Seasonal Gardener II - Full-time / Part-time

                                                                                               Springfield Park District

                                                                                        Gardener II – Botanical Garden

Department:                    Washington Park Botanical Garden

Position Title:                  Gardener II – Seasonal (April-October)

Reporting Authority:      Position reports to General Manager, Horticulture Curator, Gardener Foreman or designee

Classification:                  Non-Exempt / Union

Salary:                              Per Contractual Wage Scale

Position Summary:         

This position performs a variety of duties pertaining to the general operations of grounds, facilities, horticulture and special events set-up for the Botanical Garden or other areas assigned.  

Specific Responsibilities:

·       Performs manual work at the direction and supervision of the Gardener Foreman or designee, that includes, but not limited to, the following:

Horticulture Work:

• Flower beds and outdoor collections – Identify plants in beds and containers, weed, water, fertilize, mulch, prune, deadhead, groom, install and maintain signage, and control pests and diseases through pesticide spraying under supervision of Applicator.   Includes the Rose Garden.
• Greenhouse – Identify plants, water seedlings and plants, sow seeds, take cuttings, divide plants, fertilize, grind soil, sterilize pots,  control pests and diseases under the supervision of the Applicator.
• Conservatory- Clean/maintain plant displays and educational exhibits, weed, water, fertilize, prune, repot plants, install and maintain signage, control pests and diseases throughout pesticide spraying under supervision of the Applicator.
• Arboretum – Dig and plant woody ornamentals, prune where climbing gear is not required, water, fertilize, mulch, install and maintain signage, and identify/control pests and diseases under supervision of Applicator.
• Responsible for all projects assigned.  Assists the Horticulture Curator in purchasing (i.e. pesticides, insecticides & fertilizers), inventory maintenance and control of supplies and equipment, preparation and daily administration of budget and related operational matters. 

Grounds Maintenance:

• Turf – Mow, trim and seed lawn area (apply appropriate spray chemicals as necessary)
• Hardscapes – Clean and maintain sidewalks & patios, clean, paint and maintain fountains, build and amend flower and landscape beds, pick up trash.
• Assist in the installation of hardscape installation such as retaining walls, planters, subsurface drainage, and paths as assigned.

Building and Equipment:

• Janitorial Duties – Sweep and mop restrooms, offices, kitchen, library, showroom, foyers and work areas, clean and sanitize toilets and sinks, wash windows and empty trash.
• Building Maintenance – Glaze greenhouse, apply and remove greenhouse shading, apply and remove winter insulation, paint, strip and wax floors.
• Equipment – Operate garden equipment and vehicles in a safe manner and perform routine maintenance on garden equipment and vehicles.

Special Events:

• Flower Shows – Set-up and maintain displays, build props and assist in the design of shows.
• Educational Programs – Set-up tables, chairs and other equipment.
• Rental and Club Meetings – set-up tables and chairs, open building and serve as attendant during event, close and secure building after event.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Horticulture Supervisor or designee. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess previous work experience in botanical garden or horticultural field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Illinois Driver’s License, Class “C” driver’s license and be insurable under district Liability Insurance.
• Must be able to read and comprehend relevant policies, operational procedures, safety guidelines or other guidelines of Botanical operations.
• Must be able to perform simple math and measurement calculations, long hand or with available calculator or other devices in performance of duties and responsibilities.
• Test, obtain and maintain pesticides Operator’s License in accordance with the Department of Agriculture rules and regulations as required by the Horticulture Curator. 

General Requirements:

• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
• Must live in a 50-mile radius from Bunn Administration building 2500 S 11th Springfield IL 62703 in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move within that 50-mile radius in the State of Illinois within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District. 

 Benefits:

• Paid time off includes 5.5 holidays, 4 sick days, and 2 personal days per season.
• Paid boot allowance in second season worked.
• Paid Employee Assistance Plan.
• IMRF pension plan and 457B
• Free/Discounted Park District Programs

 The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.