Horticulturist (Teamsters Only)

The Horticulturist is required to perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled jobs in maintaining plant collections, both indoor and outdoor. Position requires knowledge of arboriculture, ornamental horticulture, irrigation maintenance and repair, and integrated pest management. Heavy equipment experience and Certified Arborist preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Install trees and shrubs, utilizing heavy equipment for large plant material
• Performs landscape construction, including building of retaining walls, paver installation, excavation and grading, drainage work, and irrigation installation
• Properly maintains and operates equipment
• Properly prunes indoor and outdoor ornamental plant specimens
• Ground and aerial pruning and removal of trees and shrubs
• Actively participates in the Zoo's animal browse supplemental feeding program
• Proper application of pesticides and fertilizers to maintain healthy plant specimens. Must maintain accurate application records
• Designs, plants, and maintains annual and perennial display areas
• Participates in educational programs related to Zoo Horticulture
• Participates in exhibit planning and makes recommendations regarding plant selection and care
• Assists in conducting inventory of Zoo plants, maintains inventory of Zoo plant collection, and maintains plant and label records for assigned areas.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Equipment Used:

• Manual and automatic vehicles
• Commercial dump truck and flat bed trailer
• Front-end loader, backhoe, skidsteer loader, mini excavator, walk behind skidsteer
• Chainsaw and bucket truck

• High school diploma or equivalent, Associates degree or higher in Horticulture or related field or equivalent in experience within landscape or greenhouse industries preferred
• Working knowledge of plant propagation, pruning, Integrated Pest Management, and irrigation systems
• Ability to perform outdoor labor and normal duties. Ability to work in all weather conditions and able to work on steep inclines
• Must hold or obtain within six months of hire, Ohio Commercial Applicator Pesticide License, Categories 6a and 6b
• Valid Ohio Driver's License, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred.
• Must have a good driving record (less than six (6) active points on driving record at the application stage of the hiring process)

Work Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Application Deadline: October 5, 2026