Horticulturalist - Variable Hour

Position Summary Variable hour position scheduled to end around 8/14/2026, subject to change. Variable hour positions are limited to 1040 hours of work in the fiscal year. The posting previously closed on 4/8 and will now close on 4/15 at 11:59pm. Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. Key Responsibilities Assist and collaborate with animal keepers and other staff to evaluate and plan landscape and horticulture needs, including specialty zone area plant selections, landscape and gardening practices to ensure animal care, conservation and restoration. Maintain many different types of flowers, shrubs, trees, turf and other plants, inspecting for pests, disease and other agents as part of an IPM program; repairing damage, trimming of shrubs, turf and flowers. Assist in planting bulbs, trees, shrubs, turf and flowers; pot and transplant plants; maintain trees, flowers and shrubs by pruning, thinning, spraying, staking and arranging; pull weeds, rake leaves, clean plant beds, water, collect, browse, and replenish bark dust covering. Assist the public with general zoo questions or provide directions to ensure a positive and unique experience, and be an ambassador for the Zoo. Troubleshoot problems such as pathway obstructions, irrigation breaks, plant disease concerns, visitor safety or exhibit substrate issues. Tools available will be 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 minor repairs. Operate motorized vehicles, pickup trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, backhoes, forklifts, bobcats, lifts, dump trucks and other equipment necessary for performance of essential duties. Assist the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner. Develop safe work habits and contribute to the safety of self and co-workers; contribute to a positive team atmosphere and maintain regular and punctual attendance. Knowledge of Standard practices, materials, methods, tools and equipment used in planting, transplanting, cultivating and caring for native and landscape plant material, tropical/indoor plantscapes, trees, plants, flowers, shrubs and lawns. Proper relationship between soils and plants. Irrigation and watering systems. Plant identification. Fertilizers and their use. Pest and weed control. Plant diseases and symptoms. Skills Safely use hand and power tools and equipment. Communicate effectively with the public and colleagues and management. Abilities Follow and issue oral and written instructions and offer clear communication with staff. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and work independently or as a team member. Work outdoors under severe storms and adverse climate conditions. Physically perform all of the essential duties of the position including climbing, kneeling, stooping, walking, bending, twisting and lifting 50 pounds. Provide excellent customer service by meeting the needs and interacting with employees, volunteers, vendors, the public and others encountered during the course of work in a courteous and professional manner. Diversity and Inclusion At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan. Qualifications We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years progressively responsible professional horticulture and gardening experience. Associate’s degree or post‑secondary equivalent. Any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform assigned tasks. Required A valid driver’s license. Driving Record Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. Specific schedule: This position will have no set schedule and hours will be variable in nature based on business need – April 20th - August 14th tentatively. Hours are limited to 1040 hours of work in the fiscal year. Working environment: Will be outdoors in heat, cold and other inclement weather. If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply: If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years. Preferred Qualifications Experience in customer service and interacting with the public. Maintenance of public gardens or zoos. Benefits Paid sick leave. Paid parental leave. Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified. No‑cost TriMet Hop Pass. Employee Assistance Program. Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law. Accommodation: Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. Veterans’ preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process. Hybrid Telework: Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts