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Horticulturist

Knoxville ; Zoo • 1w ago

Position Type:
  Operations/Grounds Keeper

Date Posted:
  3/11/2026

Location:
  Zoo Knoxville

Department: Horticulture & Grounds

Reports To: Director of Horticulture & Grounds

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Payrate: $17.00-$19.00 hourly

Supervises: N/A

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Horticulturist has a key role in the Horticulture/Groundskeeping department and is responsible for planning and executing all landscape projects pertaining to ongoing grounds maintenance, upkeep, and upgrades to provide an exceptional Zoo guest experience. The position also participates in exhibit and garden design and works with other departments such as animal care, education, development, events and guest services and facility maintenance to meet zoo operational success. They will play an essential role in maintaining the zoo's botanical collections, ensuring a healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and educational environment for our visitors, staff, and animal residents. The Horticulturist will work collaboratively with zoo staff to support sustainability efforts, enhance animal habitats, and contribute to conservation initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a team member, exemplify Zoo Knoxville's Core Values through interactions with guests and fellow team members.
Design, implement, and maintain the zoo's landscape and horticultural displays, including themed gardens, plant collections, and habitats for animals with eye toward enhancing educational programming and guest engagement.
Plan, lead and direct all aspects of plant maintenance including watering, weeding, deadheading, pruning, fertilizing, transplanting, dividing, propagation, mulching, and winterizing ensuring plants are healthy and visually appealing.
Update outdoor spaces to improve aesthetics or functionality.
Conduct regular plant health assessments and develop strategies for pest management, disease prevention, and overall plant maintenance.
Support sustainability and conservation efforts by selecting native and drought-tolerant plants, promoting water conservation, and utilizing eco-friendly gardening practices.
Oversee all aspects of grounds maintenance including raking, sweeping, blowing, sanding/salting, mowing, edging, grading, leaf-removal and storm clean up.
Perform seasonal leaf clean up, and storm debris clean-up.
Coordinate the propagation and purchase of annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and woody plants for seasonal and permanent displays and to maintain and add to plant collections.
Manage the care of plants in both outdoor and indoor settings, ensuring proper soil health, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and seasonal adjustments.
Collaborate with the Director of Horticulture & Grounds and animal care teams to select plant species that are safe and beneficial for animal habitats, taking into consideration dietary needs and enrichment. Coordinates the propagation and purchase of annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and woody plants for seasonal and permanent displays and to maintain and add to plant collections.
Oversee and supervise special projects as directed.
Oversee the preparation and processing of departmental records and reports; prepare purchase orders, maintenance requests, daily logs, inventories, pesticide application charts and watering charts.
Work closely with other departments to enhance the overall guest experience and ensure the safety and well-being of zoo animals.
Perform snow removal and salt application per the snow removal plan.
Clean and recycle growing containers.
Monitor irrigation systems and ensure they are working properly.
Complete assigned tasks in an orderly efficient manner.
Oversee the safe storage and use of horticultural tools, equipment, and chemicals, following all safety guidelines and protocols.
Assist with exhibit planning upon request.
Lead educational initiatives, including tours, related to plant conservation, sustainable horticulture practices, and the role of plants in biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Cross train and fulfill job duties as a Groundskeeper as needed, determined by the Director of Horticulture & Grounds.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

2-4 years of experience in horticulture, with a preference for experience in zoos, public gardens, or similar environments.
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate
Strong knowledge of plant species, landscape design, soil science, pest management, and sustainable gardening practices.
Familiarity with safe plant species for animals.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate visitors and staff on plant-related topics.
Physical stamina to perform tasks that may include heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and working in various weather conditions.
Valid driver's license and ability to operate equipment such as tractors, lawnmowers, and other horticultural tools.

Don't meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such, each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.