Facility
Not specified.
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
This position oversees the daily operations of the Horticulture Department for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to meet the needs of animal exhibits, display gardens, plant conservation priorities, and the overall landscapes. Responsibilities include developing, formalizing, and curating the zoos plant collection, planning, supervising and directing all work associated with projects and activities using proper horticulture methods while considering conservation related initiatives. This position requires collaboration with Zoo staff, contractors and the public to advance the Zoos mission; Inspires wonder of our natural world, provides an engaging learning environment, and creates a passion for conservation.
Essential Functions
Operate gardening equipment including lawn mower, edger, weed-eater, and backpack blower in the cutting of grass and weeds.
Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses as directed.
Water and apply fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides to lawns, shrubs, flowers and plants.
Move and replace soil, gravel, sand and other rock and mineral materials.
Remove debris and refuge from landscaping and other zoo grounds as needed.
Perform various irrigation, plumbing, carpentry, electrical and general maintenance tasks as needed to maintain Zoo landscaping and grounds.
Install, repair, and maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Assist with the general maintenance of facilities, equipment, buildings and grounds.
Identify plant species as needed for care and maintenance.
Diagnose and remedy landscape and plant health issues: weed control, pests, disease and water needs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications/Minimum Job Requirements
Minimum two years experience in landscaping or irrigation with knowledge of the maintenance and care of trees, flowers and shrubs; the use and care of mechanical equipment and hand tools.
Demonstrated knowledge of safety rules, regulations and precautions in the horticulture and maintenance trades.
Knowledge of plants, vegetation management practices and ability to accurately identify plant species.
Experience operating various types of machinery including, but not limited to, forklifts, scissor lift, bobcat. and pallet jacks.
Valid California drivers license and a clean driving record.
Good written and verbal English language communication skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.
Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Personnel Management
Assist in orientation and training for new Horticulture staff.
Oversee staff performance, providing general feedback and correction when appropriate, and informing the Curator of serious or ongoing issues.
Manages payroll for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations.
Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
Assist Curator with other staffing needs, as requested.
Physical Requirements
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for operation of gardening equipment and other machinery; use fingers for fine manipulation of hand tools and plants.
The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
Visual acuity to operate machinery and read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess the thoroughness of the work assigned. Color perception is also required.
Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
Work Environment
The position primarily functions outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
The employee is regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), fumes from equipment operation, and dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
Occasional local travel may be required.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Please Apply At