Gardener

San Antonio Zoo of San Antonio, Texas, is looking to hire a full-time Gardener to join our zoo family! If you're interested in a new environment, working at the Zoo would be perfect for you! Do you want to be part of a dynamic team focused on conservation? If so, please read on!

WORK SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

We are a year-round operation; this position requires a flexible schedule to work weekends, holidays, and occasionally after hours for special assignments. Our Gardener work schedule is 6 am to 3 pm, a rotating weekly schedule, and the compensation for this position is $12.50.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

After three months of employment, we offer robust benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid time off (PTO) accrual after 4 months. Fun perks include discounts on entry, food, an annual zoo pass, and merchandise. In addition to the employee recognition program, eligible for internal positions after four months of employment and employee appreciation events!

A DAY IN THE LIFE AS A GARDENER

As a Gardener, you will perform various tasks related to the planting, landscaping, cultivating, and caring for ornamental plants and shrubs used to beautify zoo grounds. You assume primary responsibility for flower and shrub planting and maintenance of assigned areas. The zoo grounds will act as your art canvas displayed to all guests and team members to see and delight in. You will meet and report to the Horticulture Manager verbally and write work accomplished and progress weekly for the project and schedule updates. As you will be around zoo guests, you will continuously exhibit an exceptional guest service attitude and an apparent interest in guest assistance.

You must be fully committed to San Antonio Zoo's mission to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wildlife we steward and the animals we protect. You take pride in knowing your hard work is making a difference in wildlife conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A GARDENER

• Must be able to work an early morning schedule.
• Ability to start and safely operate powered equipment such as mowers, tillers, edger's, string weed trimmers, chain saws, motor vehicles, and standard gardening tools such as but not limited to rakes, shovels, shears, clippers. Equipment is not limited to this list.
• Identify and follow landscape design concepts.
• Able to safely apply fertilizers is required.
• Knowledge of the kinds of materials required in growing mixed plants, various fertilizers, and use methods are required.
• Knowledge of tropical, sub-tropical plants and familiarity with flowers, trees, plants, and shrubs common to south Texas required.
• Associate degree in conservation, plant science, biology, horticulture, or related field preferred, but not required.
• Two-year's of experience in the care of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns in a professional setting is preferred but may substitute two years of other related experience.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
• Must be able to work in varying climates and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold)
• We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.

How to apply:

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

All future zoo crew, please apply at sazoo.org and complete our application.

We look forward to meeting you!