Seasonal Horticulture Nursery Assistant (Bowyer Farm)
Seasonal Horticulture Nursery Assistant (Bowyer Farm)
Location: Bowyer Farm (2210 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040)
Company: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Employment Type: Part-Time / Seasonal Position Overview The Horticulture nursery complex at Bowyer Farm, home of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s esteemed Native Plant Program, specializes in growing high-quality plant material for Zoo landscapes, community gardens, plant sales and special conservation projects. We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Nursery Assistant to support daily production and maintenance activities in our growing facilities. A passion for ALL plants is essential and a passion for native plants is a plus. This is an outstanding opportunity to expand your knowledge in the care, identification and maintenance of plants. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required to fit in with our team. Key Responsibilities
Other Requirements for all Horticulture Assistants include:
Company: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Employment Type: Part-Time / Seasonal Position Overview The Horticulture nursery complex at Bowyer Farm, home of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s esteemed Native Plant Program, specializes in growing high-quality plant material for Zoo landscapes, community gardens, plant sales and special conservation projects. We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Nursery Assistant to support daily production and maintenance activities in our growing facilities. A passion for ALL plants is essential and a passion for native plants is a plus. This is an outstanding opportunity to expand your knowledge in the care, identification and maintenance of plants. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are required to fit in with our team. Key Responsibilities
- Assist with potting, transplanting, and propagating native plant species
- Water plants using hand-watering techniques and/or irrigation systems
- Monitor plant health and report signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies
- Weed control in containers and production beds
- Label, organize, and maintain accurate plant inventory
- Prepare plant orders for customers, including pulling and staging material
- Load and unload plant shipments and supplies
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of greenhouse and outdoor growing areas
- Assist with seed collection, cleaning, and storage
- Follow safety protocols and proper equipment use
- Lead volunteer crews to accomplish nursery tasks
- Education and/or experience in horticulture preferred
- Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
- Valid driver’s license and be insurable (to drive a Zoo vehicle)
- Interest in native plants, horticulture and ecology
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic knowledge of plant identification, including native species
- Comfortability with Microsoft suite and basic computer applications
- Experience with hand tools, small equipment and irrigation systems
- Understanding of basic growing practices
Other Requirements for all Horticulture Assistants include:
- May operate motorized landscaping equipment (string trimmers, blowers, reciprocating saws, hedge trimmers, tillers) and vehicles (dump trucks, vans, golf carts, John Deere tractors and trailers)
- Safe handling and responsible application of herbicides, when necessary
- Support other departmental crews during peak seasons, such as planting annuals/tulips in the spring/fall, potting in the nursery, and during installation of new landscapes
- Ability be a good teammate and model the Zoo’s Core Values
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