Horticulturalist

General Purpose

The Horticulturist will work independently or as part of a crew to maintain Zoo landscaping and grounds in an attractive, healthy, and safe manner. Work involves a variety of horticultural, maintenance, and grounds development tasks. This position requires collaboration with Zoo staff, contractors and the public to advance the Zoo’s mission of inspiring our guests to care for animals, make connections, build community, and save wildlife.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $20.50 - $24.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

Essential Accountabilities

• Operate gardening equipment including but not limited to a lawn mower, edger, weed eater, pole saw, and backpack blower in the cutting of grass and weeds.
• Maintain the aesthetic appeal and safety of public areas, pathways, and exhibit surroundings
• Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses as directed.
• Water and apply fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides to lawns, shrubs, flowers, and plants.
• Move and replace soil, gravel, sand and other rock and mineral materials.
• Remove debris and refuge from landscaping and other Zoo grounds as needed.
• Perform various irrigation and general maintenance tasks as needed to maintain Zoo landscaping and grounds.
• Install, repair, and maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Assist with the general maintenance of facilities, equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Identify plant species as needed for care and maintenance.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the Zoo’s facilities and offsite. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Job Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in landscaping or irrigation with knowledge of the maintenance and care of trees, flowers, and shrubs, the use and care of mechanical equipment and hand tools preferably in a zoo, botanical garden or similar setting.
• Knowledge of plants, vegetation management practices and ability to accurately identify plant species.
• Experience operating various types of machinery including, but not limited to, forklifts, scissor lift, bobcat. and pallet jacks preferred.
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
• Good written and verbal English language communication skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

• This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for operation of gardening equipment and other machinery; use fingers for fine manipulation of hand tools and plants.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Visual acuity to operate machinery and read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess the thoroughness of the work assigned. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position functions primarily outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, Zoo environments and external events.
• The employee is regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), fumes from equipment operation, and dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.