Horticulture Technician - West Palm Beach, United States - Palm Beach Zoo

Description

Join us at the Zoo Interested in saving wildlife in wild places? At the Zoo, our job is for people to fall in love with nature. Our job is for people to have fun. Our job is to save the planet. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society's mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. By joining our team, you'll become a critical part of a conservation organization at a thrilling time as we expand our team to build the Zoo of the future. Help create innovative animal habitats while saving animals in the wild and join a passionate team that gets to work around koalas, jaguars, panthers, while actively doing conservation work in the field from corals to Florida panthers. A green sustainable work place that embraces DEAI, we are actively creating a more diverse and thriving work force.

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.

Requirements

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.