Horticulture Technician

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

This position is under the direct supervision of the Horticulture Manager and is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to all aspects of zoo horticulture, outdoor and indoor, and equipment maintenance.

The following duties are essential to this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Follows all protocols to maintain safe working conditions for staff, visitors and animals.
• Completes tasks related to all aspects of horticulture maintenance: grass mowing, weed-eating, leaf raking, trimming, pruning, tree removal, turf maintenance, etc.
• Supervises seasonal staff, volunteers, and volunteer groups that work in the horticulture department. Examples of volunteer functions include planting and maintenance of flower gardens, clean-up of leaves and trash on grounds, and occasional light maintenance duties.
• Assist in emergency situations as needed (guest or staff illness, weather, etc.)
• Assist maintenance as needed
• Other duties as a signed

• Resourceful - Understanding of or ability to research methods and materials used to create exhibits and animal areas.
• Flexible - Ability to handle a flexible workload and hours with a variety of assignments.
• Independent - Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Positive - Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
• Customer – Oriented – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.
• Innovative - Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to horticulture, project construction, and exhibit design.

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk on even terrain, climb, and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines, and equipment. The incumbent is regularly exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain. Most of the job tasks are completed outside. Some work is required in small and/or confined spaces.

Incumbents are exposed to noisy environments such as mowers and motors.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Driving.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling –
☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Reaching with hands and arms.
☐Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Tasting or smelling.
☐Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

• Completion of…