Seasonal Landscaper

Zoo New England; Stoneham (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Seasonal Landscaper to join their Horticulture Department. This role involves caring for and maintaining the beautiful landscapes at the Stone Zoo, ensuring they are safe and attractive for visitors. You'll engage in a variety of tasks from planting and maintaining flora to operating machinery and coordinating with volunteers. If you are passionate about working outdoors and enjoy hands-on tasks, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a vibrant environment while gaining valuable experience in horticulture. Join a team dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of the zoo and making a positive impact on the community.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of landscaping and horticultural principles.
• Ability to operate machinery and perform heavy manual labor.

Responsibilities

• Oversees care and maintenance of landscapes at Stone Zoo.
• Participates in landscape construction and maintenance activities.
• Interacts with Zoo guests and provides information.

Skills

Landscaping Knowledge

Customer Service

Machinery Operation

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Mowers

Chainsaws

Tractors

Weed-whackers

Job description

Position: Seasonal Landscaper Location: Stone ZooDepartment: Horticulture Reports To: Curator of HorticultureEmployee Classification: Non-Exempt Employment Status: Seasonal (30hrs /week)

The Zoo New England Horticulture Department is looking for a seasonal landscaper scheduled for 30 hours per week. Those who love the outdoors, are not afraid to get dirty, and enjoy beautifying spaces are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is temporary and not to exceed six months. Spend your summer and fall working amongst plants, animals, and the public! Morning shifts required, but flexible schedule offered.
Essential Job FunctionsOversees the care and maintenance of exterior and interior landscapes at Stone Zoo. This includes seasonal activities such as mowing, watering, leaf removal, and winter weather work. Oversees the work of volunteers, community service workers, seasonal employees, and interns on an assigned basis. Working with the horticulture and animal care teams, coordinates and executes various landscape projects within and around animal exhibits. Exercises strong communication and safety skills with various zoo departments.
Duties & Responsibilities•
Participates in the installation and maintenance of the landscapes at both the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos.•
Participates in all aspects of landscape construction and exhibit construction as pertains to the landscape.•
Plants trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, bulbs, seed and sod, as directed.•
Prepares planting areas, installs walls, fences, pathways, irrigation systems and water features, as directed.•
Waters trees, shrubs, plants and flowers utilizing irrigation systems, sprinklers, hoses, or by hand.•
Performs all aspects of plant maintenance including: weeding, dead-heading, pruning, fertilizing, transplanting, dividing, propagation, mulching and winterizing.•
Performs all aspects of grounds maintenance including: raking, sweeping, blowing, trash collection, snow removal, sanding and salting, mowing, edging and grading.•
Operates machinery including: mowers, hedgers, weed-whackers, chainsaws, snow throwers, roto-tillers, skid-steer loaders, backhoe-loaders, tractors and sod cutters.•
Assists in the collection and transport of purchased or donated trees, plants and flowers.•
Assists in the coordinating activities for Community Service groups, Seasonal employees, Volunteers and Interns.•
Monitors Zoo grounds to make sure they are safe, clean, attractive and comfortable for Zoo guests and staff.•
Interacts with and answers questions of Zoo guests by providing information about the Zoo and acts as a Good-Will Ambassador for the Zoo.•
Operates two-way radio responsibly and professionally.•
Attends training and education programs and seminars.•
Works outside in all weather.•
Performs related or non-related work as assigned to assure the proper operation of the Zoo.

Minimum Job Requirements•
Some basic knowledge of landscaping and horticultural principles and practices.•
Ability to provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers.•
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.•
Ability to work under conditions including adverse weather and heights.•
Ability to operate machinery.•
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.•
Must have the ability and willingness to work independently and as a team member.•
A valid driver’s license is not required, but is beneficial.•
Must be able and willing to work weekends, holidays and overtime, as needed.•
Must have a good work history.•
Ability to perform heavy manual labor.