Horticulturist - Zoo Landscaping & Plant Collections

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

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.