Gardener

Position Title:  Gardener

Department: Horticulture

Supervisor: Area Manager- Horticulture

Position Status: Full-time, Nonexempt

Company Overview:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Position Description:

We are currently seeking a Gardener full-time to join our Horticulture department. We are looking for passionate plant people who have the willingness to learn and grow with the Zoo. Gardener responsibilities include monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees and shrubs, fertilizing and mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter within their assigned area. You should know how to use and maintain landscaping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and fertilizers while following health and safety regulations. Ultimately, you will make sure our gardens and green spaces are always healthy and beautiful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prune and weed-landscaped areas.
• Monitor irrigation systems and ensure they are working properly.
• Hand water all plantings that are not established.
• Install plants when necessary.
• Responsible for assisting other departments and staff when requested.
• Responsible for completing assigned tasks in an orderly efficient manner.
• Responsible for furthering horticulture knowledge during tenure at the Zoo.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability and motivation to learn the plants on grounds and their proper care.
• Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to professionally and safely use small, medium and heavy equipment and tools required for the execution of assigned tasks.

Education/ Experience:

• Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• A background in landscaping or grounds maintenance is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Working Conditions are primarily outside. Must be able to work outside year round in inclement weather such as extreme high/low temperatures, snow and rain conditions. 
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire work shift. Applicants are required to have the ability to bend, stoop and extend oneself etc., as required for performing assigned tasks. 
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.

Work Schedule:

Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.

Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.

Benefits:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

At-will employment

Candidates for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Candidates for this position are subject to yearly Tuberculosis Screenings.