Sustainable Horticulture Assistant

The Sustainable Horticulture Assistant at Paramount Corporate Events in Chicago, IL, will manage greenhouse operations, collaborating with the Chief Culinary Officer. Responsibilities include daily maintenance of plants, inspecting for health issues, organizing and rotating products, and conducting educational tours. The role requires strong communication skills and a passion for horticulture, along with physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. This position is not remote.
About the position

The Greenhouse Operations Specialist at Paramount Events will play a crucial role in managing the daily functions of our greenhouse and adjacent gardens. This position requires a collaborative effort with the Chief Culinary Officer to ensure that all horticultural tasks are executed efficiently and effectively. The ideal candidate will have a genuine passion for horticulture and a strong desire to work alongside culinary professionals. Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential, as is the ability to work autonomously in a dynamic environment. In this role, the Greenhouse Operations Specialist will be responsible for the daily maintenance of greenhouse flora, which includes tasks such as planting, transplanting, pruning, watering, and fertilizing. The specialist will also inspect the facility to ensure optimal conditions for plant health and address any pest or disease issues that may arise. Additionally, the upkeep of the greenhouse structure is vital, including the care of wooden boxes and maintaining the surrounding area to ensure a clean and organized environment. The specialist will develop and implement a comprehensive watering and fertilizing schedule, ensuring that arrangements are made for weekends and holidays. Maintaining an organized and presentable greenhouse is crucial, as the plants must be properly labeled for public viewing, and the specialist will conduct tours for visitors. Educating team members on greenhouse operations and gardening techniques is also a key responsibility. Collaboration with the culinary team is essential for harvesting daily produce for catering and restaurant services. The specialist will manage the organization and rotation of greenhouse products in storage and work closely with the purchasing manager to procure and organize greenhouse supplies and materials. This includes managing deliveries, equipment, and planning installations while keeping detailed records and sending soil samples for testing. Monitoring for pests, diseases, and irregularities is a critical aspect of the role, along with conducting soil testing to identify and address issues affecting plant health. The specialist will partner with the Chief Culinary Officer to create and execute a year-round planting schedule, including seed saving and propagation, and manage the yearly sowing process. Sustainable practices regarding heating, electricity, and water usage will be planned and implemented, and the specialist will identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance growth efficiency and harvest yields, providing recommendations on fertilizers and potting mediums. The position requires comfort working in a greenhouse environment that is maintained at warm and humid conditions year-round, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Strong communication, training, management, and supervisory skills are necessary, along with knowledge of safety and environmental regulations. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Responsibilities
• Deliver daily maintenance to greenhouse flora, including planting, transplanting, pruning, watering, and fertilizing.
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• Inspect the facility to ensure optimal conditions for plant health and address any pest or disease issues that may arise.
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• Oversee the upkeep of the greenhouse structure, including care for wooden boxes and maintaining the surrounding area.
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• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of watering systems, greenhouse facilities, and supplies.
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• Develop and implement a comprehensive watering and fertilizing schedule, including arrangements for weekends and holidays.
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• Maintain an organized and presentable greenhouse, ensuring plants are properly labeled for public viewing and conducting tours for visitors.
,
• Educate team members on greenhouse operations and gardening techniques, and lead tours for guests.
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• Collaborate with the culinary team to harvest daily for catering and restaurant services.
,
• Manage the organization and rotation of greenhouse products in storage.
,
• Work with the purchasing manager to procure and organize greenhouse supplies and materials, manage deliveries, equipment, and plan installations.
,
• Keep detailed records and send soil samples for testing.
,
• Monitor for pests, diseases, and irregularities, implementing strategies and maintaining detailed records.
,
• Conduct soil testing to identify and address issues affecting plant health.
,
• Create and execute a year-round planting schedule, including seed saving and propagation, and manage the yearly sowing process.
,
• Plan and implement sustainable practices regarding heating, electricity, and water usage.
,
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance growth efficiency and harvest yields, providing recommendations on fertilizers and potting mediums.

Requirements
• Minimum of two years of experience in a nursery, farm, or greenhouse setting.
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• Culinary experience is advantageous.
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• Associate degree in greenhouse management, or a bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits