Incorporated in 1955 and encompassing more than 454 acres, the Mt. Prospect Park District provides outstanding recreational programs, events, parks, facilities and services. With seven primary facilities and 27 neighborhood parks, the Park District is an integral part of a thriving multi-generational community. District open space includes two outdoor pools, biking and walking paths, a dog park and sizable space for outdoor athletic programming. The District covers over 11 square miles and serves a region of over a quarter million residents in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.

We are searching for a full-time Greenhouse and Grounds Maintenance Laborer. Reporting to the Conservatory and Greenhouse Manager, the Greenhouse and Grounds Maintenance Laborer assists the Greenhouse and Grounds Specialist with routine maintenance duties pertaining to the park district’s floral beds, plant care and general maintenance in the greenhouse, atrium and exterior of the Friendship Park Conservatory.

The full-time Greenhouse and Grounds Maintenance Laborer must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and pre-employment physical with a drug screen. The starting pay rate for our full-time Greenhouse and Grounds Maintenance Laborer is $18.00 per hour. Plus, we offer a generous benefits package including Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance (or health insurance opt out payment), employer paid HRA benefits, employer paid premiums for Principal dental insurance, IMRF pension benefits (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), employer paid premiums for Principal short-term disability, life insurance and AD&D, VSP-vision discount program, Principal 457 deferred compensation savings plan, paid time off, employee training and park district facility discounts and usage benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Perform all jobs assigned by the Greenhouse Specialist and/or Conservatory and Greenhouse Manager including but not limited to:

• General park maintenance and cleanup
• Landscaping work
• Building and grounds maintenance
• Greenhouse Operations
• General Labor and general assistance to the skilled and semi-skilled maintenance staff
• Small and large equipment operation
• Maintenance and upkeep of tools and equipment
• Any and all duties pertaining to the physical operation of the park district

Use and maintain equipment and tools and properly operate park district vehicles.

Participate in the winter snow removal.

Purchase materials as needed with the approval of the Friendship Park Conservatory Manager.

Respond when contacted for emergency night and weekend jobs.

Participate in the Park District’s Safety Training program. Be familiar with and abide by District policies and procedures.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

May be required to work special events, evenings and/or weekends.

May be required to work with other departments under assigned supervision to accomplish special tasks.

Additional functions as assigned which may be considered essential.

All other duties as assigned by the Greenhouse Specialist, Conservatory and Greenhouse Manager, Director of Parks and Planning, and/or the Executive Director. However, in an emergency, perform all other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 18 years old. Must be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D. equivalent or combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Illinois Class C Driver's License within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout employment with the District. Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL, if requested.

Must possess a basic knowledge in the use of common hand tools and power tools.

Must be able to operate small equipment. Must be able to operate tractors, trucks and other power equipment.

Must be able to work well with others as well as independently with minimal supervision.

Must be able to communicate effectively with others to allow for the coordination of work, for safety purposes and for emergency situations.

Must participate in the District safety training program and adhere to District safety procedures.

Must be able to respond in person, for emergency night and weekend jobs when necessary.

Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Physical Job Qualifications: Must be physically able to frequently ascend/descend more than a 25% grade, lift 50 pounds from a squat position, push/pull, reach, walk; occasionally balance, bend (must be able to bend at waist and touch the floor with fingertips), climb, crawl, crouch, kneel for long periods of time, sit, stoop; and constantly handle objects.

May be exposed to weather conditions including rain, sun, wind, high humidity, and excessive heat and cold. Additionally, may be exposed to heat and humidity in the greenhouse, especially during the summer months.

Due to the needs of the Park District, evening and weekend hours may be required. Your work schedule may vary and your workweek may exceed 40 hours at times.

Nothing contained herein shall preclude or limit the District from changing this written job description through addition, deletion or modification of essential job duties.

The Mt. Prospect Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.