Landscape Maintenance Worker

Overview

Do you enjoy working outdoors, creating beautiful landscapes, and making a visible impact every day? As a Landscape Maintenance Worker, you will help maintain and enhance the grounds, gardens, exhibits, and public spaces throughout the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay. This hands‑on role combines horticulture, landscape maintenance, irrigation, and conservation‑minded practices to create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for guests, staff, and animals alike.

If you take pride in outdoor work, enjoy learning new skills, and thrive in a team‑oriented environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Performs general landscaping maintenance throughout Zoo and Zoombezi Bay grounds.

Landscape & Grounds Maintenance

• Perform mowing, mulching, weeding, plant installation, and general landscape maintenance throughout Zoo and Zoombezi Bay grounds, including ingress and egress areas.
• Apply proper pruning techniques and install plants according to horticulture industry standards.
• Maintain and care for indoor and outdoor public display landscapes and animal exhibit areas.
• Manually water non‑irrigated plants.
• Learn and identify plant species, including browsable plants and those that may pose health risks to animals.

Irrigation, Hardscapes & Equipment

• Maintain, repair, and perform minor installations of irrigation systems.
• Install and maintain hardscape features such as retaining walls, walkways, and pavers.
• Provide general maintenance and care of equipment utilized in daily job duties.
• Operate tools and equipment safely and effectively to support landscape operations.

Environmental Stewardship & Safety

• Apply pesticides and maintain required application records and logs.
• Implement sustainable landscaping practices whenever possible.
• Ensure the safety of guests, staff, animals, and self through compliance with safety protocols, participation in training, and proper equipment operation.
• Participate in cross‑training activities as directed.

Event Support & Organizational Impact

• Provide support for special events, including Wild lights and Rende Zoo.
• Support the mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds through high‑quality grounds maintenance and guest experiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Landscaping & Technical Knowledge

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six (6) months of related landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticulture, or outdoor maintenance experience preferred.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems preferred.
• Current Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License preferred; must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Current Ohio Certified Nursery Technician (OCNT) Landscape Certification preferred; must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Outdoor Work & Physical Ability

• Ability to work outdoors year‑round in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform seasonal duties including snow removal, limb clearing, and other weather‑related maintenance activities.
• Ability to safely operate landscaping equipment and standard shift vehicles.

Communication & Teamwork

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service while positively interacting with guests and upholding guest service standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Zoo team members and external contacts.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

Professional Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to plan and organize work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures, including safety protocols.
• P…