Outer Properties Seasonal Horticulturist The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a unique experience in public horticulture combining animal immersion habitats in a botanical garden environment. The CZBG is the second oldest zoo and display park (1875) in the US. The Garden features a large diversity in woody and herbaceous collections and an expansive plant production and growing nursery. Stunning summer annual displays and a diverse collection of perennials are featured as one of the region's largest annual and perennial trials. The Horticulture Department seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and have a sincere interest in horticulture. This is an outstanding opportunity to expand your knowledge in the care, identification and maintenance of plants. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required in order to fit in with our team. The Horticulture Department is seeking Seasonal Horticulture Assistants to join our team in our Outer Properties. These areas include zoo-affiliated parking lots, residences, and community gardens. Outer Property Seasonal Horticulturists will work independently and alongside Horticulture Staff to complete a variety of tasks primarily in the outer areas of the zoo which may include: Outer Property Maintenance - maintaining the overall health and aesthetics of the landscapes surrounding the zoo and affiliated areas Lawn and Bed Maintenance - mowing grass using commercial mowers (zero turn and ride behind), edging beds and string trimming along sidewalks, fences, etc. Weed Control - string trimming weeds and application of herbicide if necessary Mulching - properly applying mulch to tree rings and garden areas Garden Maintenance - occasional detailed maintenance of garden areas. This may include hand-weeding between plants, perennial and grass cutbacks, and pruning trees and shrubs Replacement Planting - occasional replanting of landscape and garden areas Providing Support to other horticulture crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes Qualifications/Experience: Education and/or experience in horticulture or landscape maintenance preferred; must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance and have a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle. Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check. We are open 7-days a week, so the ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays & weekends is required. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines and equipment. The job requires the ability to bend up and down regularly. The incumbent is also regularly exposed to various weather conditions and a wide diversity of plant material. Requirements for Horticulture Assistant positions include: Individuals will have a passion for and general knowledge of plants, a willingness to learn and follow directions, and the ability to perform physical labor in an outdoor environment May perform physical labor around areas of heavy construction Maintain a safe work environment through the proper care of landscaping tools and equipment Will operate motorized landscaping equipment (mowers, string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers) Identifies a wide array of plant species and cultivars Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary Lead volunteer groups, works with other team members, and assists zoo visitors Support other departmental crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and dur