Facilities Assistant Windy City Harvest

Title: Facilities Assistant - Windy City Harvest

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Windy City Harvest

Reports to: Facilities Manager

Year-Round, Full-time

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

• 2025 Chicago Botanic Garden Benefit Guide - Year-Round Full-time

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.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

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:

The facilities assistant plays a vital role in maintaining the greenhouses and farm sites at Windy City Harvest. The person in this position supports the upkeep and repair of facilities, equipment, and tools, while helping ensure the health and productivity of plants and growing systems. The facilities assistant works closely with staff to carry out daily operations and sustain efficient, safe, and functional farm environments. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a commitment to sustainability and high-quality site maintenance.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:  

Facilities & Site Maintenance 

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on buildings, greenhouses, hoophouses, irrigation systems, and other farm structures.
• Inspect facilities regularly to identify safety hazards, leaks, structural issues, or equipment malfunctions.
• Complete minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, small equipment, and mechanical repairs as needed.
• Maintain walkways, work areas, and storage spaces to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Assist in landscape maintenance, aesthetics, and upkeep of the Farm on Ogden.
• Support waste and recycling management, compost systems, and material storage.
• Assist with snow removal, outdoor cleanup, and seasonal transitions.
• Conduct regular maintenance on hand tools, power tools, and small machinery.
• Track tool and equipment condition; report or replace broken or unsafe items.
• Support seasonal setup and breakdown of growing systems and farm equipment.
• Maintain inventory of maintenance supplies and report restocking needs.
• Track use of materials for repairs and projects to assist with budgeting and recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with the facilities manager, site managers, and program staff to prioritize and schedule repairs.
• Follow all organizational safety procedures, including use of PPE and lockout/tagout where required.
• Report unsafe conditions or incidents promptly.
• Occasionally assist with event setup, farm logistics, or special projects.

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• At least two years of experience in general maintenance, facilities, or production environments
• Hands-on experience with basic power tools, hand tools, and maintenance equipment
• Experience maintaining or repairing greenhouses, hoophouses, or similar structures preferred
• Familiarity with basic plumbing and water systems, including PVC and flexible tubing
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time independently
• Clear communication with supervisors and team members
• Basic computer skills
• Requires a valid driver's license, a minimum of two years' experience driving large vehicles, and a clean driving record

Physical Demands: 

Staff must be able to work in all weather conditions. The role involves frequent lifting, standing, walking, and bending. Daily tasks will include operating small farm machinery and maintenance equipment. Staff are required to lift, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds. This position also involves completing daily written paperwork.

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, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call 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.