Horticulture Technician

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Excellent working environment

Benefits

Job summary

A local nonprofit zoo located in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking a Horticulturist to manage various horticultural tasks and supervise staff. Candidates should have a strong background in horticulture with a minimum of two years of college coursework. The role involves both outdoor work and a commitment to customer service, ensuring a beautiful environment for zoo visitors. This is a full-time position requiring flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Understanding of methods and materials used in zoo horticulture.
• Ability to handle various tasks independently.
• Capable of professional customer service interactions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe working conditions for staff and animals.
• Perform tasks related to horticulture maintenance.
• Supervise seasonal staff and volunteers.

Skills

Resourceful

Flexible

Independent

Positive

Clear communication skills

Customer-oriented

Innovative

Education

Completion of two years of college coursework in horticulture or related field

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Power tools

Skid loaders

Vehicles

Job description

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

Position Purpose

This position is under the direct supervision of the Horticulture Manager and is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to all aspects of zoo horticulture, outdoor and indoor, and equipment maintenance.

The following duties are essential to this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Follows all protocols to maintain safe working conditions for staff, visitors and animals.
• Completes tasks related to all aspects of horticulture maintenance: grass mowing, weed-eating, leaf raking, trimming, pruning, tree removal, turf maintenance, etc.
• Supervises seasonal staff, volunteers, and volunteer groups that work in the horticulture department. Examples of volunteer functions include planting and maintenance of flower gardens, clean-up of leaves and trash on grounds, and occasional light maintenance duties.
• Assist in emergency situations as needed (guest or staff illness, weather, etc.)
• Assist maintenance as needed
• Other duties as a signed

Requirements

• Resourceful - Understanding of or ability to research methods and materials used to create exhibits and animal areas.
• Flexible - Ability to handle a flexible workload and hours with a variety of assignments.
• Independent - Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Positive - Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
• Customer – Oriented – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.
• Innovative - Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to horticulture, project construction, and exhibit design.

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk on even terrain, climb, and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines, and equipment. The incumbent is regularly exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain. Most of the job tasks are completed outside. Some work is required in small and/or confined spaces.Incumbents are exposed to noisy environments such as mowers and motors.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Driving.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling –
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Reaching with hands and arms.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Tasting or smelling.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Required education and experience

• Completion of two years of college major course work in a horticulture field or related area OR any combination in which education and experience are interchangeable at the rate of one year of education for one year of experience.
• High school diploma required or GED.

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to operate various equipment, including skid loaders, trailers, and large vehicles.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

• First Aid/CPR Training

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.