Horticulturist

Horticulturist

Job Description

The Horticulturist is responsible for planning, maintaining, and enhancing the District's landscaped areas, gardens, floral displays, trees, shrubs, and other horticultural assets. The Horticulturist performs skilled horticultural duties to ensure the health, appearance, and sustainability of District properties. Work is performed independently and as part of a team and may vary depending on seasonal priorities and operational needs. The Horticulturist may perform duties in the medium-heavy work level (lifting 75 lbs. frequently).

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Design, Plant Sciences, or a related field preferred. A minimum of three years of horticulture, landscaping, greenhouse, nursery, or related experience is required. Knowledge of plant identification, pruning, planting techniques, integrated pest management, and landscape maintenance is required. An Illinois Pesticide Applicator License is required within six months of employment. Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license with no revocation or suspension within the last three years. A pre-placement physical is required.

Immediate Supervisor:

The Horticulturist is directly responsible to the Superintendent of Parks & Facilities.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, installs, and maintains seasonal flower displays, landscape beds, planters, and gardens.


• Maintains annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and other plant materials throughout District properties.


• Performs planting, watering, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, transplanting, and general horticultural maintenance.


• Monitors plant health and identifies insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental concerns.


• Implements integrated pest management (IPM) practices and maintains application records as required.


• Operates District vehicles, horticultural equipment, and hand tools safely and efficiently.


• Assists with landscape design, renovation, and beautification projects.


• Maintains greenhouse operations and plant inventory as assigned.


• Orders and tracks horticultural supplies, materials, and plant stock.


• Assists with irrigation system maintenance and repairs.


• Removes weeds, debris, and refuse from landscaped areas and gardens.


• Assists with snow and ice removal operations as needed.


• Maintains accurate records of horticultural activities, inventories, and pesticide applications.


• Positive interaction and cooperation with all staff and the public.


• Participation in the Park District Safety Program and its directives.

Marginal Functions:

• Assisting contractors, volunteers, and seasonal employees with horticultural projects.


• Assisting maintenance staff with general park and facility maintenance activities as needed.


• Assisting with special events, community beautification projects, and holiday displays.
  
  

Psychological Considerations:

Worker must work closely with co-workers, contractors, volunteers, and the general public. Worker must work around park patrons in public areas. Worker must work under supervision and direction of superiors while also being capable of working independently.

Physiological Considerations:

Worker may be exposed to chemicals including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, cleaning materials, and other horticultural products.

Environmental Considerations:

Worker is exposed to outside weather conditions most of the time, including extreme heat and cold, snow, rain, and humidity. Protective clothing may be required including gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, work boots, and other personal protective equipment.

Cognitive Considerations:

Worker must be able to follow directions from supervisors with safe follow-through. Worker must use good safety awareness, sound judgment, and attention to detail. Worker must be able to identify plant health concerns and determine appropriate corrective actions.

Benefits:
Excellent benefits package, including paid holidays and time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, voluntary life insurance options, Deferred Compensation, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), pool and gym membership, and opportunities to get involved in recreational programs for a free or reduced cost.

NON-EXEMPT Salary Range $55,000 - $60,000

Revised 6/2026

Open Until 6/19/2026