Horticulturist

The Morton Arboretum is a globally recognized public garden dedicated to the planting and preservation of trees and other plants to create a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, our 1,718-acre site features 16 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of roads, and a living collection of roughly 222,000 plant specimens spanning 4,650 plant taxa.

We are currently seeking an experienced and passionate horticulturist to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for maintaining an assigned landscape or garden to the highest horticultural and aesthetic standards. You should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, either independently or as part of a team. The ideal candidate will also possess strong time‑management skills, experience creating and maintaining seasonal displays, and be comfortable with guiding the work of temporary staff, volunteers, and landscape contractor crews.

Maintain assigned garden(s) or collection(s) in excellent horticultural and aesthetic condition.

• Communicate with supervisor to understand and achieve individual garden and collection objectives.
• Perform all functions involved in the care of a specified area, including:
• planting, dividing, and transplanting trees, shrubs, ground covers, and herbaceous plants
• weeding, mulching, and watering
• cultivating and fertilizing
• pruning and arboricultural work, removing dead and diseased wood, and dead plants
• hedge trimming
• edging beds, brush cutting
• removing litter, twigs, leaves and other material from assigned and adjacent areas
• safe and proper use of pesticides and pesticide mixing/storage facility
• invasive species surveillance and control
• monitoring and controlling threatening insects, diseases, and nuisance animals
• record keeping; installing and maintaining proper plant labels
• Assist in selecting, designing, and determining site location for plants in gardens and collections.
• Learn, understand, and demonstrate the ability to safely operate and maintain all motorized equipment according to the operator manuals. Responsible for proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment used in daily work.
• Work with, oversee, and advise supervisor as to the quality of the performance of assigned seasonal employees, contractors, or volunteers.
• Notify the appropriate supervisor of necessary repairs to garden features, irrigation systems, equipment, or hardscapes in an assigned garden(s) or collections.
• Prepare and maintain assigned garden or collection for special events, exhibitions, and other large‑scale grounds projects.
• Participate in snow removal operations, including snow shoveling, snow blowing, and application of deicing materials.
• May assist in the maintenance of natural areas, including prescribed burns and winter clearing.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Associate degree in horticulture or a related field required. 9+ months of relevant work experience required. In lieu of this, 3+ years of demonstrated practical work experience in horticulture or a related field required. Strong interest in outdoor plants and their proper culture and care. Must be able to identify major plant genera, know growth characteristics, and horticultural requirements of plants.

Must be able to safely operate essential equipment and tools, and have a basic understanding of them, including the care and maintenance. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). Must be able to obtain and maintain an Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License. May be asked to obtain Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Training certificate. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report, and may be asked to obtain a Class C Commercial Driver’s License.

Basic proficiency with Google applications is beneficial.

Ability to perform physically demanding work outside in all weather conditions. Willingness to work alone or as part of a team. Effective time management skills. Ability to guide and…