Job Description

Job Location: Oak Park Conservatory - Oak Park, IL 60304
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $22.50 - $22.50 Hourly

Job Category: UnionOverview:
The Landscape Technician is a Full-Time Position. We offer competitive compensation. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending account, 457 plan(s), IMRF Pension, tuition reimbursement, vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal days.  This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement.
Job Purpose:
The purpose of the Landscape Technician is to provide high-quality horticulture and landscape management practices for the Park District of Oak Park parks, facilities, and historic properties.  This position requires knowledge of common plants and trees grown in Illinois, weed identification, and the ability to operate common landscape equipment.
This position also supports sustainable landscape practices.  A person must have a team-based attitude, a love for the outdoors, and a strong work ethic.   This position reports to the Horticulture Supervisor.  The Landscape Technician Worker typically works Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Essential Functions:
- Performs landscape management practices at the Park District’s parks, facilities, historic properties, and natural areas, including pruning, plant installation and removal, mulching, edging, trimming, watering, weed removal, application of fertilizers, pesticides, & herbicides as needed in accordance with established guidelines.
- Provides arboricultural care for the district’s trees.  Assists with maintaining tree inventory in GIS.
- Performs snow removal at the Conservatory and other Park District parks and/or facilities, as needed.
- Makes recommendations to the Horticulture Supervisor regarding projects, equipment needs, and work scheduling.
- Completes accurate record-keeping and utilizes electronic work order systems to document daily work activities, maintenance needs, and equipment issues.
- Fosters a working environment that promotes safe work habits and active participation in the Park District’s risk management program, including adherence to the District’s Safety policies, OSHA safety standards, PPE requirements, and hazard communication procedures.
- Maintains a complete understanding of Park District emergency action plans and acts as a leader in the execution of the plans when required.
- Drives District Vehicles, operates equipment as required.
Additional Functions:
- Participates in special projects and departmental committees as directed.
- Participants in special events, programs, and plant markets at the Conservatory as required.
- Provides direction to part-time and seasonal workers on best horticulture practices and on use, safety and maintenance needs of vehicles, small machinery, tools, and other equipment.
- Assists with maintenance and upkeep of Conservatory showrooms, production greenhouses, and operations areas, including all interior and exterior landscapes and landscape features (i.e., ponds, irrigation systems, planters, etc.)
- Assists volunteers, provides direction and support as required.
- Performs the routine maintenance of tools and equipment.
- Provides a favorable image of the Park District and Conservatory by answering questions and giving directions.
- Performs other tasks as directed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Work Experience Required:
- Certificate of completion in landscape management, horticultural science, or related field from an accredited college or university, Associate Degree in Horticulture, Forestry, or related field, or a combination of work experience & education.
- Must be 18 years of age and have a Valid Commercial Illinois Driver’s License (CDL) with Class B air brake endorsement, or attainment within 6 months of employment.
- Good driving record and maintain a valid CDL license at all times. This position is part of the pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing program.
- Knowledge of common plants grown in Illinois, including annuals, perennials, woody plants, trees, and natives.  Understanding of plant requirements, taxonomy, and growing habits, including proper pruning techniques.
- Ability to properly identify and diagnose insects, weeds, fungal conditions, and pest-prone areas.
- Illinois Pesticide Applicators license, or attainment within 6 months of employment,
- Certification in advanced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 3 months of employment and keep certification current.  The District provides this training.
- Ability to multitask workload.
- Organization and interpersonal skills.  Ability to work on a team.
- Planning and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivation and independent work habits.
- Physical fitness for hard labor tasks.  Ability to walk, stand, and work at heights for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift 50lbs, over 80lbs with assistance.
- Ability to operate heavy and light landscape equipment, tools, and chainsaws.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
Recommended:
- Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) or trade school equivalent in Horticulture, Forestry, or related field
- ISA certified arborist, or attainment within 6 months of employment
- Knowledge of Illinois native plants and their environments
- Knowledge of invasive species management and ecological restoration practices.
- Experience with GIS.
- Familiarity with sustainable landscape management practices, including IPM.
- Experience operating large trucks and specialized landscape equipment.
- Skilled in basic troubleshooting and maintenance of landscape equipment, tools, and irrigation systems, including identifying operational issues and performing minor adjustments or repairs.
- Knowledge of safety and risk management.

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 50 lbs.) of materials or equipment.
- Other requirements may include talking, hearing, and seeing to perform the following necessary duties: Operate assigned office equipment, including, but not limited to, computers, printers, copiers, adding machines, and telephones.
- Will be exposed to chemicals such as cleaning materials, acids, glues, chlorine, and pesticides.
- Will be exposed to inclement weather, including extreme heat, sun, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice, and wind.
- Will include computer use.
- Protective clothing is required as it pertains to the particular job duty.  Examples may include: 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 understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently.
- Ability to keep pace with the workload and effectively interact with others.
- Ability to perform basic computation, including measuring, calculating, and estimating.
- Ability to follow through on a task without immediate supervision.
- Ability to interpret and explain division and District policies and procedures.
- Ability to follow good safety practices and exercise judgment in all aspects of the job.
Customers:
Internal:  Employees of Park District; FOPCON
External:  Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; 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!