Seasonal Landscape Assistant 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 Landscape Assistants to join our team on new landscape projects like Elephant Trek. Individuals in this role may also have opportunities to assist with landscaping projects within the greater community, such as the creation of pollinator gardens or installation of trees to enhance and support our urban canopy. Seasonal Landscape Assistants will work alongside Horticulture Staff to complete a variety of tasks on project sites and in the gardens which may include: Plant Installation - planting a wide variety of plant material including tropicals, perennials, trees, and shrubs Watering - hand-watering newly installed plantings, potted nursery plants and ball and burlap trees, setting sprinklers as needed Weeding - ensuring that newly installed landscapes remain free of weeds throughout the season Mulching - properly applying mulch to newly installed plantings for landscape health and aesthetics Grading Soil - using hand-tools to move and level new soil in the landscape as landscape beds are created Placing Natural Elements - assist with placing rocks, logs, and other natural elements in the landscape Providing Support to other horticulture crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and for other large-scale horticultural projects 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 May operate motorized landscaping equipment (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