Floriculturist Class 1

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Chicago Park District and the 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, Class I

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under general supervision, oversees one or more Park District propagating and display houses and carries out as well as supervises and instructs subordinate personnel in the propagation and maintenance of all types 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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Supervises and instructs subordinate employees in the proper propagation, cultivation and care of plants, shrubs and trees. 

• Transplants and beds plants according to specified plans. 

• Eradicates insects and fungi by supervising the spraying of pesticides, fungicides, etc. 

• Cultivates, waters and generally cares for plants in propagating benches, hot and cold 

frames, outdoor beds and greenhouses. 

• Oversees and operates greenhouses by adjusting temperatures, humidity and other 

conditions for the care and treatment of plant life. 

• Provides and maintains floral and other plant displays in accordance with plans, designs 

and specifications. 

• Operates and utilizes any mechanical or power-driven apparatus or equipment essential to the performance of the duties of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

Two years of progressively responsible experience performing floriculture and horticulture activities such as those described above, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required.

License Requirement: Candidates must possess a valid State of Illinois Applicator’s License to supervise the spraying of pesticides, fungicides, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of floriculture and horticulture. 

• Considerable knowledge of the safe application of pesticides, fungicides, etc. 

• Considerable knowledge in plant identification. Skill in the safe operation of equipment 

and machinery used in floriculture and horticulture.

• Effective oral and written communication skills. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and patrons. 

• Ability to apply supervisory methods and techniques to assigned staff.

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).   
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.   
• 4 paid personal days per year.   
• 13 paid holidays per year.  
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility)  
• 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.  

Disclaimer 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Rate of Pay: $74,353.40 annually 

Union: Local 703     Career Service          EEO:  Paraprofessional             FLSA: Non-Exempt