Horticulturist

Position Summary Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The Oregon Zoo’s Horticulture department is looking for a Horticulturist. Horticulturists at the Oregon Zoo perform and coordinate horticulture and gardening duties, including installation and repair of complex landscape irrigation systems, animal waste recycling, herbicide/pesticide applications, organic weed and pest control management, safety and emergency services, snow and ice removal, and general gardening duties. This position assists the Lead Horticulturist and other staff in horticulture planning, projects, construction, maintenance, and related functions. Responsibilities Performs geographic zone area horticulture and gardening functions for designated areas such as the Africa, Elephant, or Great Northwest areas, and works with keepers and colleagues to diagnose, test, plant, and maintain unique and specialized landscapes. Maintains turf areas by mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, and spraying. Plants grass by laying sod or spreading seed. Operates gas and battery-powered equipment including lawn mowers, tiller, sod cutter, chipper, blowers, chain saws, edger, and uses hand tools such as sprayers and pruning saws; keeps all equipment clean and in proper working condition through preventive maintenance and minor repairs. Troubleshoots problems such as pathway obstructions, irrigation breaks, plant disease concerns, visitor safety, or exhibit substrate issues. Operates motorized vehicles and equipment including pickup trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, backhoes, forklifts, skid-steer loaders, lifts, and dump trucks necessary for performance of essential duties. Plants bulbs, trees, shrubs, flowers, and exotic plant material; pots plants, transplants plants, and maintains trees, flowers, and shrubs by pruning, thinning, spraying, staking, and arranging; removes weeds, rakes leaves, cleans plant beds, and replenishes bark dust coverage. Installs, repairs, modifies, and maintains landscape irrigation systems, programs irrigation controllers. Performs and assists in conservation and restoration activities and in landscape construction; excavates, prepares sites, installs drainage systems, rock walls, retaining walls, plant material, roadbeds, walkways, and fence construction. Fertilizes, mixes, and conditions soil for different types of plants; inspects for pests, disease, and other deteriorating agents; selects and uses appropriate herbicides and pesticides; repairs damaged trees, shrubs, and flowers. Collaborates with animal keepers and staff to evaluate and plan landscape and horticulture needs, specialist zone plant selection, landscape practices to ensure animal care, horticulture, safety, and guest service requirements. Identifies appropriate browse materials for specific animals throughout the zoo; cuts and distributes browse to enrich animals’ diets. Assists the public to ensure a positive and unique experience, enhancing Zoo use, appreciation, events, and visitation. Picks up plants and tools from nurseries, garden centers, and private donors; performs general maintenance tasks, collects animal waste, sweeps and collects litter from walkways, parking lots, and animal exhibit areas. Performs first responder and emergency service duties such as participating in lost child searches, ice and snow removal, and sanding during inclement weather. Performs assigned duties during an emergency. Attributes for Success Follows and issues oral and written instructions and offers clear communication with staff. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees and works independently or as a team member. Works outdoors under severe storms and adverse climate conditions. Physically performs all essential duties of the position, including climbing, kneeling, stooping, walking, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Provides excellent customer service by meeting the needs and interacting with employees, volunteers, vendors, the public, and others in a courteous and professional manner. Minimum Requirements Associate’s degree or post‑secondary equivalent. Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional horticulture and gardening experience. Any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to perform assigned tasks. Required Valid driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience working in a union environment. Previous experience working in a zoo. Previous experience working in a public ornamental garden. Driving Record Check The selected candidate must pass a driving record check prior to hiring. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. Skills Test Candidates invited to the interview process must successfully complete a skills test which will include plant identification, tool identification and use, lifting, landscape irrigation problem solving, and pruning theory and practice. Licenses & Certifications Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator license (required within six months of hire). First Aid/CPR certification (required within six months of hire). Working Conditions Work outdoors in heat, cold, and other inclement weather. Compensation and Benefits The full‑salary range for this position is step 1: $28.53 to step 5: $36.40. Unless a candidate’s qualifications justify otherwise, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $28.53 and the equity range step 4: $34.25. The position is eligible for overtime and represented by LiUNA 483. It is classified as a Horticulturist. Medical, dental, and vision health insurance Paid sick leave Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave Paid parental leave Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement No‑cost TriMet Hop Pass Employee Assistance Program Training opportunities Flexible schedules depending on position and department Hybrid/telework living in Oregon/Washington depending on position and department 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 completion of this application or participation in this recruitment process. Contact the recruiter for assistance. Veterans' Preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. Provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process. Pay Equity Every worker must be paid fairly, with equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro complies with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Santa Fe Springs