What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bonsai Assistant position at Chicago Botanic Garden?
Title: Bonsai Assistant
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Plant Collections
Reports to: Bonsai Curator
Seasonal full-time, April to October 2024
Position Overview: The bonsai assistant with all aspects of the care, maintenance, and management of the Garden’s bonsai collection. The assistant will work under the direction of the curator, learning all aspects of bonsai care. After a period of training, the assistant will be responsible for some independent care of the bonsai collection in both the nursery and display areas. This six-month seasonal position will start in spring and end in fall, with a workweek of Sunday-Thursday.
Responsibilities
In this role you will be responsible for the following:
- Assisting with the day-to-day care of the bonsai collection to include watering, weeding, repotting, pruning, preparing material for display, and all other aspects of collections maintenance.
- Assisting with the documentation and inventorying of the bonsai collection.
- Daily cleaning and preparing the outdoor bonsai display in the Regenstein Center courtyards.
- Working closely with volunteers to accomplish the developmental goals of the collection.
- Covering the watering needs of the collection to coincide with schedules.
- Communicating effectively with visitors and answering inquiries about the collection while in public display areas.
- Other projects/tasks assigned as needed.
Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:
VALUES As an organization, we… | BEHAVIORS As an organization, we… |
Prioritize a culture of GROWTH. We commit to remaining curious in how we approach our work. |
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Seek to UNDERSTAND. We seek to understand others from their perspective. |
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See one another through a lens of RESILIENCE. We believe that all individuals can experience good outcomes with support. |
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Build TRUST through TRANSPARENCY We hold ourselves and others accountable by centering decision making that honors all people. |
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Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have the following:
- An interest in the art of bonsai.
- Basic understanding of plant health and basic plant care.
- Be detail-oriented and driven to follow instructions relating to pruning, weeding, and other routine maintenance tasks.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Physical Demands:
The person in this position will be required to work both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. Lifting, pushing, or pulling items more than 30 pounds will frequently be required during daily maintenance of the collection. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and use of office equipment.
Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
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 an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.