Floriculturist Class 2

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 2

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, carries out as well as supervises and instructs apprentice 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:

• Diagnoses, prescribes and carries out a treatment plan for plant problems. 
• Prepares proper soil mediums for plants. 
• Properly maintains plant and seedling beds.  Carries out proper planting spacing of plants. 
• Pots and transplants plants according to prescribed techniques and procedures. 
• Applies toxic chemicals to treat and prevent plant problems. 
• Applies non-toxic chemicals to treat and prevent plant problems. 
• Stores chemicals in specified storage areas. 
• Selects and utilizes the proper hand tools for the job required. 
• Provides assistance to the public and patrons regarding plant maintenance and identification. 
• Supervises and instructs the apprentice personnel in the proper techniques of plant maintenance and propagation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

One year of experience performing floriculture and horticulture activities such as those described above, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required. 

License Requirement: Must be appropriately licensed with a valid State of Illinois Pesticide License in order to apply pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of floriculture.  Good knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions as applied to this position.  Good knowledge in plant identification.  Considerable knowledge in the use and handling of chemicals.  Skill in the safe operation of equipment and machinery used in floriculture.  Ability to communicate effectively with the public and patrons.  Ability to act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of superiors.  Ability to select the proper hand tools for the job 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).   
• 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: $71,983.66 annually 

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