Horticulturist - Full Time

From trekking across a wide variety of terrain in our exhibits, to cultivating plant life and maintaining the landscaping design, our Horticulturist is always on the go to ensure our scenery is pristine! The Indianapolis Zoo is actively foraging to find another green thumb to join our amazing Horticulture team! If you are an energetic, motivated, gardening/ landscaping/ horticultural expert who thrives on physically demanding work and prefers the outdoors, look no further, your next career is at the Zoo!

• At the Indianapolis Zoo, our Horticulture team does it all from managing the White River Gardens to nurturing the plant life in and around our animal habitats, to assisting with snow removal.
• Being part of this team requires physical stamina, excellent interpersonal skills, a positive outlook, and the ability to work independently and productively with little supervision.
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining the Zoo's plant collection which features numerous species of trees, shrubs and perennials, to assisting with all aspects of grounds maintenance.
• Weeding and watering, to design and installation are just a few of these responsibilities.

Position requirements and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• MUST have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Horticulture, Forestry, Life Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience and knowledge, or similar related work experience.
• Expert knowledge of plants and their care, power equipment, and irrigation systems and pest management preferred.
• Involvement with team training and directing of horticulture staff, seasonal, and volunteers, as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and temperatures.
• Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, and comprehend and decipher information accurately using a two-way radio.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application.
• Interested candidates must include a resumé, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.
• Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

Perks

• Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis! Some perks include: Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included), Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, complimentary Zoo Membership, Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!!!

Salary

• Negotiable