Assistant Carpenter

Chicago Botanic Garden; Glencoe (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Botanic Garden is seeking an Assistant Carpenter to maintain and enhance the Garden facilities. You will work closely with the Carpenter Supervisor on a range of construction, repair, and maintenance projects in outdoor environments, ensuring spaces are safe, functional, and visually appealing.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of carpentry experience, the ability to lift up to 80 pounds, and a practical knowledge of tools and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Current/valid Illinois Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a carpenter's helper or in a similar construction role.
• Solid working knowledge of carpentry tools, materials, hardware, and best safety practices.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds repeatedly and safely.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and a collaborative team-oriented mindset.
• Basic knowledge of general maintenance trades (painting, minor electrical, plumbing, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Carpenter Supervisor on the planning, design, and execution of carpentry projects, including structural repairs, installations, and custom builds.
• Perform hands-on construction and renovation work using a variety of materials and techniques.
• Assist with painting, patching, sealing, wall repairs, and the fabrication or maintenance of outdoor signage and exhibits.
• Assume responsibility for supervising carpentry operations as assigned when the Supervisor is unavailable, including during vacations or other planned absences.
• Support the Construction & Maintenance team with additional tasks as needed to ensure the Garden's facilities remain safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Skills

Carpentry

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Carpenter

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Construction & Maintenance

Reports to: Carpenter Supervisor

Year-Round, Full-time

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• 2026 A Guide to Your Benefits JP.pdf

Compensation Philosophy

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview

The Assistant Carpenter plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the facilities of the Garden. Working closely with the Carpenter Supervisor and the department, this position provides skilled carpentry support across a wide range of construction, repair, and maintenance projects. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, outdoor environment and takes pride in contributing to the preservation and improvement of spaces where nature and visitors connect.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Carpenter Supervisor on the planning, design, and execution of carpentry projects, including structural repairs, installations, and custom builds.
• Perform hands-on construction and renovation work using a variety of materials and techniques.
• Assist with painting, patching, sealing, wall repairs, and the fabrication or maintenance of outdoor signage and exhibits.
• Assume responsibility for supervising carpentry operations as assigned when the Supervisor is unavailable, including during vacations or other planned absences.
• Support the Construction & Maintenance team with additional tasks as needed to ensure the Garden's facilities remain safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Current/valid Illinois Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a carpenter's helper or in a similar construction role.
• Solid working knowledge of carpentry tools, materials, hardware, and best safety practices.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds repeatedly and safely.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and a collaborative team-oriented mindset.
• Basic knowledge of general maintenance trades (painting, minor electrical, plumbing, etc.).

Physical Demands

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting. Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) and navigating garden terrain. Occasional sitting and use of computers or office equipment for planning and documentation will also be required. The role involves moderate to heavy physical labor, including lifting up to 80 pounds.

Why Apply?

Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

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

Disclaimer

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

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call [phone] to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.