Job Description

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES :

PLANT CARE

• Provide excellent and professional care of plants through proper planting pruning mulching weeding watering fertilizing and pest management.
• Identify plants that are present on the property. Be familiar with plants that grow in our region. Understand the culture and care of these plants.
• The scope of plant care includes trees shrubs grasses perennials annuals topicals palms succulents aquatics turf and groundcover.

GARDEN CARE

• Maintain gardens and green spaces at a high level to be aesthetically pleasing engaging and functional.
• Safely effectively and efficiently use tools such as pruners shovels rakes mowers landscape power equipment etc. to maintain garden and green spaces.
• Maintain the greenhouse nursery and shop area.

COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

• Engage positively with staff and guests contributing to an inclusive and safe environment.
• As a plant and garden care expert collaborate with other teams to share information.
• Support revenue generating plans and functions.
• Conduct engaging guest experiences including tours formal and informal talks and behind the scenes experiences.
• Assist with recruitment training mentoring and oversight of new team members including volunteers and interns.

• Identify and mitigate any potential safety hazards or risks.
• Immediately report any safety issues to the appropriate personnel ensuring swift resolution and maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and staff.
• Support the protection of plants animals and habitats.

• Demonstrated ability to transplant and plant materials properly.
• Demonstrated ability to perform tasks related to plant care garden upkeep and landscape maintenance.
• Ability to identify and understand a wide range of plant species including their growth habits care requirements and environmental needs.
• Knowledge of or ability to access and utilize resources like approved browse plant lists and toxic plants.
• Ability to compile a list of common toxic plants and common plant pests found on zoo property.
• Ability to differentiate between established garden plantings and nuisance weeds.
• Ability to interact positively and in a safe manner with fellow employees and zoo guests.
• Ability to remain focused despite interruptions and manage stress to perform job effectively.
• Ability to work independently using sound judgement critical thinking skills and creative problem solving.
• Ability to learn and share information about plants gardening and zoo horticulture.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritize tasks self-motivate and meet goals and deadlines.
• Keen observation skills and attention to detail.
• Embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Languages: English
• Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn new computer software as needed to perform role.
• Strong passion for horticulture with a clear desire to learn grow and contribute to the field as part of a long-term career path.
• Ability to compile a list of 30 plants by common and Latin names within the first 90 days of employment.

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Study of horticulture wildlife conservation environmental sciences etc.

• Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule including extended hours holidays weekends and a willingness to share on-call duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain standing for extended periods.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders steps and uneven terrain while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping turning and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.
• Ability to lift carry and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk bend kneel crouch crawl climb and reach.
• Requires visual acuity for reading writing and observing surroundings and auditory acuity for communication.
• Ability to operate motorized carts trucks and power tools.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Exposure to various weather conditions including extreme heat humidity sunlight cold rain and wind.
• Potential exposure to allergens (dust animal dander pollen etc.) sharp and irritating plant parts various soil types and amendments fertilizers pesticides bloodborne pathogens zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
• Irregular work hours including evenings weekends and holidays are sometimes .
• Exposure to hazards such wildlife waste equipment loud noises chemicals and heights.
• Working in small enclosed areas.
• Working around and in water.
• Working in elevated workspaces.
• Working in active construction sites.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

• A valid drivers license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to drive organizational vehicles.
• May require local or international travel.

COMMITMENT TO JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS

• Support Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (JZG) mission and vision of Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places to create a vibrant community energized by a connection to nature that enriches lives and inspires all to preserve and protect our natural world.
• Live JZGs values of:
  • CULTURE: We strive to developacollaborative culturewhere safety is the foundation driving our actions and interactions to create safe spaces and habitats through the cultivation ofequity andwell-being forall forms of life.
  • CONSERVATION: We committo being proactiveemphasizingthe urgencyof environmentalandsustainabilitychallengeswhile fostering empathysupportand compassiontowardsourplanet anditsinhabitants.
  • EDUCATION: Werecognize that every interaction is alearning andteaching opportunity that inspires changeenrichesone another and ourvisitorspromotes accessibility and connectsour communities.
  • INNOVATION: Weembrace thechallengetocontinuouslygrow anddevelop our organizationvaluing creativity anddiversity to support one anotherandremain relevantwithin our community.

Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and that the requirements of the job are subject to change as required.

About JZG:

• Inclusion diversity and equality as a value: At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens we recognize that an inclusive and healthy culture is paramount to our success. We aspire to be the employer of choice where every team member feels valued and has the agency to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Committed to our teams wellbeing we invest in providing exceptional benefits fostering a collaborative work environment and creating opportunities for learning and growth. By prioritizing our people we ensure that everyone thrives and contributes wholeheartedly to our mission of connecting our community to wildlife and wild places.
• We are also proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a persons actual or perceived race color ancestry national origin place of birth sex age religion creed disability sexual orientation gender identity weight or height.
• We are a Drug-Free workplace and participate inE-verify.
• JZG is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Required Experience:

IC

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