Seasonal Horticulture Nursery Assistant (Bowyer Farm)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Fun & engaging work environment

Paid Time Off

Zoo passes

Discount on food & retail

Flexible scheduling

Free Metro Bus Pass

Development opportunities

Job summary

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden seeks a Nursery Assistant to support daily production and maintenance at Bowyer Farm. The role emphasizes care of native plant material, potting, watering, and inventory management in a dynamic nursery setting.

Candidates should be passionate about plants, able to lift 50 pounds, and work well in a team. Flexible hours and weekend coverage may be required, with a focus on safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Education and/or experience in horticulture preferred
• Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
• Valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle
• Interest in native plants, horticulture and ecology
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Assist with potting, transplanting, and propagating native plant species
• Water plants using hand-watering techniques and/or irrigation systems
• Monitor plant health and report signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies
• Weed control in containers and production beds
• Label, organize, and maintain accurate plant inventory
• Prepare plant orders for customers, including pulling and staging material
• Load and unload plant shipments and supplies
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of greenhouse and outdoor growing areas
• Assist with seed collection, cleaning, and storage
• Follow safety protocols and proper equipment use
• Lead volunteer crews to accomplish nursery tasks

Skills

Plant care

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Communication

Education

Horticulture training or coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office

Irrigation systems

Hand tools

Job description

Location: Bowyer Farm (2210 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040)

Company: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Employment Type: Part-Time / Seasonal

Position Overview

The Horticulture nursery complex at Bowyer Farm, home of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s esteemed Native Plant Program, specializes in growing high-quality plant material for Zoo landscapes, community gardens, plant sales and special conservation projects. We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Nursery Assistant to support daily production and maintenance activities in our growing facilities. A passion for ALL plants is essential and a passion for native plants is a plus. This is an outstanding opportunity to expand your knowledge in the care, identification and maintenance of plants. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required to fit in with our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with potting, transplanting, and propagating native plant species
• Water plants using hand-watering techniques and/or irrigation systems
• Monitor plant health and report signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies
• Weed control in containers and production beds
• Label, organize, and maintain accurate plant inventory
• Prepare plant orders for customers, including pulling and staging material
• Load and unload plant shipments and supplies
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of greenhouse and outdoor growing areas
• Assist with seed collection, cleaning, and storage
• Follow safety protocols and proper equipment use
• Lead volunteer crews to accomplish nursery tasks

Qualifications

• Education and/or experience in horticulture preferred
• Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
• Valid driver’s license and be insurable (to drive a Zoo vehicle)
• Interest in native plants, horticulture and ecology
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Skills

• Basic knowledge of plant identification, including native species
• Comfortability with Microsoft suite and basic computer applications
• Experience with hand tools, small equipment and irrigation systems
• Understanding of basic growing practices

Working Conditions

Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check. Bowyer Farm is a fully operational nursery complex that requires 7-day care and often hosts weekend plant sales. The ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays & weekends is required. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines and equipment. The job requires the ability to bend up and down regularly. The incumbent is also regularly exposed to various weather conditions and a wide diversity of plant material in greenhouses, hoophouses and outdoor growing areas.

Other Requirements for all Horticulture Assistants include

• May operate motorized landscaping equipment (string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers)
• Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary
• Support other departmental crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes
• Ability be a good teammate and model the Zoo’s Core Values

Job Details

Duration: Positions will run for various periods of time. Expected start date March 2026.

Hours: Variable hours, ranging from 20-40 per week

Pay Rate: Depending on experience

Key Perks & Benefits

• Fun & engaging work environment
• Ability to earn Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Zoo passes
• Discount on food & retail on Zoo grounds
• Positive team culture
• Flexible scheduling (Student Friendly)
• Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment
• Personal & professional development opportunities (career development, education, training, etc.)

Please include a resume/work history with your online application