Botanical Summer Associate

Springfield Park District

Botanical Summer Associate – Botanical Garden

Department: Washington Park Botanical Garden

Position Title: Botanical Summer Associate – SUMMER position

Reporting Authority: Position reports to Botanical Garden General Manager, Horticulture Curator, Gardener Foreman or designee

Classification: Non-Exempt / Non-Union

Salary: $14/hour

What is the Springfield Park District?

The Springfield Park District offers a variety of educational and recreational programs, classes and events for people ranging in age from 6 months to seniors. The Park District partners with several local organizations and clubs to provide athletic programming such as youth baseball/softball, men’s soccer, disk golf leagues, cricket, rugby, pickleball, youth football, bicycling clubs and related clubs/groups. Additionally, the Springfield Park District also maintains intergovernmental/cooperative agreement with various Police Departments, School District and local colleges. We manage 4 Golf Courses, 2 Indoor Ice Rinks, 2 Outdoor Pools, Indoor Pool, 3 Dog Runs, 3 Disc Golf Courses, 2 Baseball Stadiums, 2 Early Childhood Program Facilities; Preschool & Funshop, 2 Historic Pavilions, Special Needs Facility, a Carillon, Botanical Garden, Tennis Complex, Skate Park, Erin’s Pavilion Rental Facility and the Henson Robinson Zoo.

Our Mission: to provide accessible and memorable recreational opportunities that enrich the community and improve the quality of life for generations as well as conserve our natural resources.

Position Summary:

This position performs a variety of duties pertaining to the general operations of grounds, facilities, horticulture and special event set-up for the Botanical Garden or other areas as assigned. This position reports to and takes direction from the supervisory personnel in performing duties and assignments.

Specific Responsibilities:

Performs manual work at the direction of the supervisory personnel that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Horticulture Work:

• Flower beds and outdoor collections – Identify plants in beds and containers, weed, water, mulch, prune, deadhead, groom, install and maintain signage

Ø Rose Garden Maintenance – deadhead/pruning, turning the soil, mulch, hand watering

• Arboretum – Dig, burlap and plant woody ornamentals, pick up fallen branches, prune where climbing gear is not required, water, mulch, install and maintain signage
• Greenhouse – Identify plants, water transplant seedlings and plant collections, divide plants, general upkeep of greenhouses
• Conservatory – Clean/maintain plant displays and educational exhibits, weed, water, fertilize, prune, repot plants, install and maintain signage

Grounds Maintenance:

• Turf – Trim, edge and seed lawn area
• Hardscapes – Clean and maintain sidewalks and patios, clean, paint and maintain fountains (including the Carillon fountains), build and amend flower and landscape beds, pick up trash

Building and Equipment:

• Janitorial Duties – Sweep and mop restrooms, offices, kitchen, library, Exhibit Hall, foyers and work areas, clean and sanitize toilets and sinks, wash windows and empty trash. REFER to printed check list located by the office of the General Manager of Botanical.
• Building Maintenance – General upkeep of building

Special Events:

• Flower Shows – Set-up and maintain displays, build props
• Educational Programs – Set-up tables, chairs, and other equipment
• Rental and Club Meetings – Set-up tables and chairs, and other equipment

Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager, Horticulture Curator, Gardener Foreman, or designee.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Previous experience in botanical garden or horticultural field encouraged
• Must be able to read and comprehend relevant policies, operational procedures, safety guidelines or other guidelines of Botanical Garden operations
• Must be able to perform simple math and measurements, calculations in performance of duties and responsibilities

General Requirements:

• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.

The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.