Job Purpose: The Browse Technician is responsible for supplying “browse” to the Zoo’s animal collection teams on a regular and timely basis. “Browse” is any approved plant species that can be consumed as a supplement to an animal’s diet. This includes all aspects of identification, procurement, handling and delivery. This position reports to the Director of Horticulture.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Responsible for coordinating with Zoo partner organizations to schedule regular browse pick-ups off-site and harvesting browse on zoo grounds as needed using appropriate Best Management Practices.
- Consulting with keeper staff to assess animal area browse requirements.
- Harvest browse from locally identified sites in a manner appropriate for animal consumption.
- Responsible for daily record keeping of browse species harvesting logs.
- Responsible for researching new browse proposals and report findings to Horticulture manager and Veterinary staff.
- Cultivation/propagation of sites for the purpose of harvesting for animal consumption.
- Assist with continued development of the local harvesting program, including site evaluation and species identification.
- Maintenance of all departmental vehicles, tools and equipment. Includes pruning tools, saws, chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc.
- Maintenance of browse gardens on zoo grounds.
- May at times assist the Horticulture team with Zoo grounds maintenance as needed.
- Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement
- Any other miscellaneous projects/assignment assigned by Zoo Atlanta’s Horticulture team.
Qualifications:
Knowledge:
- Quality plant ID skills highly important. Must be able to discern approved browse from unapproved species.
- Completion of browse species identification training and proficiency in browse field site evaluation and plant identification.
Special skills and abilities:
- Ability to learn to drive and operate medium/heavy duty vehicles - including 14’ trailer and skid steer. Ability to drive a manual transmission preferred.
- Consistently demonstrates strong and positive leadership skills in a team-oriented environment and proven ability to work well with co-workers.
- The ability to work independently at times with minimal to no supervision.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at Zoo Atlanta may require employees to work some weekends, holidays and evenings.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Biology or related field preferred.
Driving requirements:
- Must have a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record
Physical Demands:
- Ability to drive manual transmission vehicle preferred and repeatedly lift 50 pounds.
Work Environment:
- Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
- MISC:
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management.
- The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
- Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment
Perks
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, paid time off (PTO) and holidays, automatic 403(b) enrollment with employer match, employee assistance program (EAP), employee discounts and perks, professional development opportunities.
Salary
- $16.97 To $19.52 Hourly
