Horticulture Technician

We are committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Our mission is to help create connections between our guests and animals to inspire awe and action on behalf of wildlife. Every employee at Palm Beach Zoo contributes to our wildlife-saving mission. We work with local conservation partners in Florida as well as assist with international programs in Africa and Central America. Palm Beach Zoo is also proud to have our own coral conservation dive team. Our programs extend well beyond our lush, 23-acre property. We believe that anyone can be a wildlife hero. Whoever you are, wherever you are from, you are welcome here.

Position Summary

The horticulture technician works with the botanical collection of the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society. In addition to basic horticulture maintenance, this position will assist in the development and implementation of projects that benefit the botanical collection and enhancement of visitor experience.

Essential Position Functions

• Perform landscape maintenance including mowing, pruning, irrigation, etc.
• Oversee landscape contractors when needed on grounds
• Gather and remove debris from guest areas and animal exhibits.
• Perform basic irrigation system maintenance and repairs as necessary.
• Identify and control pests and diseases.
• Selection and installation of soil amendments, substrates, mulch, etc.
• Inventory the current botanical collection, including its tree canopy.
• Help design, source, install, and maintain new planting projects.
• Maintain accurate records of horticulture activities.
• Help implement and participate in special horticulture projects; browse program, composting etc.
• Operate hand tools and power equipment, including shovels, rakes, mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, bobcat, etc.
• Minor tree trimming and canopy maintenance.
• Provide positive interactions with zoo guests.
• Work effectively as a team member, with or without direct supervision
• Observe and implement relevant safety practices.

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Associate degree in horticulture, forestry, or an applicable field.
• Experience: 3 years of landscaping, horticulture, arborist, or other relevant experience. Additional experience or training may substitute for degree requirements.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work weekends, holidays, and availability during special events and emergency situations is required.

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions in South Florida, including strenuous conditions such as heat and rain.
• Ability required to use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Frequently required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. Must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Skills and Competencies

• Communication (oral and written)— Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups in a professional manner;
• Integrity/Trust— Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Diversity and Inclusion– Demonstrates behaviors that includes fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Fosters a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Practices behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
• Planning and organizing—Setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
• Coordinating— Organizes activities toward a common goal.
• Customer Focus– Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with team members, volunteers, and guests. Actively listens, anticipates, and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork— Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.

What We Offer:

• An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), 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.

Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) Commitment

Our Mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We recognize that the only way to accomplish our mission is to include all people across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, mental/physical abilities, and sexual orientations. Just as we value biodiversity, we recognize and appreciate the value of human diversity as being integral to our ability to connect with our visitors and the communities we serve.