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Zoo Horticulture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Zoo

Exhibits Specialist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$21/hr

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status General Summary : Under ... Two to three years ofexperience working in an exhibits/horticultural program at an AZA ...

Nashville Zoo

Gardener

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

Nashville Zoo

Gardener

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

Nashville Zoo

Gardener

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

Maryland Zoo

Exhibits Specialist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$21/hr

Additionally,the Exhibits Specialist will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife andprotect ... Two to three years ofexperience working in an exhibits/horticultural program at an AZA ...

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Health

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

... horticulture, food science, research, or conservation work. The Dallas Zoo's Animal Health teams work together to ensure the welfare of nearly 2,000 animals representing around 400 diverse species.

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire multiple, experienced and enthusiastic team members to join our multiple Horticulture teams. A Horticulturist at the NC Zoo is responsible for maintaining ...

The Living Planet Aquarium

Horticulture Manager

Draper, UT · On-site

$58K/yr

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase ... The Horticulture Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for all botanical activities ...

Drab To Fab

Horticulturist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... in horticulture, this position provides hands-on mentorship and professional development opportunities rarely available outside of institutions such as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park ...

Drab To Fab

Horticultural Crew Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Our work is rooted in thoughtful horticulture, sustainable practices, excellent design, and ... Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Botanic Garden. Position Summary Drab to Fab is ...

Drab To Fab

Horticultural Crew Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Our work is rooted in thoughtful horticulture, sustainable practices, excellent design, and ... Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Botanic Garden. Position Summary Drab to Fab is ...

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Zoo Horticulture information

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How much do zoo horticulture jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo horticulture in the United States is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo horticulture?

A Zoo Horticulture job involves managing and maintaining plant collections within a zoo to support animal habitats, visitor experiences, and conservation efforts. Professionals in this role design and care for landscapes that provide enrichment for animals, create immersive environments for guests, and ensure plant health. They collaborate with animal care teams to select safe and beneficial vegetation while also promoting sustainability and education.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in zoo horticulture?

A typical day in Zoo Horticulture involves tasks such as planting, pruning, fertilizing, and monitoring plant health, while working alongside animal care and maintenance teams to create safe, naturalistic environments for zoo residents. You might also help design and install themed landscapes, assist in special exhibits, and respond to weather or animal-related challenges that impact plant life. Work is often outdoors and may include early mornings or occasional weekends to accommodate the needs of the zoo and its animals. Collaboration with zookeepers and educators is common, as you'll support both animal wellbeing and visitor engagement. This dynamic role is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work in a unique, mission-driven setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the zoo horticulture position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Zoo Horticulture, a strong background in botany, horticulture, or a related field is essential, often supported by relevant certifications and practical plant care experience. Familiarity with irrigation systems, horticultural equipment, chemical application, and knowledge of plant identification are typically required. Strong observational skills, teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability help professionals coordinate with animal care staff and handle changing environments. These competencies ensure healthy, sustainable landscapes that enhance animal habitats and the visitor experience.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Horticulture jobs?

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Zoo Horticulture jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Horticulture job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,806 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Exhibits Specialist

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Animal Facilities, the ExhibitsSpecialist provides day-to-day monitoring, repairs and preventive maintenanceof all animal exhibit/holding/service area features, e.g. rock work, pools, hot wire systems, exhibitfurniture, plant material, animal enrichment, and animal caging. Additionally,the Exhibits Specialist will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife andprotect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governancesustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity,Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
Essential Functions:
Primary Functions:
  • Assist Horticulturedepartment with landscaping and planting projects, as required;
  • Provide seasonal assistancewith landscaping needs and pruning in and around animal exhibits;
  • Provide repair and maintenanceof barriers, caging andfences in and around animal habitats;
  • Install and maintain hotwire systems in animal exhibits;
  • Move, maintain and gradesubstrate to meet animal department needs;
  • Advise and assist withinstallation of new plant material in exhibits;
  • Develop a schedule ofpreventative maintenance for all animal habitats;
  • Maintain a currentinventory of exhibit construction materials and SDS information;
  • Assist with the storage ofchemicals per OSHA requirements
  • Service and maintain departmentequipment, including power tools and yard equipment;
  • Provide training foranimal staff on safe operation of department tools and equipment;
  • Assist Facilitiescontractor with maintenance and construction projects, as required;
  • Provide constructionservices in the renovation of existing exhibits or exhibit features;
  • Provide constructionservices to assist in preparing new habitats for animal and staff use;
  • Maintain certification onpower equipment such as skid steers and back hoes;
  • Assist with pest controlmeasures and wild animal exclusion in and around animal habitats;
  • Advise Animal departmentmanagement on current and new industry safety standards;
  • Assist with snow and iceremoval and storm clean up, as required;
  • Available on call fornights and weekends, as required
  • Perform other duties, asassigned;
  • Adhere to all policies andprocedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):
  • Activelycollaborate with all areas of the Zoo to ensure that exhibit management practicesare to the highest standards;
  • Represent the Zoo toguests, media, donors, zoo community associates, and the general public;
  • Answer thepublic's questions concerning exhibit management;
  • Activelycollaborate with the otherdepartments to ensure that exhibit features inpublic areas are maintained in good repair;
  • Attendarea, department and All Staff meetings as required; and,
  • Coordinateexhibit management activities with animal department staff.

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):
  • Recommend,schedule and perform preventative maintenance services for all animal exhibits;and
  • Providerepair/ maintenance service for animal enrichment devices, fences, gates, plantmaterial (in cooperation with the Horticulture Department), rock work, hotwiresystems, exhibit barriers and exhibit substrates.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • High school degreerequired, AA or bachelor's degree in art, science, horticulture or mechanics isdesirable.

Experience/Training:
  • Two to three years ofexperience working in an exhibits/horticultural program at an AZA accreditedzoo or aquarium or related experience in art, horticulture or mechanical field;
  • Validdriver's license;
  • Experienceusing heavy construction equipment;
  • Fabrication experience;
  • Proficiency with welding,carpentry and concrete construction;
  • Proficiency withlandscaping, pruning, and plant identification;
  • Workingknowledge of industry and governmentsafety standards.

Traits Desirable:
  • Ability to work with awide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • Extremelywell-organized;
  • Excellentcustomer service skills for internal customers; and,
  • Self-directed,collaborative and detail-oriented.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate a variety ofmachines and equipment including telephone, two-way radio, motor vehicles,electric golf carts, hand tools, gardening/carpentry tools, power equipment,e.g. leaf blower, weed eater, lawn mower, chain saw or power washer andconstruction equipment, e.g. backhoe, Bobcat, farm tractors, large trucks, andwelding equipment.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able toexert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or anegligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pullor otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those forsedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop,kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
  • Must be ableto walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
  • Must be able towork in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, includingheat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Ability towork a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be ableto lift and/or carry weights of up to 50 pounds and climb a ladder;
  • Exposure tozoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
  • Exposure topotential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insectbites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
  • TB test andphysical required.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellentbenefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave,and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental,vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:
Thestatements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work beingperformed by employees assigned to this classification. They are notintended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, dutiesand/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore,management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other ordifferent tasks be performed when circumstances change.
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