Horticulture Tech

SUMMARY:

The Horticulture Technician is responsible for landscape duties and functions as necessary to meet operating needs with a high degree of efficiency and independence to maintain performance standards.  

The horticulture technician must have the ability or the ability to learn the use of mowers, edgers, trimmers, chainsaws and other landscape equipment that pertains to the work.  The ability to drive a golf cart and tractors is also necessary for this position.  Proper safety equipment and training is provided for this job.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Installation and maintenance of zoo landscape to include all plant material and turf in public areas, animal exhibits, and behind the scenes areas; weeding, mowing, trimming, pruning, pest management, irrigation, and customer service..
• Daily cleaning and maintenance of pathways and parking lots
• Daily operation and maintenance of all types of grounds equipment, especially those related to horticulture and arboriculture to include mowers, edgers, string trimmers, blowers, and tractors.
• Assist with removal of debris from all lakes and ponds
• Assist with maintenance of zoo perimeter fence to include removal of weeds/vines and repair of unsecure areas of fencing
• Daily trash and recycling removal from Zoo public and work areas to include daily animal waste removal from animal areas
• Assist with identification and resolution of problems in order to maintain botanical collection of the Zoo.
• Assist with executing Naples Zoo Invasive Plant Management Plan to include removal of invasive plants by hand
• Assist with supervision of horticulture volunteers
• Assist with preparation of zoo grounds for special events
• Actively participate in workshops, seminars, and activities aimed at improving job knowledge 
• Must support Naples Zoo Inc’s Vision, Mission and Values statement.
• Any other miscellaneous projects/assignment assigned by Naples Zoo Horticulture management team.

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor and/or Director of Gardens & Grounds.  Additional guidance is received through established policies and procedures, plus verbal and written communications.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum 18 years old.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Recognize hazards involving traffic, insects and other potential hazards in parking lots, on sidewalks or Zoo pathways and open spaces. 
• Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and evenings.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent.  Knowledge of plants, horticultural practices, procedures, and principles including installation and maintenance of landscape material and turf preferred.    On the job training will be conducted by the supervisor.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:

• Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
• Must be able to communicate with guests and staff clearly and effectively.
• Multi-lingual is a plus.  

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Florida State Driver License and must be age 21 to drive personal or zoo owned motor vehicle for zoo business.
• Recent tetanus shot.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, stand for long periods of time and drive Zoo golf carts. 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 

• The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, reach or feel and manipulate objects or controls. The employee is frequently required to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

A large percentage of duties are performed outdoors in various weather conditions, ranging from rain, wind, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity.  It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust and harsh chemicals that if not handled properly may present a health hazard.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.   

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.