Uptown Gardener

Position Title: Uptown Gardener

Department: Horticulture

Reports To: Horticulturist

Location: Audubon Zoo, Park, and Riverview

Position Type: Full-time

Who We Are


Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers-we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You'll Do


Provides routine maintenance of garden zones under the direction of the Horticulturist. Assists the horticulturist with daily care including planting, weeding, pruning, watering, mulching, and hauling of plant debris. Assists Horticulturist with large scale garden projects.

Day to Day Responsibilities
• Physically perform general landscape maintenance, including planting, mowing, leaf-blowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing, spraying, doing minor irrigation repairs, pruning, and pest control according to written maintenance and safety standards.
• Maintain garden projects on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis with a critical eye on detail.
• Contribute to scheduled manicuring of all turf areas.
• Contribute to educational and research projects as need to aid in community knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance practices.
• Apply pesticides using appropriate safety procedures as provided and according to OSHA standards.
• Assist in group activities and special projects as needed.
• Work effectively and maintain good working relationships with other department staff.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience.
• The Uptown Gardener will contribute to group effort to provide beautiful gardens of varying color and texture that enhance the guest's visit to Audubon Zoo and that will serve to provide a memorable guest experience.

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

Additional/Overall Skills:
• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon's mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Must Haves:
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time with attention to detail and ability to follow through.
• Follow schedules.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively.
• Work as a team or independently.
• Must have the ability to use handheld gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms.
• Must be able to operate and maintain fuel in gas powered hedgers, weed eaters, power blowers, riding and push mowers, and extension chain saws.
• Must have a valid La. driver's license and be capable of driving golf carts, gas powered utility vehicles, and pickup trucks as well as the ability to tow a trailer with weight.

Physical Requirements:
• This position is a physically demanding one. This job requires 100% working out in the elements, so the ability to withstand hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters is a must.
• You must be a team player and be able to interact well with others within the department, as well as staff from other departments. Good communication is important within the team.
• This job requires the ability to pick up items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to operate power equipment in varying degrees of temperatures for long periods of time.
• Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.
• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
• Ability to read and write required.
• Use of chemicals is limited, but a part of the job. Chemical application will be taught.