Horticulture Technician

Make a DifferenceRight Where You Work

At Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, our work goes far beyond caring for animalsits about protecting wildlife in wild places and inspiring others to do the same. Every day, we create meaningful connections between people and animals that spark curiosity, build empathy, and drive action for conservation. Every role here plays a part in that mission. From supporting local conservation efforts across Florida to contributing to global programs in Africa and Central America, our impact reaches well beyond our 23-acre campus. We believe anyone can be a wildlife hero. Whoever you are, wherever you come fromyou belong here.

Position Summary

The Horticulture Technician maintains and enhances the Zoos botanical collection, supporting both animal habitats and the guest experience. This role combines hands-on landscape maintenance with involvement in planting design, installation, and special projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform landscape maintenance (mowing, pruning, irrigation, general upkeep)
• Maintain guest areas and habitats by removing debris
• Inspect and repair basic irrigation systems
• Identify and manage plant pests and diseases
• Install soil, mulch, and other plant materials
• Assist with plant inventory and canopy tracking
• Support new planting projects from design to installation
• Maintain horticulture records
• Operate tools and equipment (mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, etc.)
• Assist with tree trimming and canopy care
• Support special projects (browse program, composting)
• Interact positively with guests and work effectively on a team

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Associate degree in horticulture, forestry, or an applicable field.
• Experience: 2+ years of landscaping, horticulture, arborist, or other relevant experience. Additional experience or training may substitute for degree requirements.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.
• Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required.

Core Competencies

• Communication & teamwork
• Customer focus
• Planning & organization
• Integrity and professionalism
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Outdoor work in South Florida conditions (heat, rain, humidity)
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, events, and emergencies
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting
• Lift up to 50 lbs regularly; up to 100 lbs occasionally

What We Offer:

• An EXCELLENT benefits package, which includes:

• 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
• 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
• 100% paid short-term disability
• 100% paid long-term disability
• 401K Employer contributes 3% of your salary
• Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
• Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!

The position will be open until filled. We will contact qualified candidates whom we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.

Palm Beach Zoo is an equal opportunity and drug free employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training and promotion without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Be part of something bigger.
Whoever you are, wherever youre fromyou can help protect wildlife with us.