Zoological Horticulture Worker
Parks Tacoma
Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
Published 1 week ago
Farm, Ranch, and Greenhouse Operations
Full time
Salary: $29.57 - $36.75 Hourly
Location : Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Represented
Department: Zoological and Environmental Education
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $29.57
The full-salary range for this position is $29.57- $36.75 per hour.
Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Under the direction of the Operations Manager / Assistant Operations Manager and the supervision of the Horticulturist/Arborist, perform a variety of skilled duties involved in the installation, growth, care and maintenance of the horticulture collection and grounds for the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. This position may also provide work direction to laborer/custodial staff, seasonal staff and volunteers. Zoological Horticulture Workers shall have a demonstrated level of landscape and grounds maintenance abilities.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
Essential Duties
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in horticulture or 4 years of experience in related field required. Experience in
horticulture within a zoological environment preferred.
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (A current driving abstract will be requested after job offer).
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency within probationary period.
• Ability to pass training in the area of forklift, high lift or other specialized equipment.
• Obtain and Maintain annual pesticide license including but not limited to the categories of Ornamental Insect and Disease, Ornamental Weed, Right of Ways, and Pest Control Operator. License must be obtained within probationary period.
Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors.
Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
Noise from equipment operation.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Standing, kneeling, and walking for extended periods of time.
Bending at the waist.
Pushing and pulling maintenance supplies and equipment.
Lifting and moving furniture and objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
Climbing ladders.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Climbing ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate hand and power tools and equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Heavy physical labor.
HAZARDS:
Working at heights on ladders or scaffolding.
Working with and around machinery having moving parts.
Exposure to fertilizer fumes, pollen and dust.
Fumes from vehicle and equipment operation.
Chemical fumes
ABILITY TO:
• Perform specialized technical work related to production schedules, selection, propagation,
growth, care and maintenance of botanic and horticulture materials.
• Care and maintain plants, shrubs and crops according to established procedures.
• Schedule and propagate ornamental plants according to requirements.
• Water and fertilize plants according to established procedures and schedules.
• Clean, trim, transplant, and prune trees and shrubs.
• Monitor and control plant pests, insects and disease and inspect plants for infestation.
• Apply pesticides safely and according to established procedures.
• Prepare and mix soils, chemicals, seedlings and plants in propagation beds, displays, pots, and
other containers.
• Perform minor construction, maintenance and repair to irrigation systems, exhibit areas, and
related facilities.
• Observe, monitor and control factors influencing the growth of plants, including soil
composition, insects, disease and fertilizer.
• Meet schedules and time lines
• Perform CPR and first aid.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Perform complex or varied tasks.
• Learn procedures, methods and schedules.
• Use tools and equipment common to the horticultural and maintenance trade.
• Maintain zoo facilities in a clean, safe and secure condition.
• Perform general grounds maintenance duties including mowing, edging, weeding and watering
as well as cultivation of lawns, flower beds and other landscaped areas.
• Assist others in specialized grounds keeping activities.
• Learn safe operation of a wide variety of equipment related to the building trades, grounds
maintenance work and lighting displays.
• Ability to obtain additional certifications or endorsements as required
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Report for work regularly and on time.
PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at
Employment is subject to a national background check.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at Parks Tacoma )
Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.
Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.
Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.
Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program.
Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period
Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.
Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers .The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.
Did you know... Benefits at Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Do you meet the minimum qualifications of this position: Bachelor's degree in horticulture or 4 years of experience in related field.
02
Please explain, in detail, how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualifications.
03
Please explain why you feel you are the most qualified candidate for this position, highlighting specific skills, personal attributes or other experience and knowledge that you will bring to the position.
04
Do you have a valid driver's license?
05
Are you able to work a variety of hours to cover work shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency after hours? If no, please list what hours, shift or days you are unable to work.
Required Question
Location : Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Represented
Department: Zoological and Environmental Education
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $29.57
The full-salary range for this position is $29.57- $36.75 per hour.
Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Under the direction of the Operations Manager / Assistant Operations Manager and the supervision of the Horticulturist/Arborist, perform a variety of skilled duties involved in the installation, growth, care and maintenance of the horticulture collection and grounds for the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. This position may also provide work direction to laborer/custodial staff, seasonal staff and volunteers. Zoological Horticulture Workers shall have a demonstrated level of landscape and grounds maintenance abilities.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Essential Duties
- Participate in all aspects of landscape maintenance and installation. Assist the Horticulturist/Arborist in design and construction of new beds and exhibits.
- Operate a variety of equipment and machines including riding mowers, hand mowers, backpack blowers, weed eaters, forklift, high lift, trucks, bobcat, air compressors and other equipment not requiring a commercial license; maintain equipment and tools in safe and proper working condition.
- Perform landscaping, plant, tree, and turf maintenance and other horticultural activities; prepare soil for seeding and sow grass seed; repair and maintain flower beds; mix and apply pesticides and chemicals according to established procedures and guidelines.
