Horticulturist

Akron Zoo; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Zoo is seeking a grounds/landscape technician to maintain gardens and landscaped areas under minimal supervision. The role requires strong horticulture knowledge, attention to detail, and experience with plantings, pruning, mulching, and clean-up tasks.

Preferred is a 1–2 year background in a public garden or zoological park and a pesticide license or willingness to obtain one within six months. The position is full-time with union benefits and requires a valid Ohio driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of horticulture; planting, mulching, pruning and general maintenance of flowerbeds and plantings.
• At least 1–2 years’ experience in a public garden, zoological park or similar facility preferred.
• Pesticide license preferred (or willingness to obtain license within 6 months).

Responsibilities

• Regular maintenance and installation of gardens, landscaped areas, exhibits, and planters. Eliminate overgrowth and manage natural areas.
• Evaluate and work with Senior Facilities & Grounds Manager to correct problems with flora-related diseases and pests. Coordinate with staff/contractors for pest control.
• Application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides; lawn maintenance; snow and ice removal.
• Install plants to meet landscaping plans and design specifications; ensure successful growth.
• Organize, prioritize and execute both routine and non-routine work safely and efficiently.
• Operate equipment such as tractors, high lifts, forklifts, trucks, and carts.
• Maintain outdoor park areas to ensure a safe, pleasant guest experience.
• Generate work requests and track completion/quality of all assigned work; provide input into annual landscape plan.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Attention to detail

Equipment operation

Lawn maintenance

Education

College degree in horticulture/landscape architecture/botany

Tools

Tractors

High lifts

Forklifts

Trucks & carts

Job description

This position possesses skills and knowledge for maintaining the grounds and landscaped areas and does so with minimum to moderate supervision. Must possess and be able to apply a good working knowledge of all aspects of horticulture. Planting, mulching, pruning, and general maintenance of flowerbeds and plantings is required. Must be able to perform required park cleanliness tasks such as litter removal and blow downs with minimum supervision. Attention to detail is necessary. At least 1-2 years’ experience working in a public garden, zoological park or similar facility is preferred. College degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, botany, or related field preferred. Pesticide license is preferred (or must be willing to obtain license within 6 months - zoo paid training).

This position possesses skills and knowledge for maintaining the grounds and landscaped areas and does so with minimum to moderate supervision. Must possess and be able to apply a good working knowledge of all aspects of horticulture. Planting, mulching, pruning, and general maintenance of flowerbeds and plantings is required. Must be able to perform required park cleanliness tasks such as litter removal and blow downs with minimum supervision. Attention to detail is necessary. At least 1-2 years’ experience working in a public garden, zoological park or similar facility is preferred. College degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, botany, or related field preferred. Pesticide license is preferred (or must be willing to obtain license within 6 months - zoo paid training).

Requirements

• Regular maintenance and installation of gardens, landscaped areas, exhibits, and planters. Eliminate overgrowth and manage natural areas.
• Evaluate and work with Senior Facilities & Grounds Manager to correct problems with flora related diseases and pests. Work closely with staff and contractor on pest and insect control as needed.
• Application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Responsible for lawn maintenance.
• Removal of snow and ice.
• Responsible for installation of plants to ensure success of growth. Meet park’s landscaping plan and original design specifications.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and execute safely and efficiently both routine and non-routine work assignments.
• Operate equipment such as tractors, high lifts, forklifts, trucks, and carts.
• Maintain outdoor areas of park as appropriate to ensure a safe and pleasant guest experience.
• Responsible for generation of work requests/and track completion/quality of all assigned work required.
• Provide input into annual landscape plan.
• Maintain accurate records as needed.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.

The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE. Valid Ohio driver’s license required.

This is a Full-time, Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining position with benefits. Hourly pay for this position ranges from $20.89 - $24.75 based on experience as per union contract. Normal operation hours are Tuesday - Saturday 6:0 am-3:00 pm with Sunday and Monday as the days off. This position may include working some weekends, holidays, and evenings. Open until filled. Age 18 or over to apply.