Job Purpose

The Landscape Specialist performs landscape management practices at the Park District’s parks, facilities, historic properties, and natural areas. Typical duties will include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching, bed preparation, plant installation, shrub and tree pruning, and seasonal cleanup operations. The Landscape Specialist will also assist in plant sales, markets, special events, and horticulture related programs. This position is a part-time, year-round IMRF position.

Essential Functions

To effectively perform the functions of this position, the Landscape Specialist shall assume the following responsibilities and associated duties:

Implements horticulture practices including but not limited to bed preparation, plant installation, mulching, edging, trimming, pruning, watering, weed removal, and application of our integrated pest management policy
Performs snow and ice removal removal at the Conservatory and other Park District parks and/or facilities
Uses, operates, and maintains horticultural tools and equipment
Answers horticulture-related questions from the public based on background, expertise, education, and/or certification
Work special events, programs, and plants sales, and markets
Assists with maintenance and upkeep of Conservatory showrooms, production greenhouses, and planting beds throughout the district
Ensure that all installation work is performed in accordance with industry and park district standards
Promotes an environment of safe work habits and active participation in the Park Districts risk management and safety programs
Maintains a complete actionable understanding of the Park Districts emergency action plans (EAPs); acts as a leader (as assigned) in the execution of EAPs when required
Acts as a leader and nurtures a work culture that promotes open, frequent, and dynamic
Provides excellent customer service and maintains a positive public image
Drives Park district vehicles

Additional Functions

Collaborates with Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) as assigned
Plans and participates in Conservatory special projects, programs, and activities
Completes accident and incident reports in a timely manner
Communication and promotes teamwork to accomplish goals and objectives
Becomes familiar with the personnel policies and manual of the Park District
Assist with care of Conservatory birds and pond maintenance
Performs other tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, And Work Experience Required

Must be at least 18 years of age
Associate degree or certificate in horticulture, biology, related field, 1 year experience as landscape laborer/foreman, project manager, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of principles and implementation of integrated pest management
General knowledge of annual, perennial, native and woody plant material, and cultural requirements
Ability to identify weeds
Ability to operate medium and light work-related equipment
Ability to maintain multiple projects in a dynamic environment
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Strong sense of self-motivation and independent work habits
Ability to organize, prioritize, and problem solve
Valid Illinois Pesticide Applications license or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment
Certification in advanced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The district provides this training
Physical fitness and strength to lift to 50 pounds without accommodation and 100 pounds with accommodation
Ability to work on hands and knees to weed flower beds
Ability to work at height
Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Must maintain valid driver's license at all times. Must pass a pre-employment drug test. This position is part of a random drug test policy.

Work Environment, Physical Demands And Considerations

Frequently Sitting, walking, standing, reaching
Occasionally Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling
Strength Work requires digging and handling heavy weight (up to 100lbs.) materials or equipment
Will be exposed to chemicals such as cleaning materials, acids, glues, chlorine, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
Will be exposed to inclement weather including extreme heat, sun, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice, and wind
Will include computer use
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required as it pertains to the job duty, including safety goggles, glasses, face shields, steel tip work boots, protective rubber or leather gloves, hard hat, paint spray respirator, protective suits and outer wear, and back brace
Some exposure to noise, dust, fumes, elevation, and confined spaces
Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise verbal and written manner
Ability to maintain effective audio-visual and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing, and operating assigned equipment
Math skills including measuring, calculating, and estimating
Ability to interpret and explain Park District and department policies, practices, and procedures
Demonstrated safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of responsibility

Schedule

This is a part time, IMRF position that works year-round. Weekdays are typically 7am-3pm. Must be able to work a share of weekends.

Customers

Internal: Park District staff, FOPCON

External: Patrons of Conservatory and Park District, residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, partner organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park business community

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities, or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District of Oak Park is an equal opportunity employer!

Park District of Oak Park

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