Gardener

Socket.dev; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 23,419 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

EAP

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Zoo perks

Inclusive culture

AZA‑accredited facility

Job summary

Nashville Zoo is seeking a full-time Gardener to join the Horticulture team. Responsibilities include monitoring plant health, watering, pruning, fertilizing, mowing lawns, weed control, and keeping spaces clean and safe for visitors.

The ideal candidate will work with minimal supervision, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and maintain high standards of safety when operating equipment. A valid driver’s license is required for this on-site role.

Qualifications

• Must have strong work ethic and be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to learn plant names and care requirements.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff and visitors.
• Ability to perform tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Capable of safely using landscape tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prune and weed landscaped areas.
• Learn and remember tasks and processes, stay focused and complete work independently.
• Monitor irrigation systems and ensure they function properly.
• Hand water plantings not yet established.
• Install plants when needed.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Assist other departments when requested.
• Complete tasks in an orderly, efficient manner.
• Continue to expand horticulture knowledge during tenure at the Zoo.

Skills

Independent work

Willingness to learn

Interpersonal skills

Organized & efficient

Equipment safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Landscaping/grounds maintenance background preferred

Valid driver’s license required

Job description

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us

At Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full‑time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well‑being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA‑accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top‑tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Position Description

We are currently seeking a Gardener (full‑time) to join our Horticulture department. We are looking for passionate plant people who are willing to learn and grow with the Zoo. Gardener responsibilities include monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees and shrubs, fertilizing and mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter within their assigned area. You should know how to use and maintain landscaping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and fertilizers while following health and safety regulations. Ultimately, you will make sure our gardens and green spaces are always healthy and beautiful.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prune and weed landscaped areas.
• Must be able to learn and remember tasks and processes, maintain focus and complete tasks independently.
• Monitor irrigation systems and ensure they are working properly.
• Hand water all plantings that are not established.
• Install plants when necessary.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Assist other departments and staff when requested.
• Complete assigned tasks in an orderly efficient manner.
• Further horticulture knowledge during tenure at the Zoo.

Qualifications

Skills

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability and motivation to learn the plants on grounds and their proper care.
• Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to professionally and safely use small, medium and heavy equipment and tools required for the execution of assigned tasks.

Education / Experience

• Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• A background in landscaping or grounds maintenance is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Responsibilities

Staff must frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs. These roles require frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance. Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration. Positions may involve using power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles and require adherence to established safety procedures. PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on operational needs.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Schedule

Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug‑free work environment. All employment is at‑will.

• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre‑employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.

Pay Range

$17.37 – $18.41 USD