Landscape Technician (Part-Time)

Duties: Under the supervision of the Landscape Development Foreman, the Landscape Technician (Part-Time) is responsible for:

• Performing horticultural work in the Park District including pruning, trimming, spraying, watering, cultivating and generally caring for trees, shrubs, turfgrass and herbaceous plants. Transplanting young trees and shrubs as required.
• Inspecting trees and shrubs for insect pests, fungus and bacterial diseases and proper treatment for control of same.
• Performing turfgrass maintenance including but not limited to aerating, pesticide/fertilizer applications, compost topdressing, and overseeding.
• Performing natural areas management techniques including but not limited to spot spraying, hand-wicking, cut stump treatments, basal bark applications and boom spraying of pesticides.
• Operation of heavy equipment and implements including but not limited to tractors, compact track loaders, no till drill seeders, over seeders, top-dressers, aerators, rough cut mowing decks, powered box rakes, disc harrows, tree spades, augers, chippers and carbide forestry mowers.
• Operation of power tools and equipment including but not limited to brush cutters, chainsaws, pole saws, augers, pumps, and hedge trimmers.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supporting all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Pay Scale: Apprentice Rate: $21.61 per hour; After 3 months, base pay: $27.01 per hour. Maximum pay rate is $32.01 per hour.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to reach, pull, walk, squat, kneel and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to operate machinery related to job duties.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle weighing 10 tons.
• Ability to apply pesticides safely.

Education: Junior college certificate with major in horticulture or related field required. Additional training in horticulture, landscaping, plant identification and invasive species control is desirable. Although a degree is preferred, experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational preference.

Experience: Minimum of three years' experience in the care and cultivation of trees and shrubs, turfgrass or native plant communities.  Equivalent amount of advanced accredited training in horticulture will be accepted in lieu of each year of experience.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Thorough knowledge of trimming, transplanting and cultivating trees and shrubs. 
• Knowledge of turfgrass maintenance, natural areas management and heavy equipment operation desired.
• Knowledge of plant identification of common invasive plant species. 
• A valid Illinois pesticide operator’s license is required.
• A valid CDL is required for this position. However, candidates who do not currently possess a CDL may be eligible for CDL training assistance after successful employment with the Peoria Park District.
• This position is represented by the Teamsters Local Union 627.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Personal: Work record that shows reliability, integrity, initiative, and resourcefulness.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.