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PT Technician - Horticulture
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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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Illinois Central College.