Seasonal Horticulture Assistant (Bowyer Farm)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Bowyer Farm is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s 600-acre satellite property that includes a vast nursery complex, natural lands and one of the largest solar arrays in the region. The Horticulture Department is seeking a reliable and hardworking Horticulture Assistant to support daily operations and maintenance activities in all working areas of Bowyer Farm, with a special focus on the solar array perimeter. A passion for horticulture and ecology is essential. This is an outstanding opportunity to expand your knowledge in the care, identification and maintenance of plants and landscapes. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required to fit in with our team.

Requirements

• Education and/or experience in horticulture preferred
• Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
• Valid driver’s license and be insurable (to drive a Zoo vehicle)
• Interest in native plants, horticulture and ecology
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays & weekends is required

Nice To Haves

• Basic knowledge of plant identification, including native species
• Comfortability with Microsoft suite and basic computer applications
• Experience with hand tools, small equipment and irrigation systems
• Understanding of basic growing practices

Responsibilities

• Management of cultivated landscapes and natural lands, with a focus on landscapes that border our extensive solar arrays , including but not limited to: planting, mulching, watering, pruning, staking, mowing, weeding, removing invasive species and herbicide application (as needed)
• Assist with all facets of plant production, including but not limited to: potting, transplanting, propagating, watering, weeding, labeling, organizing, preparing orders, seed collecting, leading volunteer crews and assisting with native plant sales.
• May operate motorized landscaping equipment (string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers)
• Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary
• Support other departmental crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes
• Ability be a good teammate and model the Zoo’s Core Values

Benefits

• Fun & engaging work environment
• Ability to earn Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Zoo passes
• Discount on food & retail on Zoo grounds
• Positive team culture
• Flexible scheduling (Student Friendly)
• Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment
• Personal & professional development opportunities (career development, education, training, etc.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed