Forest Preserve District of Kane County
Horticulturist
Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Geneva, Illinois, United States, 60134
Application Details
Position Type: Field Operations & Maintenance / Horticulturist
Date Posted: 10/20/2025
Location: Fabyan Forest Preserve / Horticulturist Shop
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Position Summary Under direction of the Operations Manager and/or Senior Rangers, performs a wide variety of assigned work required to protect, preserve, interpret, operate and maintain gardens of the District.
Essential Position Duties & Functions
Operations:
Devises and documents proper and timely procedures and plans for maintaining the historical garden, as well as other gardens in the District
Carries out the proper pruning and horticultural details of the existing plant materials in compliance with generally accepted plant maintenance for this region
Assists with the planting of new and annual plant materials
Devises plans and budgets for each upcoming season
Schedules, coordinates and regulates public use of assigned areas
Creates and comprehends landscape plans
Maintains the grounds of the historical areas of Fabyan Forest Preserve and the Creek Bend Nature Center, Brewster Creek Lodge and other areas as assigned
Research the historical records for plans and concepts of the landscape for the historical area
Other duties as assigned, in keeping with education, experience and training
Responds to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis
Works irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays
Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois driver’s license free from suspension or revocation during term of employment; must maintain insurability with the District's fleet insurance carrier
Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee Handbook
Administration:
Establishes positive relationships with community and preserve users
Staff Supervision:
A crew leader to Summer Seasonals; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws
Additional duties and functions may be essential.
Qualifications
Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old
Education: Associate Degree in Horticulture, science or closely related fields
Experience: Three (3) years in landscape maintenance and design; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
Certifications/Licenses: CPR/First Aid/AED, Pesticide Operator; all licenses/certifications must be obtained and maintained within six months of employment.
Compensation and Benefits The starting hourly rate for this position is $28.14. This is a non-exempt position (eligible for overtime). This position is eligible for the District’s full-time benefits. Interested applicants may learn more about the District’s competitive compensation program and benefit plans here.
How to Apply Apply online at www.kaneforest.com/careers. This position will be open until filled. To be considered in a first review of applications, apply online by November 3, 2025 with a cover letter, resume, and professional references.
ADA Persons requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act are asked to contact the Human Resources Department at 630-208-8662 or by email at HRForest@kaneforest.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
District’s Mission To acquire, hold, and maintain lands within Kane County, which contribute to the preservation of natural and historic resources and habitats, flora or fauna; to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation, and pleasure of all its citizens.
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Date Posted: 10/20/2025
Location: Fabyan Forest Preserve / Horticulturist Shop
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Position Summary Under direction of the Operations Manager and/or Senior Rangers, performs a wide variety of assigned work required to protect, preserve, interpret, operate and maintain gardens of the District.
Essential Position Duties & Functions
Operations:
Devises and documents proper and timely procedures and plans for maintaining the historical garden, as well as other gardens in the District
Carries out the proper pruning and horticultural details of the existing plant materials in compliance with generally accepted plant maintenance for this region
Assists with the planting of new and annual plant materials
Devises plans and budgets for each upcoming season
Schedules, coordinates and regulates public use of assigned areas
Creates and comprehends landscape plans
Maintains the grounds of the historical areas of Fabyan Forest Preserve and the Creek Bend Nature Center, Brewster Creek Lodge and other areas as assigned
Research the historical records for plans and concepts of the landscape for the historical area
Other duties as assigned, in keeping with education, experience and training
Responds to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis
Works irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays
Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois driver’s license free from suspension or revocation during term of employment; must maintain insurability with the District's fleet insurance carrier
Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee Handbook
Administration:
Establishes positive relationships with community and preserve users
Staff Supervision:
A crew leader to Summer Seasonals; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws
Additional duties and functions may be essential.
Qualifications
Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old
Education: Associate Degree in Horticulture, science or closely related fields
Experience: Three (3) years in landscape maintenance and design; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
Certifications/Licenses: CPR/First Aid/AED, Pesticide Operator; all licenses/certifications must be obtained and maintained within six months of employment.
Compensation and Benefits The starting hourly rate for this position is $28.14. This is a non-exempt position (eligible for overtime). This position is eligible for the District’s full-time benefits. Interested applicants may learn more about the District’s competitive compensation program and benefit plans here.
How to Apply Apply online at www.kaneforest.com/careers. This position will be open until filled. To be considered in a first review of applications, apply online by November 3, 2025 with a cover letter, resume, and professional references.
ADA Persons requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act are asked to contact the Human Resources Department at 630-208-8662 or by email at HRForest@kaneforest.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
District’s Mission To acquire, hold, and maintain lands within Kane County, which contribute to the preservation of natural and historic resources and habitats, flora or fauna; to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation, and pleasure of all its citizens.
#J-18808-Ljbffr