Job Description

Do you love working with plants, being outdoors, and creating beautiful spaces that guests and animals can enjoy? As a Horticulture Technician at the Indianapolis Zoo, you'll play an important role in caring for our plant collections and maintaining the landscapes, exhibits, gardens, and natural spaces throughout the Zoo. This is an opportunity to combine your horticulture skills with meaningful work that supports our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

About the Role

The Horticulture Technician is responsible for the care, health, maintenance, and presentation of plant collections throughout the Zoo, including White River Gardens and the Hilbert Conservatory. You'll work alongside the Horticulture team to maintain beautiful and healthy landscapes while supporting conservation efforts, guest experiences, and the overall operation of the Zoo.

This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys working outdoors, working with plants and equipment, and being part of a collaborative team. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position that must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily horticultural tasks including watering, weeding, mowing, trimming, mulching, planting, and soil preparation.
• Monitor plant health and identify pests, diseases, and other concerns.
• Identify plants and maintain knowledge of the Zoo's plant collections.
• Collect and prepare browse for animal departments as needed.
• Support conservation programs, public tours, chats, and educational interactions as requested.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers, volunteers, vendors, and other Zoo departments.
• Follow all Zoo safety procedures, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, and chemical-handling guidelines.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in horticulture, forestry, life sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least one year of related horticulture, landscaping, or grounds experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate Zoo vehicles as needed.
• Strong plant identification skills preferred.
• Experience with irrigation systems, power equipment, and/or machinery preferred.
• Comfortable working near animals and in animal-adjacent environments.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work independently, identify problems and make sound decisions.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and high humidity.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, moving, transporting, and positioning materials and equipment.
• Ability to navigate ladders, steps, uneven terrain, and other outdoor environments safely.
• Ability to obtain required certifications, including pesticide applicator, chainsaw, and skid steer/Bobcat certifications, as needed.
• Availability to work a 40-hour workweek, including some weekends and holidays based on operational needs.

Why Join Us?

As a member of our Horticulture team, you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact every day! From caring for the plants and landscapes that make the Zoo special to supporting conservation and creating spaces where guests can connect with nature.

If you're passionate about horticulture and want your work to have a purpose beyond the garden, we'd love to have you join our team!

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.