Horticulturist - Eligibility List

The City of Aurora is accepting applications to establish an eligibility list for the position of Horticulturist. The position may work in either the Downtown Services Division or the Parks and Recreation Division.

Under the supervision of the division manager or designee, this position performs maintenance practices for the protection, preservation, and restoration of vegetation within public spaces of the City of Aurora.

The duties of the position include but are not limited to:

• Assist with installing plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Perform general upkeep and maintenance of flowerbeds, rain gardens, and lawns at various public spaces throughout the City by trimming, mowing, watering, pruning and weeding of lawns, shrubs, flowers and trees.
• Operate the City greenhouse by ensuring proper propagation of plants and flowers.
• Evaluate the health and condition of trees for treatment or removal.
• Assist with the residential tree replacement program by identifying appropriate locations for tree placement and recommending species of trees to be planted.
• Operate equipment in the application of pesticides, herbicides or lawn nutrients requiring a public operator license.
• Conduct inventory of flowers, flowerbeds, plants, shrubs, trees and request supplies.
• Use various computer software programs to maintain inventory and maintenance records.
• May operate a truck mounted snowplow and salt spreader to keep city streets or parking lots clear in winter, shovel snow from sidewalks, bridges and crosswalks, and spread salt.
• Work with community groups and seasonal staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position requires an associate’s degree in Horticulture and/or related field. This position also requires four (4) years’ direct experience in the field. Must possess a valid Class D Illinois driver’s license.

• Public operator license for the application of pesticides, herbicides and lawn nutrients within 6 months from date of hire.
• Ornamental Pest Control and Plant Manager Pest Control License within 6 months from date of hire.
• International Society of Arboriculture credential as a Certified Arborist within 6 months from date of hire.
• Certification in Greenhouse Management.

Must successfully pass pre-hire requirements including but not limited to a written Civil Service exam, drug screen, physical and background check.

This is a full-time, union position. Starting hourly wage is $31.54/hour, after 6 months $32.25/hour, after 1 year $32.96/hour, and annual increases thereafter in accordance with the labor agreement.

• Annual pay increases (in accordance with Labor Agreement)
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurances
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Paid vacations, holidays, floating holidays, personal days, and sick leave
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Uniform Allowance (as determined by policy)
• Interpreters Stipend
• Tuition Reimbursement
• May be eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program (if requirements are met)

Applications should be submitted online by 3:00 PM CST on March 6, 2026.

Once the application window has closed, candidates who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to schedule the written exam.

To learn more about the City of Aurora, IL, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..