Parks Specialist II - Horticulture

About the job

WHO WE ARE: The Elmhurst Park District, established in 1920 and located 16 miles west of Chicago, provides parks, recreation facilities and programs to meet our mission of enriching lives while having fun. Our vision is to become a national leader in providing parks and recreation experiences to our community. We are looking for people to join our team and be part of an organization that values being community focused, providing customer service excellence, working with integrity, having fun, and fostering belonging!

We have an exciting full-time job opportunity as PARKS SPECIALIST II - HORTICULTURE. Work at the beautiful Wilder Park Conservatory , where horticulture meets community. You'll contribute to the care and enhancements of the Conservatory and surrounding park spaces while helping bring seasonal displays and vibrant outdoor spaces to life for the community.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: In this role you will play an important part in maintaining the greenhouse, conservatory, gardens, natural areas and park landscapes. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide proper care of garden plants including planting, watering, fertilizing, soil amending, edging, pest control pruning and deadheading

• Provide proper tree and shrub care including planting, watering, pruning, mulching, removal, and chipping

• Provide proper care of native/natural areas including burning, brush control, weed control, planting, and litter control.

• Maintain walks, lots, and trail surfaces

• Provide proper turf care including mowing, trimming and edging

• Provide snow and ice removal

• Provide general park/facility maintenance and repairs (cleanup, custodial, installations)

• Provide proper care for greenhouse plants including watering, fertilizing, pest control, transplanting, spacing, pinching and pruning

• Amend, mix, sterilize and store soil

• Assist with conservatory displays including construction, set-up, take-down, clean-up and maintenance

• Apply pesticides for weed and pest control

• Perform and/or report the need for preventative maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of equipment and rolling stock

• Keep all tools and equipment clean, properly stored and in working order

• Train and supervise seasonal staff

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• High school or trade school diploma or equivalent with 3 years of experience in parks maintenance or landscape contracting

• A State of Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License and Class “C” driver’s license are required within 6 months of hire.

WHEN YOU’LL WORK:

• Monday through Friday from 6:00am-2:30pm with overtime for weekend watering, special events, emergencies, and snow removal.

• Horticulture staff host six Prairie Volunteer Workdays each year at Olson Prairie. Workdays are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month in February, March, April, September, October, and November.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• For internal equity and budgetary considerations, the anticipated starting pay for this non-exempt role is set at $45,516/year.

• This position is classified under Pay Grade 2, with a salary range of $45,516 to $63,723.

In exchange for your time and talent, we offer a generous benefit package, including:

• Defined contribution medical insurance plan (5 plan options)

• Dental insurance plan

• Vision insurance plan

• District paid life insurance

• Participation in IMRF (retirement, disability, death benefits)

• Vacation days, personal days, sick leave and 9 paid holidays!

• Sick bank leave, paid parental leave and paid bereavement leave

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Two deferred compensation programs (VOYA & Nationwide)

• Voluntary Supplemental insurance coverage for short-term disability, accident, hospitalization

• Flexible spending accounts for unreimbursed medical and dependent care

• Free family Courts Plus Membership and Pool Passes!

• Free/discounted District programs, merchandise and concessions

• Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement

• Professional organizational membership

• Values Recognition Program

• Service Awards Program

• Employee social activities

• Credit Union (Central Credit Union of Illinois)

• The Elmhurst Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact the Division Manager - Human Resources & Risk at jbruns@epd.org.*

For more information about the Elmhurst Park District, please visit epd.org !!

Additional Legal Statements

Elmhurst Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elmhurst Park District ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Elmhurst Park District has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.

The district is required by state statute (70 ILCS 1205/8-23) to obtain criminal conviction information concerning applicants, and shall perform a criminal background check for applicants for all positions, including the position for which you have applied. Applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of convictions. Conviction of offenses enumerated in subsection (c) of said statute shall automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration for working for the district. All other convictions shall not automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration, but rather, the conviction will be considered in relationship to the specific job.