Job Title: Horticulturist/Animal Keeper - Wildlife Safari Park (located in Ashland, Nebraska)
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Hours: Full-time (Monday - Friday during off season; schedule will include one weekend day during regular season; 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Pay Rate: Range starts at $18.15/hour
Summary:
Join the team at our Wildlife Safari Park, where you will help care for North America's iconic wildlife - from bison and elk to wolves, bears, and waterfowl - across 440 acres of woodlands and grasslands. The Horticulturist/Animal Keeper plays a hands-on role in both landscape management and animal husbandry at Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari (16406 N. 292 Street, Ashland, NE 68003). This position reports directly to the Supervisor at the Wildlife Safari Park.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Horticultural Responsibilities
- Provide care and maintenance for all trees, shrubs, perennials, and turf across the Park including prairies, the Sacred Hoop Garden, aviary, butterfly garden, Wolf Woods area beds, hospital bed, browse production fields, bamboo trials, nursery stock, and tree spade projects.
- Supervise, train and direct seasonal staff.
- Coordinate daily and weekly objectives.
- Assist in planning new installations.
- Coordinate with the Deputy Director and Supervisors on new and existing tree and shrub plantings as well as turf management.
- Organize and supervise volunteer groups as needed.
- Keep current and accurate records.
- Assist in other areas of the department as seasonally needed.
- Maintain a valid Nebraska Pesticide Applicators license.
- Animal Keeper Responsibilities
- Maintain animal care, cleaning, feeding, record keeping, recording observations and providing animal enrichment.
- Assist in hand rearing animals.
- Maintain food and cleaning supplies in all areas.
- Assist in all park projects.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of irrigation systems and watering equipment.
- Identification of Great Plains species and the most common species of trees, shrubs, and perennials.
- Pest, disease, and weed identification and treatment methods.
- Knowledge of trimming & pruning techniques & equipment.
- Basic record keeping knowledge.
- Knowledge of common browse material.
- Knowledge of animal husbandry for various species.
- Ability to work independently and with others.
- Good communication skills.
- Creative and innovative in cage design and enrichment activities for animals.
Working Conditions/Physical Efforts:
- Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
- Physical effort required including ability to lift at least 75 pounds.
- Exposure to physical risk is possible.
- The work schedule is varied including weekends and holidays.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- A valid driver's license is required.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver's license with a good history.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
