Position Title: Seasonal Assistant Horticulturist, Lurie Garden

Position Classification: Full-time, Seasonal 2026, Nonexempt, Benefits Ineligible

Position Details

• Full-time, seasonal, 40 hours per week, occasional evening and/or weekend hours.
• Position begins in March and extends into November of 2026. Exact dates are negotiable.
• Benefits ineligible.
• Hourly pay rate $25/hour.
• Direct reports: None.
• Reports to: Director of Horticulture, Lurie Garden.

About Lurie Garden and Millennium Park Foundation

Lurie Garden, which opened in 2004, is located in the southeast corner of Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois. The Garden was designed by Seattle-based landscape architecture firm GGN. Alongside GGN, garden designers Piet Oudolf and Jacqueline van der Kloet created the Garden’s renowned perennial and bulb plantings, respectively.

Set within the contemporary design of Millennium Park and against the urban backdrop of downtown Chicago, Lurie Garden has earned a reputation as a premier example of naturalistic garden design. The perennial plantings, inspired by the prairies and woodlands historically characteristic of northeastern Illinois, are richly diverse and require thoughtful, adaptive care as this living work of art continues to evolve. Through ongoing collaboration with the designers, the Garden is curated in a manner which honors both the original vision for the space and its ongoing development.

The design and construction of the Garden was underwritten by the Millennium Park Foundation (MPF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1998 as an organization dedicated to the stewardship of Millennium Park. MPF has the principal horticultural responsibility for the Garden.

About the Opportunity

Lurie Garden seeks a team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for plants. The position reports to the Director of Horticulture and is a significant contributor to Lurie Garden’s day-to-day operations.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Millennium Park Foundation wishes to elevate diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the public horticulture sector. As such, individuals who reflect such breadth and range of background, experience, and uniqueness are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Millennium Park Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity status, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. 

General Duties (including but not limited to)

• Plant, weed, water, prune, and perform other general horticulture tasks to the standards of Lurie Garden, under the supervision of, independent of direct supervision, and in support of the Director of Horticulture and Horticulturist.
• Assist in the care and maintenance of all hardscape elements (e. pathways, water feature, lighting, ornamental stonework, fencing) and irrigation systems within Lurie Garden.
• Adhere to all procedures and guidelines related to safety and safe equipment use.
• Assist in managing the work of all external third-party contractors required for shrub & tree pruning, irrigation system maintenance, water feature upkeep, security, and other operations of Lurie Garden.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of data including but not limited to mapping and phenology within Lurie Garden.
• Contribute to and collaborate with all staff to ensure quality of work for Lurie Garden’s community engagement and volunteer activities, which may include training and supervision of volunteers.
• Establish and meet project completion schedules on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Manage and complete one-time and/or recurring special projects, as assigned by the Director of Horticulture.

Requirements

• Strong interest in public horticulture, landscape/garden design, perennial plans, and ecologically informed horticulture.
• Relevant education and/or experience in horticulture, landscape design, or related fields.
• At least one season of professional gardening or horticulture experience, preferably in a public garden or landscape management team. Experience with naturalistic design narratives preferred.
• Proficiency with industry-standard horticultural practices, processes, tools, and equipment.
• Dependability, punctuality, eagerness to learn, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively, take & give direction, work independently, and accomplish tasks effectively and efficiently in public garden, outdoor, and office settings.
• Ability and willingness to engage with the public through speaking, writing, and photography.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and kneel, sit, or bend for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and in a shared office environment
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and letter of introduction that, together, address your qualifications with respect to the general duties of this position. Your letter of introduction should also demonstrate your passion for public horticulture and gardens.

Submit all materials and/or questions to jobs@mpfdn.org. Evaluation of materials will begin immediately and continue on an ongoing basis.

No phone calls please. 

Application deadline: January 5, 2026

Individuals reflecting underrepresented and underserved communities in the public horticulture industries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature, scope, and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals so classified.