Flower Lead at BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY – West Chicago, Illinois

The Flower Lead will oversee layout, installation, and maintenance of the Gardens at Ball trial and display gardens during the summer months and participate in a unique job-sharing experience during the winter months with our Greenhouse department. During the winter months, the Flower Lead will assist in producing the plant material to be used on the Ball Grounds the following season. The Flower Lead will share equal responsibilities between the Grounds and Greenhouse departments. This position reports directly to the Display Gardens Horticulturist during the summer season and the Grounds Greenhouse Grower during the winter season. This is a full-time shared position eligible for benefits.

Job Responsibilities and Duties: Grounds Department

• Layout and maintenance of annual and perennial display and trial gardens
• Guide and train less experienced personnel in proper horticultural best practices
• Fertilize as needed
• Harvest and record harvest notes for fruits and vegetables as needed / requested
• Assist with labelling of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals
• Report and/or resolve any problems or issues noticed in the gardens
• Weekend watering during the summer season
• Keep records of planting times, personnel, extra/additional plant material, and substitutions

Job Responsibilities and Duties: Greenhouse Department

• Receive and log plant shipments
• Check plant shipments against plant orders and report discrepancies
• Stick unrooted cuttings
• Sow seed in cells and open trays
• Transplant rooted cuttings and seedlings into final tray or container size
• Apply fertilizer as directed
• Scout for pests/abnormalities and report to head grower
• Manage inventory in the Quonsets and keep records of plant locations and numbers

• Horticulture degree or equivalent Horticulture experience.
• 3yrs field or growing experience preferred
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Licensed Spray Operator or ability to obtain license within 90 days of hire
• Knowledge of IPM best practices
• Working knowledge of plant ID at all stages of growth
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly Excel and Word
• Working knowledge of greenhouse operations
• Working knowledge of field plant installation and plant health care
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Spanish speaking is a plus
• Readily takes action on challenges, without unnecessary planning
• Adapts communication style across one-on-one, small group, and large group settings, engaging effectively with diverse audiences and levels
• Makes sound decisions, even when faced with incomplete information

Pay Range: $21-$24 per hour

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs for approximately 10% of the day.
• Ability to push and pull up to 50 lbs for approximately 10% of the day.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 100% of the day.
• Ability to kneel and bend for up to 50% of the day.
• Ability to reach for up to 50% of the day.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for up to 100% of the day.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for up to 100% of the day.

Ball Horticultural Company is a leading breeder and distributor of flowers and vegetables around the globe. Located in the suburb of West Chicago (near Naperville and Geneva), our 60-acre property boasts 10 acres of display gardens. The gardens are primarily used as a sales and marketing tool but also provide a great relaxation opportunity for staff at the home office. Perennials, annuals, vegetables, roses, and shrubs are blooming from May through September.

Our promise to you

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural areas