Horticulture Technician 1-Part Time

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is seeking a Plant Care professional to maintain plantings across displays and habitats. You will perform planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and pest management to keep landscapes vibrant.

You will identify species on the property, understand regional growth needs, and collaborate with staff to deliver engaging guest experiences while upholding safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and English proficiency.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office; willingness to learn new software.
• Ability to compile a list of 30 plants by common and Latin names within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent plant care: planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and pest management.
• Identify and understand plant species on the property and regional growth requirements.
• Maintain gardens, green spaces, greenhouse, nursery, and shop areas.
• Engage with staff and guests to create a safe, inclusive environment.
• Collaborate with teams, participate in tours or talks, and assist with recruitment and training.

Skills

Plant care

Pruning

Watering

Pest management

Plant identification

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

English proficiency

Microsoft Office familiarity

Tools

Basic horticulture tools

Plant list compilation

Job description

Plant Care

• Provide excellent and professional care of plants through proper planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and pest management.
• Identify plants that are present on the property and be familiar with plants that grow in the region.
• Understand the culture and care requirements of these plants.
• Scope includes trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials, annuals, tropicals, palms, succulents, aquatics, turf, and groundcover.

Garden Care

• Maintain gardens and green spaces at an aesthetic, engaging, and functional level.
• Safely, effectively, and efficiently use tools such as pruners, shovels, rakes, mowers, and landscape power equipment.
• Maintain the greenhouse, nursery, and shop area.

Communication and Collaboration

• Engage positively with staff and guests to contribute to an inclusive and safe environment.
• Collaborate with other teams to share information as a plant and garden care expert.
• Support revenue‑generating plans and functions.
• Conduct engaging guest experiences, including tours, talks, and behind‑the‑scenes experiences.
• Assist with recruitment, training, mentoring, and oversight of new team members including volunteers and interns.

Safety and Compliance

• Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards or risks.
• Immediately report any safety issues to the appropriate personnel to ensure swift resolution and a safe environment for all visitors and staff.
• Enforce safety rules, maintain order, and adhere to organizational safety protocols.
• Support the protection of plants, animals, and habitats.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency and safety using basic horticulture tools.
• Demonstrated ability to transplant and plant materials properly.
• Ability to perform tasks related to plant care, garden upkeep, and landscape maintenance.
• Identify and understand a wide range of plant species, including growth habits, care requirements, and environmental needs.
• Access and utilize resources like approved browse plant lists and toxic plant information.
• Compile a list of common toxic plants and common plant pests found on zoo property.
• Differentiate between established garden plantings and nuisance weeds.
• Interact positively and safely with employees and visitors.
• Maintain focus despite interruptions and manage stress to perform the job effectively.
• Work independently using sound judgment, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
• Learn and share information about plants, gardening, and zoo horticulture.
• Excellent communication, customer service, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Attention to detail and keen observational skills.
• Embrace diversity and foster an inclusive work environment.

Required Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• English language proficiency.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn new computer software as needed.
• Strong passion for horticulture with a clear desire to learn and grow within the field.
• Ability to compile a list of 30 plants by common and Latin names within the first 90 days of employment.

Desired Education and Experience

• Experience in a green industry business, public garden, or zoo.
• Study in horticulture, wildlife conservation, environmental sciences, or related fields.

Additional Requirements

• Availability for a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, weekends, and willingness to share on‑call duties.

Physical Requirements

• Remain standing for extended periods.
• Ascend/descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain while maintaining balance.
• Hand‑eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping and manipulating objects.
• Lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach as required.
• Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings; auditory acuity for communication.
• Operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.

Work Conditions

• Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
• Potential exposure to allergens, sharp and irritating plant parts, soil types, fertilizers, pesticides, bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and animal injuries.
• Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
• Work in small, enclosed areas, around and in water, elevated workspaces, and active construction sites.

Travel Expectations

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; over 18 to drive organizational vehicles.
• May require local or international travel.

Commitment to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

• Support Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ mission: "Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places."
• Live by the organization’s values:
  • CULTURE: Foster a collaborative culture where safety is foundational and equity and well‑being are prioritized for all life forms.
  • CONSERVATION: Proactively address environmental challenges and promote empathy, support, and compassion toward the planet and its inhabitants.
  • EDUCATION: Create learning opportunities that inspire change, enrich interactions, and connect the community.
  • INNOVATION: Continuously grow and develop, valuing creativity and diversity to remain relevant.

EEO Statement

• We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height.
• We are a Drug‑Free workplace and participate in E‑Verify.
• JZG is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.