Plant Production Aide- Temporary

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit botanic garden dedicated to the study, growth, and conservation of trees in the Chicago region and worldwide. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Plant Production Team and aid in the propagation and growth of plants for the Arboretum collections, landscapes, gardens, annual plant sale, plant breeding, and research programs. This is a temporary, nine-month position with an anticipated start date in March.

Assist the Morton Arboretum’s Plant Production team in the propagation, cultural care, and growth of plants for the Arboretum’s collections, gardens, landscapes, plant breeding program, and research initiatives. Assist in the maintenance and development of greenhouses, hoop houses, nurseries, and other related facilities.

• Maintain proper cultural conditions for plants in production, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and weed control, in the greenhouses, nurseries, and outdoor-container areas.
• Assist with plant propagation, including the transplanting of containerized plants, plugs, and seedlings.
• Assist with the maintenance of nurseries by performing the following duties: bed preparation, planting, digging, cultivating, turf mowing, weeding, and fence maintenance.
• Assist with maintenance of plant production facilities and equipment, including general cleanup, plant container washing, sanitation, seasonal covering and uncovering of hoop houses, and other repairs.
• Assist with plant labeling, record keeping, and collecting and distributing propagules.
• Assist with Arbor Day Plant Sale.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Interest in growing woody and perennial plants, and in learning cultural techniques used in greenhouse and nursery production required. Previous horticultural work experience preferred. Ability to operate machinery and equipment used in nursery and greenhouse management. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.

Strong attention to detail. Physical strength and stamina to perform tasks associated with nursery and greenhouse production.

• Physical Demands:
  Requires regular amount of physical activity: some lifting and carrying (up to 60 lbs. assisted), bending, climbing (up to 8 ft.), pushing, pulling, standing or sitting for prolonged periods, walking, and kneeling. Sense of vision in the normal range with or without correction. Sense of touch and the ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required.
• Work Environment:
  Work is performed in a combination of indoors and outdoors, sometimes in hot greenhouse environments.
• Equipment:
  Typical plant care and growing equipment, greenhouse and environmental controls, hand and power tools, Arboretum pick-up truck and Cushman cart, commercial riding mower, and skid steer tractor.
• Schedule:
  
  Requires a four to five days per week from March through November, based on department need. Requires occasional weekends and holidays, collectively or in rotation with other employees to maintain plants in production facilities.

The hiring rate for this position is $20.00/hour. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.