Duties: Under minimal supervision by the Director of the Zoo, the Curator of Education is responsible for:

• Under the direction of the Luthy Botanical Garden Manager, the Horticulturist is responsible for:
• Scheduling, designing, producing, installing and maintaining Conservatory floral displays for the entire year.
• Maintaining all areas of the Botanical Garden including outdoor collections and turf.
• Maintaining tropical plant collection in Conservatory.
• Maintaining orchid collection and plants for interior plantscapes use.
• Maintaining greenhouses.
• Planning and implementing pesticide and fertilizer schedules as required at the Luthy Garden, at the Peoria Zoo, and in Glen Oak Park near the Peoria PlayHouse and Adventure Grove.
• Producing bedding plants for plantings in the park system.
• Designing, selecting and installing and maintaining outdoor floral displays and landscaped areas as required at the Luthy Garden, at Peoria Zoo, and in the Glen Oak Park near the Peoria PlayHouse and Adventure Grove.
• Assisting in plant selection and planning and designing of newly developed areas as required at Luthy Garden, Peoria Zoo, and in Glen Oak Park near the Peoria PlayHouse and Adventure Grove.
• Maintaining labels used for identification of plants in the Conservatory, Luthy Garden, and as required at Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse.
• Recording of plant material used in the Conservatory and Garden.
• Producing plant materials for sale in the plant shop.
• Assisting in ordering essential seeds and plant material.
• Assisting in budget preparation.
• Supervising volunteer, part-time staff as assigned.
• Assisting with the planning and conducting of educational programs in horticulture and gardening which includes exhibitions, displays, classes, lectures and tours.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supporting all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
• Performing other duties as assigned:
  • which are reasonably related to the duties described; or
  • which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect Park District property; or
  • which are not generally described in other job descriptions; or
  • when the amount of work exceeds the availability of Park District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to reach, walk, putt, squat, and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to apply pesticides safely.
• Ability to understand and complete record-keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Education: An associate's degree in horticulture or a closely related field is required. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: Two years of experience in greenhouse work is desirable.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Extensive knowledge of horticulture or botany.
• Aptitude for on-the-job training.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator's License.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
• Must demonstrate reliability, initiative, tact, and resourcefulness.
• This position is represented by the AFSCME, AFL-CIO’s Local Union No. 3774.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents 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.