Horticulturist

Horticulturist (Full-Time)

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

10/21/2024

Under direct supervision, responsible for the proper maintenance of various landscapes throughout the zoo.  Installs and maintains plants in exhibits, prepares annual flower beds and landscapes, applies pesticides and fertilizers, oversees special projects using proper horticultural methods while considering conservation related programs. Reports to the Director of Plant Conservation. This position is an hourly non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act and requires forty hours per the scheduled work week.

Essential Job Functions: Duties will include, but are not limited to monitoring and reporting on the following  

• Maintains landscapes including timely pest control, watering, weeding, fertilizing and any other activity necessary for proper plant care and maintenance.
• Plans, prepares and plants annual flower beds, landscapes and turf areas for the Zoo. Maintains areas throughout the season including weeding, watering, pruning, mulching, fertilization, mowing and trimming, etc.
• Coordinates the propagation and purchase of annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and woody plants for seasonal and permanent displays and to maintain and add to plant collections. Keeps appropriate records. 
• As directed, provides training and direct supervision of seasonal employees, which involves instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning the work of others; maintaining standards, coordinating activities, acting on employee problems and recommending disciplinary action.
• Oversees and supervises special projects as directed by Director of Plant Conservation.
• Responsible for the application of pesticides and the keeping of proper application records.
• Assists in the preparation and processing of departmental records and reports; prepares purchase orders, maintenance requests and time off sheets, daily logs, pesticide application charts, watering charts, and seasonal employee performance appraisals. 
• Maintains water features and fountains as required. Includes cleaning, coin removal, winterizing, and making adjustments to pumps and equipment to insure optimum performance. Also, placement, maintenance, and removal of seasonal aquatic plants.
• Performs spring and fall clean-up and leaf clean up.
• Supports the composting operation to EPA requirements including the transportation of yard waste to the compost center and other facilities.
• Assists with the coordination, planning, design, purchasing, installation, maintenance, removal, and storage of more than 1,000.000 lights for the annual “Lights Before Christmas” light show. Responsible for supervising evening shift part time and seasonal employees.
• Assist with exhibit planning as requested by Director of Plant Conservation.
• Communicates and interact effectively with other departmental personnel and volunteers.  Assist with educational programs and tours as requested.
• Performs snow removal and salt application per the snow removal plan.
• As directed, manages IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
• As directed propagates plants required for the zoo’s internal browse programs.
• Assists with the harvest and distribution of browse as needed.
• As directed controls invasive plants.
• As directed operates manual and automatic irrigation systems.
• As directed selects plants materials in landscape areas while giving consideration to all horticultural requirements and native plants that are conducive to the objectives of the project.
• Works with other staff to provide support for horticulture activities as requested.
• Must have the ability to solve problems and take action to correct any deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.
• As directed consider the implementation of conservation methods and programs into horticulture practices when feasible which could include water gardens, green roofs, alternative fuel equipment, etc.
• Oversees and supervises special projects as directed by Director of Plant Conservation.
• Assist with the fuel acquisition for equipment used in Horticulture.
• As directed consider the implementation of conservation methods and programs into horticulture practices when feasible which could include water gardens, green roofs, alternative fuel equipment, etc.
• As directed, plans and provides support for various departments such as Development, Marketing, Visitors Services and Education events and programs such as the Zoo To Do, Pumpkin Path, Zoo Snooze, Weddings.
• Conducts and assists with educational programs and tours.
• Assist in moving all stored horticulture materials and equipment to and from storage.  As directed plans and provides support for various departments such as Development, Marketing, Visitors Services and Education events and programs such as the Zoo To Do, Pumpkin Path, Zoo Snooze.
• Clean and recycle growing containers.
• Provide input to Department of Facilities and Planning with plan, design, and implanting new exhibits, buildings, landscapes and facilities with zoo architectural consultants.
• Submits horticulture articles for publications, produces educational materials such as horticulture guides, plant label etc.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Horticulture or related field and three years of horticulture/greenhouse facility experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 
• Horticulture supervisory experience preferred.  
• Must possess or obtain Ohio Pesticide Applicators license. 
• Must possess a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.
• The Toledo Zoo is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.

The Toledo Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, genetic information, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.