Park Attendant - Allerton Park & Retreat Center

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Duties & Responsibilities

• Cultivates, sprays, plants, prunes, fertilizes and cares for landscape plantings consisting of lawns, shrubs, trees and flowering plants.
• Assist in public functions/events, such as directing traffic, setting up tables and chairs, and protecting University property.
• Assist the Park Supervisor with park construction and/or maintenance projects consisting of lawn renovations, garden wall and shelter repairs, road improvements, tree felling and sculpture conservation.
• Mops, dusts, sweeps, removes trash, polishes, scrubs and services those building shops, storage areas, offices, rest rooms, and public reception areas.
• Adjust, clean, paint, regulate, repair and operate buildings, including their heating, sanitary, mechanical systems and drainage equipment.
• Assist in coordinating and leading volunteers/extra help staff in park operations.
• Operate, maintain, repair and adjust equipment used in the performance of assigned duties.
• Collect and dispose of garbage, litter, debris, and pruning generated in the course of performance.
• Remove snow and ice on roads, paths, walks, and parking lots.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The employee is required to exert strenuous physical activity (for up to two hours), as well as carry and/or lift bags, plants etc., estimated at 55 pounds, as required to perform the usual bending at the back, working at heights, etc.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Allerton Park & Retreat Center is located in Monticello, IL. The schedule is for the 2nd shift (3:00 - 11:00 p.m.), Tuesday to Saturday.

The employee will work in an out-of-doors environment year-round with the usual seasonal discomfort and unpleasantness.

The employee in this position must be dependable, and able to work some overtime hours as required.

The employee in this position will be one member of a team involving other operations staff. The team is responsible for the safe operation of the facility and coordinating numerous site education and natural areas research programs each year and must handle its workload in a very tight resource allocation climate.

The employee must be able to function as part of a team – the quality of their job performance affects the entire staff and reflects the image of the University of Illinois. The Visitor Center engages over 40,000 of the 100,000+, diverse learners from all over the world visiting Allerton Park each year while the Arboretum engages surrounding community members as well as the wider University of Illinois community and students.

The employee will regularly attend staff development classes to develop and improve job-related skills.

In addition, park attendants may be called upon to help with departmental activities coordinated by other operations personnel (i.e. Park, Conference, Camp, Arboretum, and Natural Areas).

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Possession of a current State of Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License applicable to the work assignments of the position to be filled.
3. Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver’s license, the class of the license depending on the type of the vehicle(s) to be operated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in providing customer service and responding to client needs while protecting University property and interests.
• Ability to work toward State of Illinois wastewater treatment license.
• Working knowledge of Park grounds, buildings, and utilities standards.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relations with the public, as well as Allerton team members and UI faculty, staff, and allied agency personnel.
• Ability to work in a team environment, also work as an individual for long durations.
• Ability to progressively enforce pertinent administrative rules and regulations.
• Ability to make detailed, concise reports.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle in inclement weather.
• Ability to handle routine duties and flex into a higher state of response based upon rapidly changing conditions and consultation with supervision.
• Ability to follow established procedures for use in routine assignments, as well as non-routine items discovered during duties, for maximizing effectiveness.
• Ability to work effectively with supervision, staff, faculty, scientists, and coworkers and must have a positive attitude about working in a client-focused environment.
• Knowledge of University physical plant standards.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0558 - Park Attendant position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $28.26 per hour. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 20, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/ year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and proof of licenses and degree(s) if applicable. Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact dgreen21@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu

Requisition ID 1037121
Job Category Service and Food Operations
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu