Gardener Technician II

Who We Are

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For

Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, is renowned for innovation in animal care and unwavering commitment to wildlife. As a zoo of firsts, Philadelphia Zoo has been a leader since opening its historic gates on July 1, 1874. This is a unique opportunity for a Gardener Tech II to contribute to our mission and work in a one-of-a-kind environment, surrounded by the beauty and diversity of our animal residents and plant collection.

Working closely with and under the supervision of the Manager of Horticulture and/or Lead Groundskeeper, the Gardener Tech II is responsible for maintaining the Zoo’s grounds, gardens and landscapes. They are expected perform skilled and routine gardening duties using best cultural practices. Routinely operate self-propelled equipment for landscape preparation, mulching, moving plants and debris, plant installation and more. Assist the Lead Groundskeeper with work performed by gardeners/groundskeepers, volunteers and contractors and others as necessary. Anticipate the safety requirements for jobs and ensures that staff follow safety rules and standards. Comply with organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Gardener Tech II may also provide training and supervision to other employees, interns or volunteers as needed. Qualified candidates are expected be up to date in the field of horticulture and actively seek out career development opportunities that positively impact the growth of the horticulture department and the zoo as a whole.

What You Will Do

• Performs regular and special project tasks as directed either through the work order system in accordance with standard operating procedures or as otherwise assigned.
• Performs work in a safe manner and complies with codes, ordinances, Zoo and department safety guidelines and protocols; ensures appropriate performance from others assigned to job.
• Helps to identify appropriate safety equipment and materials required for work.
• Complies with organizational and departmental policies and procedures as may be promulgated from time to time.
• Contribute to department SOPs and best practices as it pertains to the horticulture field.
• Under the direction of the Lead Groundskeeper/Manager of Horticulture contribute to preparing labor and material estimates and scheduling requirements associated with work and/or projects. May assist in design of landscaping or hardscaping projects.
• Stays abreast of the Horticulture field and updates skills through training/career development programs. Actively pursues career development and training opportunities. Makes recommendations to Manager of Horticulture for training of less experienced staff.
• Assists in training and coaching lower-tiered staff; may act as a coach/mentor; identifies and recommends training programs to improve departmental efficiencies and operations.
• Update record keeping in Work Order Management platform. Ensures system is up to date and utilized effectively by department staff. Makes recommendations to Lead Groundskeeper/Manager of Horticulture on areas for improvement / efficiencies.
• Coordinates assigned work with the Manager of Horticulture and / or Lead Groundskeeper, Animal Department, Facilities, and others as needed through the work order management, platform and e-mail.
• May oversee the work of assigned employees, interns or volunteers. May interact and coordinate tasks and projects with other departments, Zoo staff, interns, volunteers, educators, the public and contractors.
• Work may include, but is not limited to: site preparation, planting, transplanting, propagating, fertilizing, pruning, trimming, mowing, edging, weeding, cultivating, mulching, watering, etc. Maintain flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, hedges, lawns, potted plants, etc. Install and maintain seasonal displays as required.
• Responsible for maintenance of the garden, horticulture and arboriculture exhibits in public, non-public and animal areas that require skilled labor. Install and maintain decorative and/or utilitarian landscaping materials such as garden fencing, stone work, pavers, edging, garden walls, paths or stepping stones according to specifications.
• Prepare soil and plants, propagates, replants and transplants various shrubs, flowers, trees, arrangements, displays, etc. Monitor plants, flowers, lawns, etc. to ensure healthy condition and growth. Maintain tropical interior plants according to their cultural requirements. Report change in status of all accessioned plants under his/her care
• As directed, apply synthetic and organic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides as required and in accordance with safety practices. Maintain records of fertilizing and pesticide applications in assigned areas.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment, power and manual, including but not limited to: lawnmowers, blowers, edgers, rototillers, sprayers, weed-whackers, pruning shears, chain saws etc. Is responsible for security and inventory of tools, equipment and supplies.
• Operate various self-propelled equipment to achieve work tasks. Maintain power equipment as necessary.
• As required, perform other duties related to the maintenance of the garden including but not limited to: leaf and snow removal, material handling, hardscape maintenance, etc. May be assigned a task or project outside the employee’s respective trade field.
• Assists with maintenance of greenhouse operation.
• Performs all regular duties of Gardener / Groundskeeper position.
  
  

Non-Essential Job Functions

• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by management or the Lead Groundskeeper.
  
  

What This Role Requires

• Associate degree in horticulture or related field and four years demonstrated related experience in horticulture. Additional related experience may substitute for the degree.
• Demonstrated experience operating equipment including front-end loader and back hoe.
• Must have and maintain a Pennsylvania Pesticide License – Ornamental, Turf Categories or obtain within six months of employment. Must have demonstrated experience with mixing formulas and equipment calibration.
• Must be literate in the use of computers and software utilized by the department and organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the following: woody plants, herbaceous plants, turf management, weeds, plant diseases, insects, pest and building and maintenance practices related to the field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of related standards, practices, methods, materials, processes, tools, codes, hazards and safety precautions.
• Ability to interpret and work from written job specifications and diagrams, design drawings, etc.
• Ability to plan for, specify, and manage the materials, equipment and labor for a project.
• Ability to work methodically and effectively with minimal supervision and to work cooperatively with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and outside contractors.
• Ability to work independently and problem solve in a team atmosphere.
• Strong communication and customer service skills. Able to present clear and accurate information both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated interest in staying abreast of field.
• Professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to provide direction to and oversee the work of lower-tiered employees. Supervisory experience helpful.
• Valid motor vehicle operator license and good driving record. Must be able to operate vehicles under 26,000 lbs.
• Landscape design and installation capabilities and Integrated Pest Management skills desirable.
• Able and willing to work a flexible schedule which may include weekends, holidays, evenings and overtime when required.
  
  

Physical And Medical Requirements

• Successful completion of a post-offer general medical screening, including clearance to wear respiratory protection, a physical exam, a TB test and a drug test.
• No allergies related to plants, animals or other chemicals and/or products used in the performance of work, which may interfere with the ability to perform the work.
• Immunocompetence (able to respond appropriately to infectious diseases which may be present in the animal collection).
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) which may interfere with the ability to perform work.
• Able to safely lift, carry and load forty pounds a distance of fifty feet.
• Able to work from heights or in confined spaces.
• Able to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
• Able to wear protective clothing or equipment including but not limited to goggles, masks, respiratory protection, gloves, braces, hat, gown, boots, etc.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle with either a standard or automatic transmission under 26,000 lbs.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a post-offer driving record check, child abuse clearance and criminal background check.
  
  

Required Traits

• High EQ
• Effective Listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learner
• Collective under pressure
  
  

Working Conditions

• Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Able to deal with exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery and hazardous chemicals.
  
  

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1 st Zoo)