As a member of the grounds crew I assisted in maintaining a healthy plant collection for the enjoyment of the public and the conservation efforts of the arboretum. This entailed learning a host of skills from proper chainsaw and tree climbing safety, pruning techniques, irrigation installment and repair, skidsteer and zero-turn mower operation, and tree disease treatment.

Co-led groups of kindergarten through fifth grade children at Elmhurst Park District's Funseekers Day Camp.

As part of a grounds crew, I helped to maintain and landscape production and display greenhouses, formal gardens, and restored natural areas. This entailed the removal of plants including invasive species, planting, fertilizing, irrigating, mulching, trimming, and assisting in the propagation of ornamental plants.

Routine tasks included watering, fertilizing, and cleaning of production and display greenhouses. As an intern, I was also able to participate in projects that overlapped with my interests. These included measuring the effects of pH in potting media on cyclamen growth, and maintenance and propagation of various plants within the carnivorous plant collection.

Over my time at the Elmhurst location of Oberweis Dairy, I had the responsibilities of taking in-person and phone orders, preparing menu items, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking, ingredient preparation, and helping to resolve customer questions and complaints.

Took in-person and phone orders, prepared food, cleaned, and carried out many other smaller tasks in a fast-paced environment.