Spring/Summer Seasonal Horticulture Staff

Position Employment Type:        Seasonal - Mid-March until early to mid-September 

Minimum Age Requirement:     18 years old

Pay Range:    $16.00 - $17.00/hr. depending on experience

Job Summary:  The Horticulture division of the Parks department is looking for Seasonal Horticulture staff to perform planting, weeding, watering, mulching, trimming and other grounds maintenance work to keep Lilacia and other park and facility garden beds looking beautiful for all to enjoy. Under the direction and supervision of the Horticulturist and/or Superintendent of Parks, these staff assist full-time staff with a variety of maintenance tasks. If you love plants and are interested in learning and caring for them, enjoy working outdoors, and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty performing manual labor, then this is the job for you! Work with a great team, support the community by offering beautifully maintained parks, ponds, paths and turf, and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it!

Seasonal Parks staff are responsible for assisting FT staff with maintaining our parks and facilities to ensure a safe, clean and enjoyable experience. Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• installing and maintaining landscape beds and memorial trees,
• assist with plant care and greenhouse upkeep,
• assist with routine trash collection and related duties to ensure grounds and areas are clean,
• assist with path and trail maintenance, edging, trimming shrubs and low hanging branches, etc.
• assist with special event set-up and/or take-down as needed,
• accomplishing work assignments with limited supervision in a safe and productive manner,
• maintaining open communication with supervisory staff and providing quality customer service,
• reporting safety hazards and/or equipment repair while being responsible for district equipment and vehicles.

Additional duties include attending staff meetings and training, and other duties as assigned. This is an at-will position.

Hours:
Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 3:30 pm or flexible to consider reduced hours during this time frame. Maximum hours allowed is 990 over a 12-month period. 

Qualifications and Training Expectations:

• High school graduate or equivalent is required with some college course work preferred. Preference will be given to students interested in Horticulture, Botany, Parks and Recreation or related fields.
• Previous gardening, landscaping and/or grounds maintenance experience is highly desired.
• Capacity to safely operate various grounds maintenance equipment and tools including pruners, rakes, shovels, trimmers, mowers, etc.
• A valid IL Driver's License with the ability to safely operate trucks and follow rules of the road. Familiarity with the Lombard Park District and neighboring areas is a plus.
• Attention to detail and diligence in performing various maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while following directions and safety protocols.
• Problem-solving skills with a strong sense of safety and the capacity to act calmly and effectively under pressure or in emergency situations.
• Good physical condition and sufficient strength to lift or move up to 25 pounds, perform manual labor and be on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Bending, stooping, crouching and/or kneeling for extended periods of time while performing duties.
• Adequate sight including close, distance and peripheral vision to read manuals, operate and interpret equipment readings, and drive.
• Adequate hearing to distinguish between various speech and equipment function, respond to alarms, follow directions, etc.
• Regular exposure to various weather conditions including high heat and humidity, cold, wind, rain, etc.
• Moderate exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and other airborne particles, noise from equipment operation, gas, oil, herbicides, pesticides, etc. 
   

Benefits for this position include the following:
Individual Annual Fitness Membership for the Madison Meadow Athletic Center (MMAC) and Individual Pool Pass for Paradise Bay Water Park during the summer and while actively working.
Five (5) visits to the Lombard Golf Course initially and ten (10) visits after two years of service with the Park District.
Recreation Program discounts and 25% Off the resident rate for one facility rental (Limit One per year).
Competitive wages and paid training with potential to learn new skills and develop/expand current skills.
Opportunity for Safety Awards and letters of recommendation for college or career opportunities.

Work outdoors, make new friends, and support the local community!

For questions, please contact Jane Burke, Horticulturist at jburke@lombardparks.com or Superintendent of Parks, Dave Lemar at dlemar@lombardparks.com Thank you!