Associate, Horticulture (Full-time, Regular)

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Zoo Membership options

Job summary

Oakland Zoo is seeking a Full-time Horticulture Associate to maintain vegetation and support a pleasant environment across the Zoo and Lower Park Creek. You will install, monitor, and maintain plants, trees, and shrubs, and coordinate with the Horticulture Lead and Grounds Crew.

The role requires at least 1 year of relevant experience or education, a valid driver’s license, and readiness to work weekends, early mornings, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience and/or education.
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier)
• Skills in safe use of landscape maintenance equipment
• Basic knowledge of plants including identification, proper placement, maintenance, and irrigation
• Able to work weekends, early morning shift, and holidays as needed

Responsibilities

• Uses gardening equipment for planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance.
• Troubleshoots and repairs irrigation.
• Coordinates with Horticulture Lead and Grounds Crew.
• Safely drives supply cart throughout Zoo for project work as needed.
• Demonstrates superior customer service, both internal and external.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Skills

Plant knowledge

Driver's license

Customer service

Equipment operation

Education

1 year experience/education

Tools

Landscape maintenance equipment

Job description

Full-time

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.86 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Finalist candidates will need to complete a paid on-site working interview to be considered.

Position Summary

Horticulture Associates are essential members of Oakland Zoo’s team, tending to vegetation to maintain a pleasant and functional environment throughout the Zoo. They install, monitor, and maintain plants, trees, and shrubs located within the Zoo and Lower Park Creek. They uphold the mission and values of the Zoo and adhere to policies and procedures set forth by the Zoo to support everyone in having the most positive and enjoyable experience possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Uses gardening equipment for planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance.


• Troubleshoots and repairs irrigation.


• Coordinates with Horticulture Lead and Grounds Crew.


• Safely drives supply cart throughout Zoo for project work as needed.


• Demonstrates superior customer service, both internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.).


• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Who You Are

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience and/or education.


• At least 18 years old


• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance Carrier)


• Skills in safe use of landscape maintenance equipment


• Basic knowledge of plants including identification, proper placement, maintenance, and irrigation


• Able to work weekends, early morning shift, and holidays as needed

Work Environment

Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust

Physical Considerations

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 pounds


• Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities


• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued


• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times


• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife


• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department

Benefits

• Health insurance


• Dental insurance


• Vision insurance


• Flexible spending account


• Retirement plan


• Paid time off


• Employee Assistance Program


• Zoo Membership options

$22.86/hour