Gardener

Nashville Zoo • Nashville, TN

1d • $17 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

The Gardener works in the Horticulture Department and reports to the Area Manager- Horticulture. The role is responsible for maintaining healthy, attractive plants and greenspaces within an assigned area of Nashville Zoo. This includes monitoring plant health, watering and feeding plants, pruning trees and shrubs, fertilizing and mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter. The Gardener uses and maintains landscaping equipment while following health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate appreciates horticulture, has an eye for detail, and is committed to maintaining vibrant, healthy landscapes year-round.

This is a full-time position with flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs. Candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening before hire. Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis screenings are conditions of continued employment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Ability and motivation to learn plants on the grounds and their proper care.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff and visitors.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to professionally and safely use the small, medium, and heavy equipment and tools required for assigned tasks.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described, including frequent standing and walking during 8–10-hour shifts; bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, and repetitive motions; frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs; and safely navigating ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas.
• Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and use task-dependent PPE.
• Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, work independently, and make timely workflow decisions.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screening before hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis screenings as a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• A background in landscaping or grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Prune and weed landscaped areas.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Maintain professional conduct and model the organization’s values in interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Monitor irrigation systems and ensure they are working properly.
• Hand-water plantings that are not established.
• Install plants when necessary.
• Assist other departments and staff when requested.
• Complete assigned tasks in an orderly and efficient manner.
• Further horticulture knowledge during tenure at the Zoo.
• Monitor plant health; water and feed plants; trim trees and shrubs; fertilize and mow lawns; and keep green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential mental, emotional, and financial support.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and sick leave.
• Discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• Collaborative and inclusive culture.

What This Job Offers

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