Horticulture and Grounds Assistant

Job Description

The Horticulture Assistant performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintaining indoor and outdoor plant collections.

• Assists in planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals

• Performs landscape maintenance as needed or assigned, including mowing, weeding, pruning, spring cleanup, edging, mulching, and fall cleanup

• Assists with landscape construction projects, including building of retaining walls, paver installation, grading, drainage work, and irrigation installation

• Operates water truck and pump

• Properly prunes indoor and outdoor ornamental plant specimens

• Supports the Zoo's animal browse supplemental feeding program

• Assists in various housekeeping tasks

• Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.

• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.

• Actively participates in related training

• Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license under the laws of the state of Ohio.

• Knowledge of ornamental horticulture, plant identification skills, and experience operating small landscape equipment.

• Must be age 18 or older.

• Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment including: Automatic vehicles, small landscape equipment including: rototiller, string trimmer, bed edger, gas powered shears, and backpack blower, sprayers, pumps, and irrigation equipment, mower.

• Willingness to work in all weather conditions outdoors and able to work on steep inclines

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.

• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.

• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.

• Ability to work cooperatively with others.

• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Work Schedule: 6 AM to 4:30 PM; seasonal position up to 40 hours per week
Filing Deadline: Open until filled
Wage: $15.00 per hour