College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Horticulturist Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

Employment type: Full-Time
Application Due Date: March 31, 2026

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under direct supervision, responsible for the proper maintenance of various landscapes throughout the zoo. Installs
and maintains plants in exhibits, prepares annual flower beds and landscapes, applies pesticides and fertilizers,
oversees special projects using proper horticultural methods while considering conservation related programs.
Reports to the Horticulture Manager. This position is an hourly non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards
Act and requires forty hours worked per week.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Maintains landscapes including timely pest control, watering, weeding, fertilizing and any other activity necessary
for proper plant care and maintenance.
Plans, prepares and plants annual flower beds, landscapes and turf areas for the Zoo. Maintains areas throughout the
season including weeding, watering, pruning, mulching, fertilization, mowing and trimming, etc.
Coordinates the propagation and purchase of annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and woody plants for seasonal and
permanent displays and to maintain and add to plant collections. Keeps appropriate records.
As directed, provides training and direct supervision of part time employees, which involves instructing, assigning,
reviewing and planning the work of others; maintaining standards, coordinating activities, acting on employee
problems and recommending disciplinary action.
Oversees and supervises special projects as directed by Director of Plant Conservation or Horticulture Manager.
Responsible for the application of pesticides and the keeping of proper application records.
Assists in the preparation and processing of departmental records and reports; prepares purchase orders,
maintenance requests and time off sheets, daily logs, pesticide application charts, watering charts, and part time
employee performance appraisals.
Maintains water features and fountains as required. Includes cleaning, coin removal, winterizing, and making
adjustments to pumps and equipment to insure optimum performance. Also, placement, maintenance, and removal
of seasonal aquatic plants.
Performs spring and fall clean-up and leaf clean up.
Supports the composting operation to EPA requirements including the transportation of yard waste to the compost
center and other facilities.
Assists with the coordination, planning, design, purchasing, installation, maintenance, removal, and storage of more
than 1,000.000 lights for the annual “Lights Before Christmas” light show. Responsible for supervising evening shift
part time and seasonal employees.
Assist with exhibit planning as requested by Horticulture Manager.
Communicates and interact effectively with other departmental personnel and volunteers. Assist with educational
programs and tours as requested.
Performs snow removal and salt application per the snow removal plan.
Revised 04/2025
As directed, manages IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
As directed propagates plants required for the zoo’s internal browse programs.
Assists with the harvest and distribution of browse as needed.
As directed controls invasive plants.
As directed operates manual and automatic irrigation systems.
As directed selects plants materials in landscape areas while giving consideration to all horticultural requirements
and native plants that are conducive to the objectives of the project.
Works with other staff to provide support for horticulture activities as requested.
Must have the ability to solve problems and take action to correct any deficiencies that occur in areas of
responsibility.
Assist with the fuel acquisition for equipment used in Horticulture.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

As directed consider the implementation of conservation methods and programs into horticulture practices when
feasible which could include water gardens, green roofs, alternative fuel equipment, etc.
As directed, plans and provides support for various departments such as Development, Marketing, Visitors Services
and Education events and programs such as the Zoo To Do, Pumpkin Path, Zoo Snooze, Weddings.
Conducts and assists with educational programs and tours.
Assist in moving all stored horticulture materials and equipment to and from storage.
Clean and recycle growing containers.
Provide input with plan, design, and implanting new exhibits, buildings, landscapes and facilities with zoo
architectural consultants.
Submits horticulture articles for publications, produces educational materials such as horticulture guides, plant label
etc.
Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Associates Degree in Horticulture or related field and three years of horticulture/greenhouse facility experience or an
equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Horticulture supervisory experience preferred. Must possess or obtain Ohio Pesticide Applicators license. Must be
21+ years of age. Must possess a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.
Revised 04/2025
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines including a tractor, various trucks,
sprayer, leaf vacuum, blowers, pruners, edger’s, snow blower, power washer, computer, hand tools, etc. Must be
physically able to exert up to fifty pounds of force frequently, and/or up to twenty five pounds of force constantly to lift,
carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work. Work involves standing,
walking, fingering, feeling, bending, reaching, climbing, balancing, etc. for periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or
carry weights of thirty to fifty pounds. Must be able to tolerate extremes in outdoor heat and cold temperatures.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the Zoo and various
regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or
compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange
information. Includes the giving of assignments and instructions to assistants and co-workers. Includes the receiving of
information and instructions from Horticulturist.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of documents and reports. Requires the ability to write and
prepare reports such as purchase orders, maintenance requests, charts, performance appraisals, logs, etc. using the proper
format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
Intelligence: Has the ability to apply principles of rational systems such as horticulture in order to solve problems and
deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of
instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide;
determine percentages and decimals; and determine time and weight.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using equipment, machinery and tools.
Requires the ability to operate motor vehicles.
Revised 04/2025
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have
minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Has the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to
performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means
of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, goals, and programs of horticulture as related
to zoo operations. Has knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the planning, development, and implementation of
horticulture programs and activities. Has basic knowledge of nomenclature, agriculture, and other related subjects as
applied to zoo horticulture. Has the ability to organize and present information clearly and concisely to various groups
and individuals. Has the ability to assist in supervising and coordinating horticulture activities and operations and has the
ability to assist with the proper care and maintenance of the greenhouse and conservatory. Is able to coordinate and work
with other departments in the installation and maintenance of plants in exhibits. Is able to effectively communicate with
various types of groups and individuals such as co-workers, supervisor, subordinates, keepers, visitors, volunteers, other
departments, sales representatives, etc. Is able to use judgment and discretion in carrying out duties and responsibilities.
Has the verbal ability to make effective presentations and prepare effective reports, and the mathematical ability to carry
out needed calculations accurately and quickly. Has good horticulture and human relations skills.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate
remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality
communication and interface with all Zoo departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Specific
Duties and Responsibilities."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work
on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, Zoo policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts
accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and on time with a minimum of tardiness and absences and adheres to Zoo policies
and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to
vacation time and time-off requests.
Revised 04/2025
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities
and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion
of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgments in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and
specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.
Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.
Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.
Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor
communications, variance with Zoo policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage
and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the Zoo.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and Zoo benefit.
Contributes to maintaining high morale among all Zoo employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous
relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations,
and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the Zoo and to project a good image. Tactfully and effectively
handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within
the Zoo. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the Zoo. Interfaces effectively with higher
management, Executive Director, other professionals, and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in
accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions
and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a
calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.