Horticulture Technician
From trekking across a wide variety of terrain in our exhibits, to cultivating plant life and maintaining the landscaping design, our Horticulture Technicians are 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 HERE!
At the Indianapolis Zoo, our Horticulture team does it all from managing the White River Gardens to nurturing the plant life in our majestic glass conservatory, 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:
- MUST have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Horticulture, Forestry, Life Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year experience with knowledge of similar or related work experience.
- Expert knowledge of plants and their care, power equipment, and irrigation systems and pest management preferred.
- 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, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
- Valid driver’s license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history and driving record check, and a drug test.
The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive benefits package to all eligible (full-time/ 40 hr./ week) employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, and a complimentary Zoo membership for employees.
The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug-Free/ Smoke-Free/ Child Safe/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Work Environment.