Classification: Full-time 

FSLA Status: Hourly, non-exempt

IMRF Pension Plan: Eligible

Insurance Benefits: Eligible for group insurance plans (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA)

Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation leave, comp time, paid holidays, paid family leave

Schedule: Work hours will vary based on the season but typically fall between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required depending on operational needs.

Location: On-site, Lake of the Woods Golf Course (Mahomet, IL)

Pay: Grade 5: $21.36 - $26.15/hour; starting wage is $21.36/hour

The Golf Course Landscape Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the proper maintenance of the grounds of the golf course with a focus on ensuring that the landscaping, trees, and other flora remain healthy and aesthetically pleasing. The Golf Course Landscape Specialist acts as the technical subject matter expert for the department in landscaping and arboriculture (proper plant care, species identification, etc.).

The Golf Course Landscape Specialist reports to the Golf Course Superintendent. This role does not supervise any other employees but may occasionally direct the work of part-time or seasonal employees. 

Essential Functions

• Maintain the turf and lawn areas immediately surrounding the clubhouse, including mowing, trimming, and watering.
• Ensure flower beds, sponsorship areas, and other high-visibility areas receive a high level of care so that they are healthy and aesthetically pleasing at all times.
• Provide chemical or mechanical control of weeds including invasive species as appropriate.
• Install landscapes including planting trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals and bulbs; and hardscapes including all prep work.
• Safely and efficiently execute landscaping and enhancement projects assigned by supervisor or other Golf Course management staff.
• Provide arboricultural maintenance to all trees on the golf course, with a focus on caring for and monitoring newly planted trees.
• Help maintain, clean, and service landscaping and mowing equipment to ensure safe and proper operation.
• Participate in the operation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems.
• Assist the greenkeeping crew with general maintenance duties around the golf course during peak times, special events, and staffing shortages.
• Perform all tasks in compliance with the Forest Preserves’ Safety Manual and the department training manual.
• Assist patrons with questions or concerns regarding the golf course or other Forest Preserves facilities. 
• Explain and enforce rules and regulations and notify the appropriate authority regarding safety issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in landscaping, arboriculture, or similar positions.
• Associate’s degree (or equivalent formal education) in a related field (arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc.) or equivalent work experience resulting in knowledge and skills one would gain from such a degree.
• Experience with or ability to learn the use and maintenance of tools of the trade, both powered and non-powered is required.
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• AED/CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license at the time of hiring.
• Knowledge of and interest in the game of golf is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written directions.
• Good communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to successfully interact with people of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the practices and equipment associated with golf course operations and maintenance.
• Strong ornamental and native plant identification preferred.
• Mechanical ability to perform maintenance and light repair work on work equipment.
• Ability to maintain composure and self-control in difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision, to exercise judgment in the performance of duties, and to identify or solve problems as they arise.
• Fluent and able to communicate in English—bilingual skills a plus.

Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels.

Normal duties may include stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Work boots
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Chaps
• Earplugs or ear covers
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Respirators or masks
• Helmets

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

Values

At the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, our values guide everything we do. We are committed to:

• Stewardship: acting thoughtfully and responsibly to care for one another and the financial, natural, and cultural resources entrusted to us.
• Community: building trust through respect, inclusion, and collaboration with colleagues, visitors, and partners.
• Discovery: encouraging curiosity, learning, and growth while inspiring wonder through exploration of the world around us.

These values shape our culture, our work, and our shared responsibility to preserve and enhance the Forest Preserves for future generations.

Please note: Studies have shown that people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, women and other excluded or historically excluded people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every one of the qualifications as stated in the job description. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be assigned at any time.