Landscape Maintenance Worker

Overview

Do you enjoy working outdoors, creating beautiful landscapes, and making a visible impact every day? As a Landscape Maintenance Worker, you will help maintain and enhance the grounds, gardens, exhibits, and public spaces throughout the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay. This hands-on role combines horticulture, landscape maintenance, irrigation, and conservation-minded practices to create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for guests, staff, and animals alike. If you take pride in outdoor work, enjoy learning new skills, and thrive in a team-oriented environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Responsibilities

Performs general landscaping maintenance throughout Zoo and Zoombezi Bay grounds.

Landscape & Grounds Maintenance

• Perform mowing, mulching, weeding, plant installation, and general landscape maintenance throughout Zoo and Zoombezi Bay grounds, including ingress and egress areas.
• Apply proper pruning techniques and install plants according to horticulture industry standards.
• Maintain and care for indoor and outdoor public display landscapes and animal exhibit areas.
• Manually water non-irrigated plants.
• Learn and identify plant species, including browsable plants and those that may pose health risks to animals.

Irrigation, Hardscapes & Equipment

• Maintain, repair, and perform minor installations of irrigation systems.
• Install and maintain hardscape features such as retaining walls, walkways, and pavers.
• Provide general maintenance and care of equipment utilized in daily job duties.
• Operate tools and equipment safely and effectively to support landscape operations.

Environmental Stewardship & Safety

• Apply pesticides and maintain required application records and logs.
• Implement sustainable landscaping practices whenever possible.
• Ensure the safety of guests, staff, animals, and self through compliance with safety protocols, participation in training, and proper equipment operation.
• Participate in cross-training activities as directed.

Event Support & Organizational Impact

• Provide support for special events, including Wildlights and RendeZoo.
• Support the mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds through high-quality grounds maintenance and guest experiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Landscaping & Technical Knowledge

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six (6) months of related landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticulture, or outdoor maintenance experience preferred.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems preferred.
• Current Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License preferred; must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Current Ohio Certified Nursery Technician (OCNT) Landscape Certification preferred; must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Outdoor Work & Physical Ability

• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform seasonal duties including snow removal, limb clearing, and other weather-related maintenance activities.
• Ability to safely operate landscaping equipment and standard shift vehicles.

Communication & Teamwork

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service while positively interacting with guests and upholding guest service standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Zoo team members and external contacts.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

Professional Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to plan and organize work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures, including safety protocols.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Valid state-issued driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
• Ability to comply with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's drug-free workplace policy.
• Ability to successfully complete an annual criminal history background check.

Why You'll Love This Role

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to combine hands-on landscape maintenance, horticultural learning, and environmental stewardship while helping create beautiful spaces for guests and animals. Every day provides the chance to make a lasting impact on the appearance, safety, and overall guest experience across the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.