Title: Natural Area Worker
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under immediate supervision, performs manual labor and operates equipment in support of natural areas restoration activities conducted at Park District facilities, including parks, special facilities, greenhouses, nurseries and nature gardens and other nature area communities. Performs related duties as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Uses hand tools and operates push mowers, rototillers, backpack sprayers, chainsaws, weed-eaters, brush cutters, riding mowers, pick-up truck, fork lifts, mini front end loaders and other equipment and machinery used in landscape maintenance. Performs routine maintenance on equipment. Assists in the preparation and care of Park District nature gardens and other nature areas. Assists in the seeding and installation, and watering of native plants, including shrubs, small trees and herbaceous material. Installs temporary plant protection infrastructure. Performs plant care and maintenance at Park District nurseries and greenhouses including loading and unloading stock and materials, trimming trees and shrubs and crop cultivation.
Loads and mixes soil for use in planting show crops, background plants and other foliage. Follows specific instructions in the routine maintenance of plant life, including spacing, potting, pinching, watering and weeding. Assists in preparing, transplanting and caring for floral displays. Assists in the installation and removal of floral shows at Park District conservatories, greenhouses and nurseries. Assists in applying fertilizers and other growth enhancement agents to the soil. Performs general maintenance at assigned facility including loading trash and brush, raking leaves, sweeping walkways, shoveling snow, cleaning showrooms and mowing grass. Maintains fences, signs, trails, walkways and other infrastructure. Follows detailed instructions and regulates the temperature of greenhouse facilities and seed storage. Will apply pesticides. Assists with Outdoor and Environmental Education programs and volunteer events when needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: High School Graduation or equivalent GED and coursework in Ecology, Horticulture, Botany, Biology or related field; supplemented with at least one year of work and/or volunteer experience in natural areas restoration. Must be able to lift >50 lbs. Licenses: A valid Illinois Pesticide Operator License or ability to obtain one within 1 month of employment. Must hold a valid Illinois Driver's License. Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Training is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of local native flora and/or possess basic plant identification skills. Ability to operate equipment such as chainsaws, brush-cutters, tractors or skid steers. Skill with herbicide application, invasive species management and restoration techniques. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to perform manual labor.