Horticulturist Fruit & Vegetable Garden Obama Presidential Ctr

Title: Horticulturist, Fruit & Vegetable Garden at Obama Presidential Center

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Windy City Harvest

Reports to: Senior Manager, Garden Partnerships

Year-Round Full-time - Funded through a multi-year program contract (continued employment contingent on ongoing program funding)

Indirectly Supervises: Trainees

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• 2026 A Guide to Your Benefits JP.pdf

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Garden Partnerships, we are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Horticulturist to support in the care, cultivation, and interpretation of our display vegetable garden at the Obama Presidential Center (OPC). The garden will operate 7 days a week from March to October. This position combines hands-on horticulture with public education and engagement, showcasing sustainable growing practices and seasonal food production to a diverse audience.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Garden Partnerships, use organic and sustainable methods to maintain the Eleanor Roosevelt Vegetable Garden through weeding, watering, crop rotation, deadheading, fertilizing, planting, transplanting, pruning, winterizing, trellising, releasing beneficial insects, removing debris, picking up trash, etc.
• Operate and maintain inventory of tools and equipment.
• Coordinate, monitor, and implement the maintenance programs to ensure proper care, growth, and development of the plant displays.
• Assist in design, select and order plants, plan, and coordinate for the installation of annual displays.
• Implement the integrated pest management program for the garden and keep accurate records of any pesticide applications as applicable.
• Identify and report any quality assurance issues to Senior Manager of Garden Partnerships.
• Transport plants, plant materials, and supplies from the Chicago Botanic Garden, Farm on Ogden, and/or contracted vendors.
• Make and label all plants for display and all new plant material in a timely manner.
• Serve as a horticultural information resource for the Obama Presidential Center.
• Support Windy City Harvest program, providing urban agriculture education for trainees from August to October.
• Harvest and pack vegetables in compliance with Good Agricultural Practices and Food Safety standards.
• Work with the Senior Manager of Garden Partnerships to manage the department budget.
• Serve as back up in notifying OPC building maintenance or designated contact for necessary repairs for the garden.
• Attend Windy City Harvest meetings and events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Associate's degree in Horticulture, a related field, or equivalent experience (e.g., successful completion of a horticulture apprenticeship or certificate program) required.
• Four years of professional experience in horticulture, landscape maintenance, urban farming, or sustainable growing practices, with demonstrated focus on vegetable and fruit production preferred.
• Strong knowledge of organic and sustainable growing methods, including integrated pest management (IPM), crop rotation, beneficial insects, and compliance with post-harvest handling and food safety standards (e.g., Good Agricultural Practices).
• Ability to recognize common weeds, pests, and diseases within fruit and vegetable plantings.
• Experience assisting with garden design, plant selection, ordering, and installation of annual and permanent displays under supervisory direction.
• Proficiency in tracking budgets accurately using Excel and maintaining records for reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to serve as a horticultural information resource, engage diverse audiences (such as trainees, visitors, and team members), and communicate effectively via email, phone, virtual video meetings, and in-person.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively to coordinate site production, maintenance, and trainee support.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, operating small farm machinery, and post-harvest handling equipment.

Physical Demands:

This role involves frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, and public speaking. Candidates must be able to work in all weather conditions and perform tasks that include lifting, pushing, and pulling items up to 50 pounds. Daily responsibilities include operating small farm machinery, using post-harvest handling equipment, and completing written documentation. The position also requires regular use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and scanners.

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.