- Perform grounds maintenance and horticultural duties such as planting, transplanting, propagating, mowing, edging, aerating, trimming, watering, fertilizing, removing, and weeding of lawns, trees, and shrubs.
- Assist and oversee seasonal staff in the removal of leaves, backpack blowing, garbage, litter, recycling, and removal of snow and debris.
- Inspect, maintain, install, and perform repairs to irrigation systems.
- Assist in the requisition and purchase of supplies and materials according to established procedures; obtain competitive prices; prepare and maintain related records and reports; submit to appropriate personnel and department as required; operate a vehicle to pick?up and deliver supplies and materials.
- Assist the Horticulturist in monitoring and controlling plant pests, insects and disease; inspect plants for infestation; apply pesticides and remove plants as required; prepare and maintain related records.
- Assist Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium keepers and staff with horticultural questions and/or maintenance within the animal exhibit areas.
- Operate a variety of specialized tools and equipment, including rototillers, bobcat, pesticide sprayers, soil mixers, and other hand and power tools.
- Utilize principles of Plant Health Care (PHC) including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques in the maintenance of the horticultural collection.
- Assist the Horticulturist/Arborist in the future development of the Horticultural collection.
- Assist with training temporary staff and provide work direction to others as assigned.
- Attend staff and committee meetings. Conduct horticultural tours as assigned.
- Perform emergency first aid and CPR as necessary.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in horticulture or 4 years of experience in related field required. Experience in
horticulture within a zoological environment preferred.
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (A current driving abstract will be requested after job offer).
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency within probationary period.
• Ability to pass training in the area of forklift, high lift or other specialized equipment.
• Obtain and Maintain annual pesticide license including but not limited to the categories of Ornamental Insect and Disease, Ornamental Weed, Right of Ways, and Pest Control Operator. License must be obtained within probationary period.
Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors.
Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
Noise from equipment operation.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Standing, kneeling, and walking for extended periods of time.
Bending at the waist.
Pushing and pulling maintenance supplies and equipment.
Lifting and moving furniture and objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
Climbing ladders.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Climbing ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate hand and power tools and equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Heavy physical labor.
HAZARDS:
Working at heights on ladders or scaffolding.
Working with and around machinery having moving parts.
Exposure to fertilizer fumes, pollen and dust.
Fumes from vehicle and equipment operation.
Chemical fumes
ABILITY TO:
• Perform specialized technical work related to production schedules, selection, propagation,
growth, care and maintenance of botanic and horticulture materials.
• Care and maintain plants, shrubs and crops according to established procedures.
• Schedule and propagate ornamental plants according to requirements.
• Water and fertilize plants according to established procedures and schedules.
• Clean, trim, transplant, and prune trees and shrubs.
• Monitor and control plant pests, insects and disease and inspect plants for infestation.
• Apply pesticides safely and according to established procedures.
• Prepare and mix soils, chemicals, seedlings and plants in propagation beds, displays, pots, and
other containers.
• Perform minor construction, maintenance and repair to irrigation systems, exhibit areas, and
related facilities.
• Observe, monitor and control factors influencing the growth of plants, including soil
composition, insects, disease and fertilizer.
• Meet schedules and time lines
• Perform CPR and first aid.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Perform complex or varied tasks.
• Learn procedures, methods and schedules.
• Use tools and equipment common to the horticultural and maintenance trade.
• Maintain zoo facilities in a clean, safe and secure condition.
• Perform general grounds maintenance duties including mowing, edging, weeding and watering
as well as cultivation of lawns, flower beds and other landscaped areas.
• Assist others in specialized grounds keeping activities.
• Learn safe operation of a wide variety of equipment related to the building trades, grounds
maintenance work and lighting displays.
• Ability to obtain additional certifications or endorsements as required
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Report for work regularly and on time.
PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at
Employment is subject to a national background check.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at Parks Tacoma )
Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.
Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.
Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.
Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program.
Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period
Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.
Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers .The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.
Did you know... Benefits at Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:
- Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the benefits summaries for more information.
- An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the benefits summaries for more information.
- Tax Free Health Accounts: Parks Tacoma offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program - this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
- Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass - ALL Parks Tacoma employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
- Checking Out All That Parks Tacoma Offers the Community: Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District.
- Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements - Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows Parks Tacoma to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
- Taking a Break: All Parks Tacoma employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
- Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. Parks Tacoma employees can contribute to the Legacy Campaign through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a Day of Service with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Do you meet the minimum qualifications of this position: Bachelor's degree in horticulture or 4 years of experience in related field.
- Yes
- No
02
Please explain, in detail, how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualifications.
03
Please explain why you feel you are the most qualified candidate for this position, highlighting specific skills, personal attributes or other experience and knowledge that you will bring to the position.
04
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
05
Are you able to work a variety of hours to cover work shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency after hours? If no, please list what hours, shift or days you are unable to work.
Required Question