Specialist shall assume the following responsibilities and associated duties:

• Implements 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 policy
• Performs snow and ice removal removal at the Conservatory and other Park District parks and/or facilities
• Uses, operates, and maintains horticultural tools and equipment
• Answers horticulture-related questions from the public based on background, expertise, education, and/or certification
• Work special events, programs, and plants sales, and markets
• Assists with maintenance and upkeep of Conservatory showrooms, production greenhouses, and planting beds throughout the district
• Ensure that all installation work is performed in accordance with industry and park district standards
• Promotes an environment of safe work habits and active participation in the Park Districts risk management and safety programs
• Maintains a complete actionable understanding of the Park Districts emergency action plans (EAPs); acts as a leader (as assigned) in the execution of EAPs when required
• Acts as a leader and nurtures a work culture that promotes open, frequent, and dynamic
• Provides excellent customer service and maintains a positive public image
• Drives Park district vehicles

Additional Functions:

• Collaborates with Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) as assigned
• Plans and participates in Conservatory special projects, programs, and activities
• Completes accident and incident reports in a timely manner
• Communication and promotes teamwork to accomplish goals and objectives
• Becomes familiar with the personnel policies and manual of the Park District
• Assist with care of Conservatory birds and pond maintenance
• Performs other tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Work Experience Required:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Associate degree or certificate in horticulture, biology, related field, 1 year experience as landscape laborer/foreman, project manager, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of principles and implementation of integrated pest management
• General knowledge of annual, perennial, native and woody plant material, and cultural requirements
• Ability to identify weeds
• Ability to operate medium and light work-related equipment
• Ability to maintain multiple projects in a dynamic environment
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong sense of self-motivation and independent work habits
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and problem solve
• Valid Illinois Pesticide Applications license or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment
• Certification 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 training
• Physical fitness and strength to lift to 50 pounds without accommodation and 100 pounds with accommodation
• Ability to work on hands and knees to weed flower beds
• Ability to work at height
• Must 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 Considerations:

• Frequently Sitting, walking, standing, reaching
• Occasionally Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling
• Strength Work requires digging and handling heavy weight (up to 100lbs.) materials or equipment
• Will be exposed to chemicals such as cleaning materials, acids, glues, chlorine, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
• Will be exposed to inclement weather including extreme heat, sun, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice, and wind
• Will include computer use
• Personal 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 brace
• Some exposure to noise, dust, fumes, elevation, and confined spaces
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise verbal and written manner
• Ability to maintain effective audio-visual and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing, and operating assigned equipment
• Math skills including measuring, calculating, and estimating
• Ability to interpret and explain Park District and department policies, practices, and procedures
• Demonstrated safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of responsibility

Hours:

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 community

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

The Park District of Oak Park is an equal opportunity employer!