Landscape​/Garden Worker II

Classification: Full Time

Department: Lake of the Woods Botanical Gardens

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL)

FLSA: Non-exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Pay: Grade 5; $21.36-$26.15/hr + full benefits package

Hours: Work hours are typically between the hours of 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required.

The Landscape/Garden Worker II is responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the Botanical Gardens, trails, other landscaped areas, and high-visibility native spaces.

The Landscape/Garden Worker II reports to the Gardens and Trails Supervisor. This role may also supervise part-time or seasonal employees.

• Perform landscape maintenance activities such as mowing and bed care to botanical garden spaces and defined landscape beds throughout the preserves
• Prune shrubs and trees using horticultural best practices
• Mulch beds and utility spaces
• Perform fall cleanups of beds as well as leaf management in turf and other hardscape areas as directed
• Provide chemical or mechanical control of weeds including invasive species as appropriate
• Perform trail maintenance, including removal of fallen trees, limbing up of branches, repair of uneven surfaces, and erosion control
• Install landscapes including planting trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals and bulbs; and hardscapes including all prep work
• Greenhouse related tasks, including potting, watering, and tending to various plants
• Operate various grounds maintenance equipment such as zero turn mower, edger, string trimmer, sprayer, chainsaw, and basic gardening hand tools
• Load bulk materials with skid steer and/or loader tractor
• Assists with maintenance of high visibility native areas including invasive removal, timber stand improvement and restoration work
• Install and recover holiday lights and accessories
• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks

• As a backup to Operations staff, takes turn opening the forest preserves
• Answer questions and assist the public during special events (such as rentals or weddings)
• Assists in directing volunteers in areas managed by the Botanical Gardens or as directed
• Support and participate in tasks, projects, and efforts of the Lake of the Woods Operations department as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned

• High school diploma or GED; a degree in horticulture, natural resources, botany or related field is a plus
• Experience with or ability to learn the use and maintenance of tools of the trade, both powered and non-powered
• Valid State of Illinois Class D Driver’s License (Class C preferred) and 18 years of age at time of start date
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
• AED/CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment
  
  Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written directions
  • Good communication skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with supervisors, team members, volunteers, and the public
  • Strong ornamental, native plant, and tree identification preferred
  • ArcGIS experience preferred
  • Strong chainsaw and tree felling experience preferred
  • Experience with and maintenance of garden ponds and pump systems preferred
  • Ability to work independently under general direction from the Site Superintendent or Gardens and Trails Supervisor, to exercise judgment in the performance of duties, and to identify or solve problems as they arise
  • Ability to represent the Forest Preserves in a professional manner and to maintain composure and self-control in difficult situations
  WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public, and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil).
  
  The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels. Working from heights on a ladder or in a lift is required.

  Normal duties may include stooping, twisting, climbing,…