Horticulturist

Natural and Cultural Resources; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 31,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo, operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is hiring Grounds Workers II to maintain large landscapes and plant collections supporting animal habitats and visitor experiences.

Selected candidates will perform daily maintenance, assist with landscape construction, and ensure safety compliance. The position requires physical work, a valid driver's license, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus two years of horticultural experience.
• Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources, greenhouse and grounds maintenance, horticulture technology, landscape gardening or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• May require North Carolina Commercial Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Daily landscape maintenance including leaf-blowing, weeding, mulching, and pruning; fertilizing, watering and pesticide applications.
• Landscape construction and design.
• Operate landscape equipment and perform daily maintenance inspections.
• Comply with safety, environmental, and Zoo SOPs.
• Interact with Zoo guests, answer questions and provide information.
• Build knowledge of the Zoo's plant collection.
• Use computers for plant research, data entry, and record-keeping.

Skills

Pesticide applicator license

Plant maintenance knowledge

Integrated pest/weed management

Landscaping equipment operation

Irrigation installation/maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources or related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

String trimmers

Blowers

Tractors

Front-end loaders

Skid-steers

Irrigation systems

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Job Classification Title Grounds Worker II (S) Position Number Grade NC03

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! Do you enjoy working outdoors planting and maintaining large landscapes? The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire multiple, experienced and enthusiastic team members to join our multiple Horticulture teams. A Horticulturist at the North Carolina Zoo is responsible for maintaining and enhancing plant collections and landscapes that support animal habitats, visitor experiences, and conservation goals. Their work supports the horticulture mission to advance public awareness of the importance of plants and their role in nature and contributes to the goal of creating living pictures of wild places that respectfully represent animal habitats.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily landscape maintenance, including leaf-blowing, weeding, mulching, and pruning, as well as fertilizing, watering and pesticide applications.
• Landscape construction and design.
• Landscape equipment operation and daily maintenance inspection.
• Comply with safety, environmental, and all Zoo Standard Operating Procedures.
• Interact with Zoo guests, answer questions and provide information.
• Grow a thorough knowledge of the Zoo's plant collection.
• Use computers for plant research, data entry and record keeping.

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range: $31,200 - $43,000

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• A valid North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s license.
• Demonstrated thorough working knowledge of plant maintenance procedures and horticultural practices used in landscape installation and grounds maintenance.
• Demonstrated plant knowledge and experience in integrated pest/weed management.
• Demonstrated experience with various equipment used for landscaping such as string trimmers, blowers, tractors, front-end loaders, skid-steers and/or other related equipment.
• Demonstrated experience with irrigation installation, maintenance and repairs.

Position / Physical Requirements

Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm with an unpaid one hour lunch period

Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.

This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.

Requires working rotating weekends and holidays throughout the year, on average once every 2 months for every team member.

Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to contact with animal containment areas

Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

Must be able to lift between 30-50 pounds of aggregate material to a height of 18 inches and transport it laterally at a distance of 4.5 feet on a frequent basis.

Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions in all extremes of weather.

Experience with computers for research, data entry and/or record keeping.

Selected candidate must be a team player and maintain effective work relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

• High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of progressive experience in horticultural work;
• Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources, greenhouse and grounds maintenance, horticulture technology, landscape gardening or closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution;
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

• May require North Carolina Commercial Driver's License.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship. Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org

Supplemental and Contact Information

Location: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Sign-On Bonus Eligibility

To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act. Employee eligible for a sign-on must work at least 20 hours per week. All Sign-on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.