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PT Technician - Horticulture

Illinois Central College · East Peoria, IL · $21.98–$24.72 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you kept plants alive through a problem like a heat wave or equipment failure.

What they are checking: Whether they react quickly when living collections are at risk.

Tell me about a time you worked with an instructor to get things ready for a class or lab.

What they are checking: Whether they can support faculty and plan ahead around the class schedule.

What would you do

The greenhouse heater fails on a cold weekend night. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how fast plants can be lost and would act or escalate right away.

How would you work with horticulture students who are helping in the greenhouse?

What they are checking: Whether they can support student learning while keeping the facility in good order.

How do you plan your work when you only have part-time hours each week?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize the most important tasks with limited time.

About the work

Walk me through how you would care for plants in a greenhouse through a change of seasons.

What they are checking: Whether they understand watering, light, temperature and ventilation in a greenhouse setting.

How do you spot and handle pests or disease in a greenhouse before they spread?

What they are checking: Whether they know integrated pest management and catch problems early.

What equipment have you used to maintain grounds, like mowers or small engines, and how do you keep it in good shape?

What they are checking: Whether they can run and maintain the tools the arboretum and grounds depend on.

How would you safely handle and store pesticides or fertilizers?

What they are checking: Whether they follow labels, protective gear and licensing rules that keep people and plants safe.

How do you care for trees and shrubs in an arboretum collection?

What they are checking: Whether they know pruning, mulching and tree care practices for a teaching collection.

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The full job description

As published by Illinois Central College.

Position Title: PT Technician - Horticulture Campus: East Peoria Campus Employment Type: Classified, StaffPart time Department: Agricultural & Industrial Tech Start Date: 10/26/2026 Job Description: Summary Perform skilled and semi-skilled tasks to maintain plants, equipment, grounds and facilities associated with the arboretum and greenhouses. Compensation for the PT Technician - Horticulture is $21.98 - $24.72 an hour. This position will remain open till filled. Essential Functions This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Understand the diverse needs and proper care of the plants in the greenhouse and arboretum. • Provide the plant care required to propagate new plants as well as maintain current plantings. • Respond to the instruction needs of the horticulture faculty by acquiring and preparing materials or equipment to be used in lab. • Work with coordinator and full-time faculty members to organize and coordinate maintenance projects. • Provide safety inspections and routine maintenance on turf equipment such as maintain fuel and lubricant levels, sharpening blades, properly adjusting equipment, and replacing worn or damaged parts. • Water plants in the arboretum or greenhouse on the weekend and/or holidays as needed. • Assist faculty sponsor(s) during Horticulture Club activities as requested. • Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities. • High school diploma or equivalent. • One year or more of experience and knowledge with landscaping maintenance practices such as: irrigation, pest management, and pruning. • One year or more of experience operating and providing maintenance to power tools used in turf and landscape industries such as: mowers, sprayers, and tractor equipment. • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. • Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills. • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others. Preferred Qualifications • Associate's Degree in horticulture or related field. • A current IL Pesticide Applicators License. • One year of experience in the area of landscape or greenhouse management. EEOC Statement Illinois Central College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, order of protection status, use of VESSA rights, genetic information, military or veteran status (including discharge status), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Illinois Central College offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, including: • paid time off; • 11 paid holidays; 2 floating holidays • medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; • tuition waivers for employee, spouse and dependent children; • on-site childcare center; • 403(b) retirement plans; and • State University Retirement System pension plan. To learn more about full-time health care benefits at ICC.

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