Associate, Horticulture

About the Position

Horticulture Associates are essential members of Oakland Zoo's team, tending to vegetation to maintain a pleasant and functional environment throughout the Zoo. They install, monitor and maintain plants, trees and shrubs located within The Zoo and Lower Park Creek. They uphold the mission and values of the Zoo and adhere to policies and procedures set forth by Oakland Zoo to support everyone in having the most positive and enjoyable experience possible.

Grounds/Horticulture

Department

Manager:

Manager, Grounds & Horticulture

Year-Round

Full-Time

$22.86/hour

Application Deadline:

Benefits

The Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

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Essential Job Duties

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.86 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Uses gardening equipment for planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance.
Troubleshoots and repairs irrigation.
Coordinates with Horticulture Lead and Grounds Crew.
Safely drives supply cart throughout Zoo for project work as needed.
Demonstrates superior customer service, both internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.).
Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Who You Are

At least 18 years old
Valid Class C Driver's License
Skills in safe use of landscape maintenance equipment
Basic knowledge of plants including identification, proper placement, maintenance, and irrigation

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Able to bend and twist, lift 50 lbs., stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts

Required Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities ‍
Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued ‍
Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times ‍
Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife ‍
Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department

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Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.