ELLEN TROUT ZOO Zoo Horticulturist

DESCRIPTION

The Horticulturist oversees all plant materials care at the Ellen Trout Zoo including routine tasks grounds maintenance tree related work of assigned area and developing new areas when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated progressive professional horticulture and gardening experience preferred.
• Additional horticultural or agricultural licenses (ex: Certified Horticulturist Landscape Industry Certified Technician etc.) degrees or certifications preferred.
• Must possess a valid Drivers License Class C at time of placement.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and experience with standard practices materials methods tools and equipment used in planting transplanting cultivating and caring for native and landscape plant material tropical plantscapes trees plants flowers shrubs and lawns.
• Knowledge of plant diseases and symptoms.
• Knowledge of and experience with irrigation and watering systems preferred.
• Skills to safely use hand and power tools and equipment.
• Skills in effective communication with the public colleagues and management.
• Ability to perform physical labor and to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Evaluate and plan landscape and horticulture needs. This includes specialty zone area plant selections landscape and gardening practices
• Maintain many different types of flowers shrubs trees turf and other plants. This will include inspecting for pests disease and other deteriorating agents
• Interact with the public regarding general horticulture questions
• Troubleshoots problems such as pathway obstructions irrigation breaks plant disease concerns visitor safety or exhibit substrate issues
• Use gas-powered & battery-powered gardening equipment and a variety of other hand tools
• Keep equipment clean and in proper working condition through preventative maintenance and by making minor repairs
• Operate motorized vehicles pickup trucks front-end loaders tractors skid steer lifts and other equipment necessary for performance of essential duties

Visit our website or contact the Human Resources Department at Lufkin City Hall 300 E. Shepherd Ave. Suite 226 Lufkin TX 75901 Phone .