Horticulturist
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things - our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, our friendly staff… but did you know that we have a strong set of core values that make us the best team around? We’re more than coworkers… we’re family. By Building Collaborative Relationships, displaying Positivity & Energy, having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership, supporting Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect, and embracing Progressive Thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that focuses on our visitors, community & future. We look forward to having you join the team!
Position Summary
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a unique experience in public horticulture combining animal immersion habitats in a botanical garden environment. The CZBG is the second oldest zoo and display park (1875) in the US. The Garden features a large diversity in woody and herbaceous collections and an expansive plant production and growing nursery. Stunning summer annual displays and a diverse collection of perennials are featured as one of the region’s largest annual and perennial trials.
The Horticulture Department is seeking a Horticulturist to join our team.
We are looking for a motivated and skilled horticulturist to assist with the gardens, nursery, and landscaping projects throughout the zoo and greater community. This position requires the ability to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish a variety of landscaping and growing goals. Skills in prioritization and leadership as well as the ability to work with volunteers and members of the community are vital to this role. This is a hands-on position with duties including, but not limited to: planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, garden design and maintenance, bed preparation, landscaping, plant propagation and growing, inventory and labeling, and snow removal. This role may require regularly managing seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required in order to fit in with our team.
Job Details:
Duration: Year Round
Hours: 40 hours per week, weekend availability required
Pay Rate: Depending upon experience
Responsibilities of Horticulturist include, but are not limited to:
- Identifies a wide array of plant species.
- Assists with new garden installations, reinvestment projects, and rotating displays. This includes tasks such as tilling, grading, amending soil, planting: annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs, and watering
- Undertakes a variety of garden maintenance tasks such as: pruning, weeding, and mulching
- Assists with seasonal tasks such as spring clean-up, planting annuals/bulbs, leaf collection and snow removal
- Assists with tasks associated with nursery production and care. This includes tasks such as potting, weeding, fertilizing, integrated pest management, loading/unloading plants, labeling, and inventory
- Maintains a safe work environment through the proper care of landscaping tools and equipment.
- Operates motorized landscaping equipment (string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers, mowers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers, and bobcats).
- May perform physical labor around large machinery.
- Implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary.
- Lead seasonal staff, interns, and volunteer groups to complete garden tasks
- Works with other team members and interacts with public
Desired Qualifications/Experience:
- Degree in horticulture or related plant science field preferred
- Experience in horticulture or landscape maintenance required
- Strong knowledge of plant material and best horticultural practices
- Strong knowledge of plants, their growth, and cultural characteristics
- Experience with the propagation and production of plants is a plus
- Experience with the operation of commercial landscape equipment
- Current Ohio pesticide applicators license and or arborist certification is a plus
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Include:
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required in order to fit in with our team
- Ability to learn plants’ horticultural requirements including pest recognition and control
- Ability and willingness to perform a variety of gardening tasks outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Flexibility to work in an ever-changing environment with demonstrated ability to prioritize and juggle competing tasks
- Demonstrated understanding and acceptance of the Core Values and Behaviors of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Lives these on a day-today basis, “Modeling the Way” for others.
- Excellent attention to detail, project management and interpersonal & organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment
- Requires an individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who is able to gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships
- Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance
- Have a demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
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. This position requires physical labor on a regular basis. 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 50 pounds without assistance and have a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle). The incumbent is also regularly exposed to a wide diversity of plant material. This position is part of AFSCME Local 282 and the incumbent is subject to the deduction of monthly Union dues.
Key Perks & Benefits
This is full-time, overtime-eligible, and eligible for the Zoo’s benefit programs for Union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes. Additionally, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden promotes a positive team culture and supports personal and professional development opportunities (career development, education, trainings, etc.)
To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please apply soon!
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Queen City Certified Leader in Workplace Equity. Non-traditional candidates of diverse backgrounds are not only welcomed, but highly encouraged to apply.
