Horticulturist - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Horticulturist under direction, performs routine horticulture tasks, grounds maintenance, and tree related work of assigned area; develops new area when necessary. This position reports to a Lead/Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Mows, edges, irrigates and fertilizes lawns
• Fertilizes and cultivates plantings and shrubs
• Prepares new areas for planting
• Plants transplants and nurtures seedlings and other new plantings
• Collects seeds
• Prunes shrubbery and trees
• Rakes, sweeps and generally maintains an appealing appearance to grounds
• Controls pests
• Answers questions from the public
• May drive motorize vehicles on and off grounds

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This Horticulturist position will be a member of the Browse department. Under general supervision, the Horticulturist will perform job duties including the maintenance of SDZWA farm sites and delivery of browse to Zoo animals. Travel to alternate off-site browse areas will be required. These reporting sites will vary from Zoo to Safari Park and the different Browse Farm sites. Maintenance, harvest, and delivery of browse material from off-site areas will require effective time management, record keeping, and communication skills, both written and verbal

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• Prior commercial gardening and tree work desired

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing 

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• A variety of plants, plant materials and growth principles
• Horticultural soil conditions and preparations
• Methods and precautions for applying fertilizers and insecticides
• Working knowledge of tree removal and maintenance practices
• Proper watering techniques
• Work safety practices
• Layout of the Zoo/Safari Park
• Effective customer relations skills
• Comprehend and follow instructions
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Work in a team environment and motivate others
• Follow directions effectively
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full -Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $22.07

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.