Horticultural Specialist

The Morton Arboretum is a renowned institution dedicated to tree planting and conservation, promoting a greener and healthier environment.

We welcome over 1.1 million guests annually to our 1,718-acre site in the western suburbs of Chicago, featuring 16 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of roads, and 222,000 plant specimens representing 4,650 plant taxa.

This role involves maintaining assigned collections in excellent horticultural and aesthetic condition, working outside in various weather conditions, both alone and as part of a team.

• Maintain Collections: Ensure assigned gardens or collections are in excellent horticultural and aesthetic condition through regular care, including planting, dividing, and transplanting trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and herbaceous plants.
• Care for Plants: Perform tasks such as weeding, mulching, watering, cultivating, and fertilizing, as well as pruning, arboricultural work, removing dead and diseased wood, and dead plants.
• Safety and Record Keeping: Safely operate equipment, follow proper procedures for pesticide use, and maintain accurate records of plant labels and other essential data.

• A minimum of 9 months of relevant work experience or an Associate degree in horticulture or a related field.
• Demonstrated practical work experience in horticulture or a related field may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Basic proficiency with Google applications beneficial.

• An estimated salary range of $50,000-$51,000 per year, based on experience.
• A competitive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Significant physical activity required, including lifting up to 100 lbs., carrying up to 30-50 lbs., bending, climbing up to 15 ft., and walking over varied terrain.
• Regular on-site presence required.

The Morton Arboretum is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action employment practices.