Plant Propagator The Plant Propagator leads propagation activities that support the Garden's living collections, seasonal displays, research initiatives, conservation programs, and plant production operations. The person in this position is responsible for propagating plant material, managing propagation schedules, forecasting production capacity, maintaining accurate records, and overseeing the Garden's stock plant program. Working collaboratively with production growers, scientists, graduate students, volunteers, and external partners, the Plant Propagator coordinates propagation requests, assesses production capacity, and supports projects that advance the Garden's mission. The person in this position serves as a technical resource for propagation systems, plant databases, and labeling processes and contributes to the department's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program through biological controls and a rotational spray program. This position works in a world-class greenhouse and nursery facility, completed in 2019, which supports one of the largest plant production operations among public gardens in the United States.
Responsibilities include:
Propagate plants through seed, cutting, division, grafting, budding, and other propagation methods to support Garden programs and initiatives.
Grow plant material to transplantable size and coordinate delivery to production growers according to established schedules.
Schedule and maintain propagation information within the production database to ensure accurate forecasting, inventory management, and production planning.
Forecast weekly and monthly propagation space capacity and communicate utilization needs, constraints, and recommendations to the Manager, Plant Production.
Maintain accurate production records and ensure all plant material is properly labeled and tracked.
Monitor and adjust propagation equipment and environmental settings using the Argus Environmental Control System.
Manage and maintain the Garden's stock plant collections to support internal plant material requests and long-term production needs.
Serve as a technical resource for the Plant Production team by supporting the Brahms database, plant records, labeling systems, and related production documentation.
Coordinate propagation-related requests from Garden science programs, graduate students, advisors, and external partners, including evaluating project requirements, greenhouse space availability, production timelines, and feasibility.
Support plant production requests associated with conservation and restoration initiatives, including projects with external partners such as forest preserve agencies and other organizations.
Participate in the department's IPM program, including biological control releases, pest scouting, monitoring, and recordkeeping using digital applications and mobile technology.
Apply pesticides in accordance with departmental procedures, regulatory requirements, and best horticultural practices.
Collaborate with the Manager, Plant Production, in supervising staff, including assigning work, training employees, evaluating performance, providing coaching, and supporting hiring and onboarding activities.
Foster a collaborative and productive work environment by building positive working relationships with staff, students, volunteers, and stakeholders.
Communicate production schedules, capacity constraints, and propagation challenges in a timely and professional manner to support informed decision-making.
Maintain regular communication with production growers and departmental stakeholders through meetings, reports, and correspondence.
Develop and maintain propagation protocols, cultural records, and historical production data to support future propagation efforts and continuous improvement.
Monitor inventory levels of propagation supplies and maintain organized storage areas.
Use Microsoft Office applications and departmental databases to support documentation, reporting, communication, and analysis.
Identify operational challenges, recommend practical solutions, and contribute to process improvements that enhance efficiency, plant quality, and production outcomes.
Serve as a horticultural resource for the Garden through classes, tours, demonstrations, articles, planning teams, media interviews, and visitor engagement activities.
Assist with other Plant Production activities and departmental priorities as needed, particularly during peak production periods.
Follow all safety policies and procedures and actively contribute to maintaining a safe work environment.
Work assigned weekends and holidays as required.
Qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of five years of professional plant propagation experience.
Supervisory or lead experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of propagation techniques, greenhouse operations, environmental controls, and plant production practices.
Experience maintaining plant inventories, production records, and collection management databases; experience with Brahms preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic production environment.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Proficiency in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to analyze problems, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical solutions.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in response to changing operational and project needs.
Current valid driver's license and insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society.
Illinois pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain one within an established timeframe.
Ability to successfully complete required Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respiratory surveillance requirements, including medical evaluation and spirometry testing, as applicable.
Physical Demands include:
Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to stand for extended periods and occasionally sit while performing job duties. Must be able to work in greenhouse, nursery, and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions throughout the year. Why Apply? Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.
