Assistant Gardener; Seasonal, Temporary

PAY & FLSA: $29.83 - $34.08 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$29.83 - $34.08 per hour is the pay range for this job classification. Every temporary employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale is placed at the first step of the job classification's pay range, which is $29.83 per hour. Temporary staff are not eligible to earn more than the Step 1 payrate, which may be adjusted annually per the contract.

OPENING DATE
: 02/10/2026

CLOSING DATE
: 03/06/2026 (May close sooner if a sufficient number of qualified applications is received.)

JOB TYPE: Seasonal

UNION: Represented

OPENINGS: 2

LOCATION: Onsite only

DEPARTMENT: Horticulture

This position may work up to 40 hours per week and is anticipated to last up to 6 months from start date.

One opening will assist in the maintenance of Woodland Park Rose Garden, a semi-formal garden located adjacent to the south entrance of the Woodland Park Zoo.

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what is at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.”

Apply today and show us how you zoo.

• Are a Plant Enthusiast:
  You can identify different kinds of plant species and you use your green thumb to care for and enhance the bioclimatic diversity of plants and trees which grow in our urban forest.
• Enjoy Working Outdoors:
  No matter what the weather is like, you thrive being outside. You might be pruning plants or driving a vehicle filled with a load of zoo doo.
• Part of the Crew:
  You are happy to answer guest questions who are curious about what you are doing, bring a good sense of humor, offer a helping hand, and get to know the various teams.
• Committed to Excellence:
  If you’re asked to weed there will be no dandelion root left, if you’re spreading mulch the depth and distance from the various plants will be appropriate, and you’ll leave the space better than you found it.

• Weed, water, mulch and fertilize landscape beds and turf areas.
• Plant, and prune trees, shrubs, perennials, and seasonal plant material.
• Operate blowers, string trimmers and repair irrigation.
• Maintain required records; prepares necessary reports.

• One (1) year certificate from college or technical school, or three (3) to six (6) months of related experience and/or training, or equivalent education and experience.
• A valid driver’s license
• Basic computer, communication, mathematics, and landscaping skills.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• 4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
• Accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Application:
Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site /jobs. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2

SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers.

Screening:
We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer:

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.