The Batavia Park District has been named one of the 2025 Top Workplaces by the Chicago
Tribune! Our mission statement is committed to providing fun, safe and innovative open space and recreational opportunities that will enrich the quality of life for our residents. Apply and join our talented team!
Job Summary: The Horticulturist will be responsible for enhancing the beauty and health of the District's
parks and facilities by overseeing the design, planting and maintenance of landscaped areas.
Essential Functions:
- Oversee the planning, coordinating, and execution of the planting, care, maintenance of flower beds, shrubs and planters across the district parks and facilities.
- Develop innovative and visually appealing layouts for flower beds and other landscaped areas.
- Monitor and manage the health of plants, addressing issues such as weed control, diseases, fungi and pests.
- Manage the operations of the district’s greenhouse, which includes all annuals and perennials.
- Provide input and recommendations for the budgeting process and future projects, equipment needs, and schedules.
- Install landscape elements, including plants, trees, lawns, pathways, and hardscape features.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks such as pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing and pest control.
- General landscape, maintenance and horticulture duties within parks and open space throughout the year. This includes but is not limited to watering, mulching, mowing, weeding, trimming plants, and leaf and tree removal.
- Works in conjunction with Superintendent of Parks to manage the District's GIS, which includes tree management and amenity management.
- Operates various park district vehicles and motorized equipment; within weight and license restriction requirements perform pre-trip inspection of vehicles and equipment.
- Remove all garbage and trash from parks and playgrounds.
- Assist with sight improvement and special projects.
- Off hour responsibility includes on-call duties, inclement weather response, and emergency response.
- Prepare ballfields as needed, paint athletic lines.
- Assist with special event set up and take downs including but not limited to banner hanging, fencing, lighting, sound systems, transporting equipment, table and chair set up/take down and trash collection.
- Perform general maintenance on district vehicles and equipment.
- Operation of small power tools (cordless drills, saws, and sanders, etc.).
- Ability to take lead on landscape and special detail projects with minimal support.
- Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in horticultural or related field and or equivalent work experience. Minimum of three years of experience designing and installing plant beds. Ability to obtain an Illinois Applicators license within one year of hire. Knowledge and passion for learning plan identification, horticultural maintenance practices and landscape design standards preferred and a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Team-orientated mindset with excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Knowledge of equipment, material and supplies used in grounds & facilities maintenance.
- Ability and desire to learn horticultural maintenance practices in regards to annuals, perennials, and natural areas.
- Ability to operate hand and self-propelled power equipment.
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
- Ability to follow directions and complete projects with minimal supervision.
- Ability to communicate with the public and patrons.
- Ability to utilize District electronic tools/software, including but not limited to: network computers, District email/calendar, Paycor system and cell phones.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
- Requires full range of body motion including handling, lifting, and manual and finger dexterity.
- Requires frequent standing, bending and stooping for prolonged periods.
- The employee must regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
- Performs many duties outdoors - Exposure to weather conditions which can include cold, snow, ice, rain and extreme heat and humidity.
- Exposure to grinding material and dust, various chemicals (i.e. fertilizers, weed killers, cleaning agents and oil fuels).
- Exposure to loud noise for extended periods.
- Ability to climb and use ladders 3ft to 25 ft.
Scheduling, pay and benefits:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt position
Hours: M-F 6:30am -2:30pm (April - October) and 7:00am-3:00pm (November - March) Due to the nature of this position it is sometimes necessary to adjust work hours to include evenings or additional days during the week.
Pay Range: $25.29 - $27.69/hour (DOQ)
Excellent Benefit Package: IMRF pension/retirement plan, Paid days off (vacation, sick, personal, holidays & floating holidays), medical, dental and life insurance, Aflac, Working Advantage discount program, in-house park district activities for employee and family and much much more!
The Batavia Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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