Seasonal Gardener

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. As an accredited arboretum and botanic garden, Lincoln Park Zoo works to provide the same science-based care to the plant life on our 49-acre campus as we do to the animals in our care.

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The department of Animal Care and Horticulture is an integrated team that cares for the animals and plants that live at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Seasonal Gardeners report to the Manager of Horticulture Operations and are support staff to the horticulture team, responsible for assisting in day-to-day plant care, watering, garden maintenance and debris removal. This position involves physically demanding outdoor work. Duties may include lifting, bending, kneeling, digging, carrying equipment, and prolonged periods of standing or walking. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and sun exposure.

Applicants should be physically capable of performing these tasks safely and comfortably and should be aware of the inherent risks associated with manual labor and outdoor environments. This position is 40 hours/week, April to October.

• Support full time horticulture staff with daily tasks including but not limited to watering, weeding, mulching, mowing, planting, fertilizing, and removing debris.
• Learn, understand, and demonstrate the ability to safely operate and maintain tools and equipment used in daily work, including electric carts, hand tools, mowers, string trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, hoses, and sprinklers.
• Frequently works independently and in groups with other zoo staff and volunteers.
• Assist in the loading, unloading, and transportation of plants, garden equipment and materials.
• Assists with the installation of display plants, seasonal greens, and permanent collections plants under the guidance of Director of Horticulture and/or Manager of Horticulture Operations.
• Maintains inventory, cleanliness and function of daily use tools and supplies. Support the Manager of Horticulture Operations in general tool maintenance and organization.
• Ensures cleanliness, order, and safety of their working environment.
• Able to work all days of the week on a flexible schedule. Weekend shifts may be assigned during peak growing season.
• Able to arrive to work on time, stay focused, and complete tasks as instructed.
• Demonstrate and uphold the zoo’s core values and mission.

• May be asked to represent the zoo at internal and external functions, including but not limited to zoo donor tours or zoo special events.
• May be asked to direct volunteers and guests in a zoo emergency.
• May be asked to participate in zoo horticulture-related programming.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to communicate and be understood in verbal and written English via radio, phone, and text.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects.
• Knowledge of proper handling and use of a variety of related tools, equipment and machinery.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.
• Knowledge of appropriate gardening techniques and practices helpful.

• High School degree (or equivalent).

• Ability to lift on frequent basis up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach and climb.
• Ability to safely and effectively utilize the program tools and equipment.
• Ability to move about on uneven terrain and sometimes slippery, muddy surfaces.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• No allergy to plants or animals which may interfere with the ability to work.

• Must…