Seasonal Horticulturalist I

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

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Seasonal Horticulturalist I

Milwaukee County Parks - Boerner Botanical Gardens

Hourly Pay Range: $16.87 - $25.31

Parks Equity Statement: Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Job Summary: The Seasonal Horticulturalist supports full-time horticulturists in maintaining assigned garden areas during the peak growing season. This role assists with daily plant care, seasonal planting, and garden maintenance. Seasonal Horticulturalists work alongside staff and volunteers to keep gardens healthy and visitor-ready, and participate in occasional educational garden walks. This position includes scheduled weekend and holiday work to support peak-season operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maintain garden beds, plant displays, and landscaped areas by planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, and mulching, while working alongside volunteers during routine garden maintenance activities to ensure a visually appealing and healthy environment.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and apply appropriate treatments to maintain the vitality of the garden's plant collections.
• Participate in seasonal plantings of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Assist with greenhouse duties, including plant care and propagation.
• Assist full-time horticulturists with maintaining and updating plant records by documenting plant locations, condition, changes, and maintenance activities within assigned garden areas. Support accurate and timely recordkeeping to aid in ongoing plant care, planning, and long-term garden management.
• Answer visitor questions and offer basic plant and garden information to enhance the visitor experience, including participating in occasional educational garden walks as part of a team.
• Assist with spring and fall garden preparation, including plant division, and provide operational support during peak periods, including scheduled weekend and holiday work.
• Operate tools and equipment for maintaining the grounds, clearing pathways, and assisting with irrigation systems to ensure smooth garden operations.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Possession of a valid United States Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience or relevant coursework in Horticulture, Landscape Maintenance, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Willing and able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs, and push and pull up to 20 lbs.
• Willing and able to travel up to 5% of the time in this role.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.