Horticulturist- Temperature Collections

Essential Job Functions 

The horticulturist is a key position
at Zoo New England that is responsible for improving exhibits, managing the living flora collections, designing and maintaining new gardens, assisting in volunteer management, general park stewardship, and providing expertise of plant knowledge in support of the animal collections. This role requires excellent skills and abilities in collaboration, communication, teamwork, and adaptability. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Oversees the care and installation of the exterior landscapes at both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. 

• Provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers. 

• Participates in all aspects of landscape construction and exhibit construction as pertains to the landscape. 

• Plants trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, bulbs, seed and sod. 

• Prepares planting areas, installs walls, fences, pathways, irrigation systems and water features. 

• Participates in the development and implementation of educational and interpretive programs relating to the temperate plant collection for Zoo staff and guests. 

• Participates in the development and implementation of browse/toxic plant program with Zookeepers. 

• Administers IPM as needed. 

• Participates in Horticulture Department Internship program. 

• Solicits donations of temperate plants and maintains relationships with donors. 

• Coordinates pick-up or delivery of plant donations. 

• Sends acknowledgement letters to plant donors and maintains records of donations. 

• Submits proposals for development and improvements to temperate collections, exhibits or botanical displays. 

• Develops conservation programs that relate to temperate plant collections. 

• Waters trees, shrubs, plants and flowers utilizing irrigation systems, sprinklers, hoses or by hand. 

• Performs all aspects of plant maintenance including: weeding, deadheading, pruning, fertilizing, transplanting, dividing, propagation, mulching and winterizing. 

• Performs all aspects of grounds maintenance including:  raking, sweeping, blowing, trash collection, snow removal, sanding and salting, mowing, edging and grading. 

• Operates machinery including:  mowers, hedgers, weed-wackers, chainsaws, snow throwers, roto-tillers, skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, tractors and sod cutters. 

• Assists in the supervision of community service groups, seasonal employees, volunteers, and interns 

• Monitors Zoo grounds to make sure they are safe, clean, attractive and comfortable for Zoo guests and staff. 

• Purchase parts and materials as directed. 

• Interacts with and answers questions of Zoo guests by providing information about the Zoo and acts as good-will ambassador for the Zoo. 

• Operates two-way radio responsibly and professionally. 

• Attends training and education programs and seminars. 

• Oversees contractors as directed. 

• Works outside in all weather. 

• Performs related or non-related work as assigned to assure the proper operation of the zoo. 

• Assists in exhibit design for plant shows. 

• Assists in research projects and interpretive signage tasks. 

 Minimum Job Requirements 

• College degree in Horticulture or related science and/or 3-5 years’ professional experience in the field of horticulture or landscaping or some combination thereof. 

• Ability to provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers. 

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally. 

• Ability to work under conditions including adverse weather and heights. 

• Digital fluency in Microsoft ecosystem (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, productivity tools) 

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. 

• Must have the ability and willingness to work independently and as a team member. 

• Must have a valid driver’s license. 

• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. 

• Must have a good work history. 

• Ability to perform heavy manual labor.