Horticulture Technician (Full-Time)

Do you have a green thumb and enjoy gardening? Our Horticulture team provides an environment where native species visit our natural habitats such as the Monarch Butterfly and North American songbird to name a few, among many other wonders of nature.  Our horticulturists provide hands-on care for our outdoor gardens, nature areas, landscapes, animal exhibits, greenhouses, and composting areas to over 1,000 plant species spanning over 100 acres. Your day will be providing daily maintenance to consistently provide a lush and vibrant atmosphere through planting, weeding, and pruning utilizing garden tools. You have prepared for this role with experience in a paid or voluntary manner in a public garden, landscaping maintenance, or greenhouse industry. This role is a physical labor-intensive role in Northeast Florida weather elements. Our zoo is open rain or shine, 363 days a year to enjoy.

Apply today to be part of our journey to support our mission through education programs and several conservation projects.  

We are committed to our future growth and value our diverse team members to help us meet our mission of “Connecting the community to wildlife with wild places.”

Do you have…

• A High School diploma or equivalent?
• Experience with plants and landscaping?
• Knowledge in landscaping or grounds maintenance of the gardens?
• Experience planting, weeding, and pruning?
• Flexibility to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned?
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record to operate organization vehicles?

A Plus…

Certification in pesticide application. 

• Relevant vocational certification/ associate or bachelor’s degree, in horticulture, forestry, and/or related field. 
• Plant knowledge and species identification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• Ability to operate safely vehicles, motorized carts, hand, and power tools.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to operate motorized cart, trucks, hand and/or power tools. 
• Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to transport and move items up to 50 pounds for short distances without difficulty.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot, including any construction sites.
• Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in documents.
• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher/hear information accurately, using a two-way radio.
• Inclusion, diversity, and equity as a value

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height.

EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE