Conservatory Assistant Grower

Overview:

The Conservatory Assistant Grower is a part-time position offering competitive compensation of $17.00 - $18.00 per hour. Upon hire, employees are eligible to earn up to twelve (12) days or seventy-two (72) hours of paid time off (PTO) annually, along with an employee discount. This position also participates in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

Job Purpose:

The Conservatory Assistant Grower plays a key role in supporting the daily horticultural operations at the Oak Park Conservatory, with a strong focus on plant production and care within the Conservatory’s showrooms, greenhouses, and gardens.  This includes propagation, cultivation, and maintenance of a diverse plant collection used for the parks, the collection, and plant sales.  The role also involves maintaining the outdoor gardens and care of the Conservatory’s tropical fish and bird collection.  Additionally, the assistant Grower contributes to seasonal plant sales, special events, and public programs at the Conservatory. This position is IMRF part-time, year-round that works weekends/holidays.

Essential Functions:

1. Facility Management/Programming
   1. Maintain Conservatory showroom displays and grounds, with a focus on weeding, watering, fertilization, pruning, and pest control.
   2. Maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees at the Conservatory and in park planting beds.
   3. Assist with implementation of the Park District’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, including application and monitoring of biological and chemical pest controls, and record keeping.
   4. Deliver workshops on horticultural topics based on professional expertise, education, or certification.
2. Communication/Coordination
   1. Respond to horticulture-related inquiries from the public, using background knowledge and expertise.
   2. Coordinates with Park District staff regarding horticultural operations at the Conservatory and selected parks and/or facilities

1. Planning/Control
   1. Maintain daily records related to plant production (e.g., temperature, watering, fertilization, pest control), crop timing, and environmental control settings.
   2. Maintain accurate inventory and records related to the chemical storage room.

1. Volunteer & Equipment Oversight
   1. Trains, supervises, and assigns work to volunteers
   2. Safely operate and maintain horticultural tools and equipment, and ensure volunteers follow proper safety protocols.
   3. Foster a positive work culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and accountability
   4. Becomes familiar with the personnel policies and manual of the Park District to facilitate routine day-to-day human resource matters

1. Risk Management
   1. Complete accident and incident reports promptly and accurately.
   2. Promotes a culture of safety and follows the Park District’s risk management practices.
   3. Maintains a complete actionable understanding of the Park District’s emergency action plans (EAPs); acts as a leader (as assigned) in the execution of EAPs when required
2. Animal care
   1. Clean bird cages daily and replace soiled materials.
   2. Feed birds daily with fresh vegetables, fruits, and supplements
   3. Clean and refill water bowls provide additional water for bathing during warmer months.
   4. Feeding fish daily
   5. Assist with pond cleaning, water exchanges, and othe