Become an urban gardener with Ecogardens!


JOB DESCRIPTION

Ecogardens is a sustainable landscaping company that offers premier, full-service ecological landscape design, installation, stewardship and consulting services. We design and install and maintain green roofs and other green infrastructure including rain gardens and floating wetlands.

This is a seasonal, full-time position that reports to the project manager and has the potential to become a year-round position based on qualifications, workload, etc. We are seeking someone who has a solid understanding of horticultural practices regarding planting and plant health care, including pruning, deadheading and integrated pest management. Our guiding principle is to be responsible stewards of the environment. We’re looking for someone who aligns with those values and understands the challenges of establishing and stewarding urban gardens both on the ground as well as on terraces and rooftops.

 

responsibilities

  • Seasonal plantings in containers and in-ground, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees 

  • Care for growing plants by watering, pruning, weeding, cultivating, and removing dead or damaged leaf tissue 

  • Inspect, handle, and transport nursery stock 

  • Loading and unloading of landscaping and green roof materials, such as bags of media, bags of stone, large rolls of green roof fabrics, bags of seed and fertilizer, pavers, etc. 

  • Fertilize and water plants and lawns 

  • General lawn and garden maintenance 

  • Operation of power mower, electric trimmers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other landscape equipment 

  • Operation of various tools and equipment used in landscape and green roof projects, such as Sawzall, wheel grinders, circular saws, drills, laser levels, etc. 

  • Perform other manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environment, our shop, and equipment 

  • Assist in installation of multiple types of green roofs systems  

  • Complete tasks in an efficient and timely manner 

  • Pro-actively communicate with Supervisor for the entirety of the project – asking questions, answering questions, occasionally interacting with clients on-site in a polite and effective manner 

  • Solve practical problems and dealing with a variety of situations 

  • Install seasonal planter décor, including holiday/winter lights and décor as needed 

  • Drive a vehicle (van, truck, or box truck) with competence and common sense 

  • Possibility of light overnight travel for green roof projects

  • Ensure that all work activities are carried out in a safe and efficient manner and in compliance with government and company PPE regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies  

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Great attitude, positive and self-motivated

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in horticulture or related field is required

  • Sound understanding of plant types and habits, knowledge of Midwest natives a plus

  • Ability to identify plants, pests, weeds, etc.

  • Horticultural or Environmental educational background preferred

  • Excellent communication skills and comfort level when talking with clients, minor report writing, etc.

  • The ability to work independently

  • Excellent organizational and record keeping skills

  • Proactive vs. reactive, looking for problems before they show up

  • Basic knowledge of irrigation controls a plus but not required

  • Chicago based - one should live in the city or close suburbs to minimize commute

Compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as long term disability coverage and access to retirement program.

Think this role might be for you? Send a PDF resume and cover letter to employment@ecogardens.com letting us know why you’re a good fit. In your proposal, please share a brief summary of your experience, including examples of projects worked on.