Oregon Zoo
(April - August)
Please note this is a variable hour position and is scheduled to end around 8/14/2026, subject to change. Variable hour positions are limited to 1040 hours of work in the fiscal year.
Are you a person that likes working outdoors and working with your hands to create beautiful spaces for guests and animals to enjoy? The Oregon Zoo is hiring for variable hour Horticulturist. You will directly help create and maintain landscaping for one of Oregon’s most popular visitor attractions while supporting our ground breaking wildlife research and conservation efforts.
As a Variable Hour Horticulturist you will:
- Assist and collaborate with animal keepers and other staff to evaluate and plan landscape and horticulture needs. This includes specialty zone area plant selections, landscape and gardening practices to ensure animal care, conservation and restoration.
- Maintain many different types of flowers, shrubs, trees, turf and other plants. This will include inspecting for pests, disease and other deteriorating agents; as part of an IPM program; repairs damages, trimming of shrubs, turf and flowers.
- Assist in planting bulbs, trees, shrubs, turf, flowers; pot plants and transplant plants; maintain trees, flowers and shrubs by pruning, thinning, spraying, staking and arranging; pull weeds, rake leaves, clean plant beds, waters; collect, browse, and replenish bark dust covering.
- Assist the public with general zoo questions or provide directions to ensure a positive and unique experience, and be an ambassador for the Zoo.
- Troubleshoots problems such as pathway obstructions, irrigation breaks, plant disease concerns, visitor safety or exhibit substrate issues.
- Tools available will be gas-powered & battery-powered gardening equipment and a variety of other hand tools. This role will help keep all equipment clean and in proper working condition through preventative maintenance and by making minor repairs.
- Operate motorized vehicles, pickup trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, backhoes, forklifts, bobcats, lifts, dump trucks and other equipment necessary for performance of essential duties.
- Assists the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
- Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and co-workers. Contributes to a positive team atmosphere and has regular and punctual attendance.
Knowledge of:
- Standard practices, materials, methods, tools and equipment used in planting, transplanting, cultivating and caring for native and landscape plant material, tropical/indoor plantscapes, trees, plants, flowers, shrubs and lawns.
- Proper relationship between soils and plants. Irrigation and watering systems. Plant identification. Fertilizers and their use. Pest and weed control.
- Plant diseases and symptoms.
Skilled to:
- Safely use hand and power tools and equipment.
- Communicate effectively with the public and colleagues and management.
Ability to:
- Follow and issue oral and written instructions and offer clear communication with staff.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and to work independently or as a team member.
- Work outdoors under severe storms and adverse climate conditions.
- Physically perform all of the essential duties of the position including climbing, kneeling, stooping, walking, bending, twisting and lifting 50pounds.
- Provide excellent customer service by meeting the needs and interacting with employees, volunteers, vendors, the public and others encountered during the course of work in a courteous and professional manner.
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Three (3) years progressively responsible professional horticulture and gardening experience and
- Associate’s degree or post-secondary equivalent or
- Any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform assigned tasks
‘Like to have’ Qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Experience in customer service and interacting with the public
- Maintenance of public gardens or zoos
Required:
- A valid driver’s license
Driving Record Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Specific schedule: This position will have no set schedule and hours will be variable in nature based on business need – April 20th – August 14th tentatively. Hours are limited to 1040 hours of work in the fiscal year.
Working environment : Will be outdoors in heat, cold and other inclement weather
TO APPLY:
Click URL Link for full job description, & to apply.
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