Grounds Worker

State of North Carolina

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding, making this an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dedicated, hardworking, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Seasonal Grounds Worker within our Horticulture Division. In this role, the Seasonal Grounds Worker supports the Zoo’s horticulture mission by helping care for and maintain plant collections across the park’s North America region, Africa region, and interior habitats such as the Desert, Streamside, browse gardens, butterfly areas, and greenhouses. Grounds Workers assist with planting, mowing, mulching, pruning, cultivation, fertilizing, watering, and general landscape maintenance. They also help ensure safe, attractive, and ecologically accurate environments that support both guest experience and animal well‑being.

Requirements

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to Central NC (heat, rain, or cold).
Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
Possesses sufficient cognitive ability, auditory and visual acuity, and communication skills to perform essential duties and follow general safety practices.
Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, climbing, bending, reaching, balancing, standing, walking, and lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.
Must have the ability to navigate paved as well as rough or uneven pathways.
Must be willing and able to work varied shifts, including occasional weekends and adverse‑weather assignments.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Education and/or experience in grounds or horticulture work that is directly related to the position and consistent with accepted practices of the trade, equivalent to two years of experience in planting, cultivation, and the care of shrubs, trees, plants, and grasses; Or An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in grounds or horticulture‑related work, including but not limited to planting, pruning, landscape maintenance, weed control, or assisting with the care of plant collections in public gardens, parks, or similar environments.

Responsibilities

Receive and place plants in appropriate holding areas using proper potting, heeling‑in, and labeling techniques, and transport plants to designated locations using plans, lists, and Zoo vehicles.
Prepare sites by removing rocks, tilling soil, and adding amendments using hand tools and carts.
Use proper cultivation practices, install plants, and water them to complete assigned projects.
Remove damaged, diseased, unsafe, or overgrown plant material using hand tools and accepted horticultural techniques.
Assist with pruning tasks to prevent hazards, maintain plant health, and support aesthetic goals, including preparing necessary tools and equipment.
Identify and determine appropriate control methods for undesirable, invasive, or toxic weeds.
Perform weed control using hand removal, tools, and herbicides while ensuring the safety of animals, guests, and staff.
Monitor public areas to protect plant collections and ensure safe visitor behavior.
Answer questions and provide information to guests as needed.
Build constructive working relationships characterized by cooperation, respect, and teamwork.
Follow established safety practices, check work areas daily for hazards, and return tools and equipment to proper storage.