Horticulture Associate (Temp)

**This is a temporary position, with an anticipated end date of February 14, 2024.**

Position Summary 

Horticulture Associates are essential members of the Oakland Zoo 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 The Zoo to support everyone in having the most positive and enjoyable experience possible.  

Essential Job Duties 

• Uses gardening equipment for planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance. 
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation. 
• Coordinates with Horticulture Lead and Grounds Crew. 
• Safely drive 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 
• High School graduate or G.E.D. 
• Valid Class C Driver's License 
• 2 years of combined related experience and education 
• Skills in safe use of landscape maintenance equipment 
• Basic knowledge of plants including identification, proper placement, maintenance, and irrigation 
• Able to bend and twist, lift 50 lbs., stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts 

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 

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 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. 

Who We Are:

The 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 & 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. The 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.