Gardener

Nashville Zoo • Nashville, TN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Nashville Zoo is seeking a passionate Gardener to join our Horticulture department. This role is ideal for individuals eager to learn and grow within the Zoo environment. The Gardener will be responsible for the health and beauty of all plants and green spaces, including watering, feeding, trimming, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, and maintaining cleanliness within their assigned areas. Proficiency in using and maintaining landscaping equipment while adhering to safety regulations is essential. The ultimate goal is to ensure our gardens and green spaces are consistently healthy and visually appealing.

Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Ability and motivation to learn the plants on grounds and their proper care.
• Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to professionally and safely use small, medium and heavy equipment and tools required for the execution of assigned tasks.
• Staff must frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs.
• These roles require frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance, as well as safely navigating ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas.
• Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely.
• Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration.
• Positions may involve using power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles and require adherence to established safety procedures.
• PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task.
• The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• Successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• A background in landscaping or grounds maintenance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prune and weed landscaped areas.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Monitor irrigation systems and ensure they are working properly.
• Hand water all plantings that are not established.
• Install plants when necessary.
• Assist other departments and staff when requested.
• Complete assigned tasks in an orderly efficient manner.
• Further horticulture knowledge during tenure at the Zoo.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED