Gardener

Position Title: Gardener

Department: Horticulture

Supervisor: Area Manager- Horticulture

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Position Description:

We are currently seeking a Gardener to join our Horticulture department. We are looking for passionate plant people who have the willingness to learn and grow with the Zoo. Gardener responsibilities include monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees and shrubs, fertilizing and mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter within their assigned area. You should know how to use and maintain landscaping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and fertilizers while following health and safety regulations. Ultimately, you will make sure our gardens and green spaces are always healthy and beautiful.

Duties and 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.
• Responsible for assisting other departments and staff when requested.
• Responsible for completing assigned tasks in an orderly efficient manner.
• Responsible for furthering horticulture knowledge during tenure at the Zoo.

Qualifications

Skills:

• 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.

Education/ Experience:

• Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• A background in landscaping or grounds maintenance is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Responsibilities:

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. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on operational needs. The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Schedule:

Full Time position

Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

• All candidates are required to 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.