Horticulturist

Description
Under general supervision, the Horticulturist will work independently or as part of a crew to maintain Zoo landscaping and grounds in an attractive, healthy, and safe manner. The Horticulturist is responsible for cultivation of ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Must be able to maintain indoor and outdoor exhibit areas and use propagation techniques to strengthen the plant collection. Public presentations and tours are expected. Work involves a variety of horticultural, maintenance, and grounds development tasks.

Essential Functions:
• Operate gardening equipment including lawn mower, edger, weed-eater, and backpack blower in the cutting of grass and weeds.
• Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses as directed.
• Water and apply fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides to lawns, shrubs, flowers and plants.
• Move and replace soil, gravel, sand and other rock and mineral materials.
• Remove debris and refuge from landscaping and other zoo grounds as needed.
• Perform various plumbing, carpentry, electrical and general maintenance tasks as needed to maintain Zoo landscaping and grounds.
• Install, repair, and maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Assist with the general maintenance of facilities, equipment, buildings and grounds.
• Identify plant species as needed for care and maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
• Associates degree in horticulture or related field or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Minimum two years’ experience in landscaping or irrigation with knowledge of the maintenance and care of trees, flowers and shrubs; the use and care of mechanical equipment and hand tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety rules, regulations and precautions in the horticulture and maintenance trades.
• Knowledge of plants, vegetation management practices and ability to accurately identify plant species.
• Experience operating various types of machinery including, but not limited to, forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Good written and verbal English language communication skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements:
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
• This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for operation of gardening equipment and other machinery; use fingers for fine manipulation of hand tools and plants.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
• Visual acuity to operate machinery and read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess the thoroughness of the work assigned. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Work Environment:
• The position primarily functions outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• The employee is regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), fumes from equipment operation, and dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Occasional local travel may be required.

Level- Experienced
Job Location- Main – Fresno, CA
Position Type-Full Time
Education Level- High School
Travel Percentage- None
Job Shift- Any
Job Category- Facilities