This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Chicago Park District and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union Local 703. Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, the District will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. The District is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants.
Title: Floriculturist Apprentice
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under direct supervision, assists in the propagation and maintenance of all of horticultural plant materials in Park District facilities such as conservatories, propagating houses, nurseries and other indoor and outdoor floral areas. Performs related duties as required.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
- Follows specific instructions in the routine maintenance of plant life in Park District facilities.
- Prunes and trims plants to specific specimens as instructed.
- Assists in preparing, transplanting and caring for all types of horticultural plant materials.
- Assists in cultivating and watering plants in cold frames, propagating benches, outdoor beds or greenhouses.
- Mixes soil for use in planting.
- Operates any mechanical or power-driven apparatus or equipment essential to the performance of the duties of this position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: Graduation from High School or the equivalent (GED) is recommended. Experience performing nursery duties is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in the safe operation of equipment and machinery used in floriculture work. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Willingness and ability to learn how to maintain, cultivate, propagate and prune plant material. Ability to perform manual labor related to the duties of a floriculturist as required.
BENEFITS: As a full-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District’s Agreement with Local 703, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
- 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days for first year of employment).
- 4 paid personal days per year.
- 13 paid holidays per year.
- Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
- Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
- Optional pre-tax programs – Transit
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
- Free Admission to most Chicago museums.
Union: Local 703 FLSA: Non-Exempt Career Service EEO: Service/Maintenance
Rate of Pay: $65,395.39 / annually
Skills Required
- High school graduation or equivalent GED
- Experience performing nursery duties
- Ability to safely operate equipment and machinery used in floriculture work
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Willingness and ability to learn plant maintenance, cultivation, propagation, and pruning
- Ability to perform manual labor related to floriculture duties
What We Do
The Chicago Park District owns more than 8,700 acres of green space, making it the largest municipal park manager in the nation. The Chicago Park District’s 597 parks offer thousands of sports and physical activities as well as cultural and environmental programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The Chicago Park District is also responsible for 26 indoor pools, 51 outdoor pools, and 26 miles of lakefront including 23 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. From canoeing to batting cages to arts and crafts, there is never a shortage of activities to participate in Chicago’s parks. The Chicago Park District oversees the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories, two tropical paradises within the city that house thousands of rare and exotic plants. Popular attractions that fall under the management of the Chicago Park District include the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain. Proudly referred to as Chicago's front yard, Grant Park is among the city's loveliest and most prominent parks. Ten world-class museums are located on Chicago Park District property. On October 14, 2014 the Chicago Park District received the 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This award is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Chicago Park District's mission is: - To enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities - To provide safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities - To create a customer-focused and responsive park system
