Outer Properties Seasonal Horticulturist
The Horticulture Department is seeking Seasonal Horticulture Assistants to join our team in our Outer Properties. These areas include zoo-affiliated parking lots, residences, and community gardens.
Outer Property Seasonal Horticulturists will work independently and alongside Horticulture Staff to complete a variety of tasks primarily in the outer areas of the zoo which may include:
- Outer Property Maintenance – maintaining the overall health and aesthetics of the landscapes surrounding the zoo and affiliated areas
- Lawn and Bed Maintenance – mowing grass using commercial mowers (zero turn and ride behind), edging beds and string trimming along sidewalks, fences, etc.
- Weed Control – string trimming weeds and application of herbicide if necessary
- Mulching - properly applying mulch to tree rings and garden areas
- Garden Maintenance – occasional detailed maintenance of garden areas. This may include hand-weeding between plants, perennial and grass cutbacks, and pruning trees and shrubs
- Replacement Planting – occasional replanting of landscape and garden areas
- Providing Support to other horticulture crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes
Qualifications/Experience: Education and/or experience in horticulture or landscape maintenance preferred; must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance and have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle.
Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check. We are open 7-days a week, so the ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays & weekends is required. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines and equipment. The job requires the ability to bend up and down regularly. The incumbent is also regularly exposed to various weather conditions and a wide diversity of plant material.
Requirements for Horticulture Assistant positions include:
- Individuals will have a passion for and general knowledge of plants, a willingness to learn and follow directions, and the ability to perform physical labor in an outdoor environment
- May perform physical labor around areas of heavy construction
- Maintain a safe work environment through the proper care of landscaping tools and equipment
- Will operate motorized landscaping equipment (mowers, string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers)
- Identifies a wide array of plant species and cultivars
- Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary
- Lead volunteer groups, works with other team members, and assists zoo visitors
- Support other departmental crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes
- Ability be a good teammate and model the Zoo’s Core Values
Job Details:
Duration: Positions will run for various periods of time, beginning in July 2024
Hours: Variable hours, ranging from 20-40 per week
Pay Rate: Depending on experience
Key Perks & Benefits
Fun & engaging work environment
Ability to earn Paid Time Off
Complimentary Zoo passes
Discount on food & retail on Zoo grounds
Positive team culture
Flexible scheduling (Student Friendly)
Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment
Personal & professional development opportunities (career development, education, training, etc.)
Please include a resume/work history with your online application