What are the responsibilities and job description for the Browse Gardener - Part Time position at Indianapolis Zoo?
Do you enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for plants, horticulture, and supporting animal care? The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a dedicated Browse Gardener to support the care, maintenance, and monitoring of browse species, exhibit vegetation, and plant materials used throughout the Zoo. This position plays an important role in ensuring healthy plant resources are available to support animal diets, habitats, enrichment, and guest experiences while helping advance our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.
The Browse Gardener is responsible for the care and maintenance of plants, browse species, and exhibit vegetation throughout the Zoo. This position assists with browse collection and preparation, plant health monitoring, and general horticultural operations while ensuring plant materials are safe and appropriate for animal use. This is a part-time variable position (20-29 hours per week) and may require weekend work as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform horticultural duties including planting, watering, weeding, pruning, and mulching.
- Identify, select, collect, and prepare browse materials, perching materials, and habitat vegetation for animal use.
- Ensure browse and plant materials are safe, suitable, and nutritionally appropriate for assigned animal species.
- Monitor plant health and identify potential pest, disease, or environmental concerns.
- Maintain accurate records related to browse collection, plant movement, deliveries, and daily activities.
- Safely operate equipment including chainsaws, trimmers, and other landscape maintenance tools.
- Support conservation initiatives, tours, educational programs, guest interactions, and special events as assigned.
- Assist with general horticultural and maintenance throughout Zoo grounds.
What We're Looking For
- Must be 18 years of age with a valid Indiana's driver's license insurable by the Zoo's insurance. A requirement of this position is the ability to drive Zoo vehicles.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in horticulture, forestry, or a related field preferred.
- Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
- Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
- Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
- Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
- Possible occupational exposure (Category B employee) to human bloodborne pathogens. Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals (e.g. chlorine bleach, cleaning agents, etc.) Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens Guidelines.
- Prior work-related experience preferred. College course work in a suitable field may be substituted for work experience.
- A High School diploma or equivalent is required. Relevant vocational certification/ associate or bachelor's degree, preferably in horticulture / forestry/ or a related field is a plus!
To Apply:
- Interested candidates must submit an application on the Indianapolis Zoo's website.
- Interested applicants must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.
Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.