Horticulture Aid

Applying for this role

We are currently assessing availability for this role. If it is open for application we will open it on February 1, 2026 and close February 28, 2026. Interviews in person or via Zoom will take place in March 2026.

Interested, but the role isn't available? Check out our Zoo Community Gardeners or our Gardening Work Group! Either of these are excellent ways to get down in the dirt while learning a lot about zoos and the plants that live in them.

Role Summary

The Horticulture Aid position works directly with the HVZ Horticulturist to assist in critical plant care throughout the zoo. They play a key role in our vegetable and sensory gardens, and in the viewing areas of animal exhibits.

Responsibilities

Irrigate, mulch, weed & plant in multiple gardens throughout the zoo. These include viewing areas of animal exhibits, but do NOT include areas inside exhibits.
Assist with collecting browse and perchable branches/limbs as needed
Learn basic zoo horticulture skills
Create beautiful grounds that are enjoyed by thousands of visitors a year
Learn animals' names and their preferred browse

*This role will occasionally get to assist with the harvesting and delivery of browse or perching for the animals.

Volunteering For All

Gardeners volunteer outside in mostly open sun (though, shade can present itself in the early mornings when the shadows are longer). Public and private restrooms are located throughout the zoo only a short distance from any gardening area.

While gardens are often near pathways, the uneven nature of the ground may provide difficult for a standard wheelchair. In addition, some stepping over/minor climbing may be needed in the event the Horticulture Aid will be assisting in exhibit viewing areas between fencing.

Early mornings at the zoo include animal noises and possible leaf-blowing before open hours. Noise from guests starts at 9:30AM when the zoo opens and is dependent on season and weather.

Requirements & Skills

At least 18 years of age
Some gardening experience is beneficial but all skills can be taught on site
Able to walk for the duration of the shift and easily switch between sitting and standing
Able to tolerate a variety of temperatures and weather (see Weather Policy)
Able to hear and process verbal instructions
Able to work both as a team and independently (This position will be with the HVZ Horticulturalist for the majority of the time, but may be asked to work independently on occasion.)

Time Commitment

Training

All volunteers commit to a series of online training modules that walk them through an orientation and any skills/knowledge needed for their specific role. All online training is completed before the first shift.

All volunteers also commit to one onsite training set up specifically for their starting role.

All gardening volunteers must be able to commit to the onsite gardening training on Thursday, April 16, 8:30AM-11:30AM.

Weather Policy

Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather. While we remain open, we trust our Gardeners to decide whether or not they would like to volunteer in light precipitation, cold/hot temperatures, etc.

The volunteer is in charge of scheduling a make-up shift in the event they choose to stay home due to weather. In the event of truly inclement weather, we will call volunteers to cancel. In this case, volunteers do not need to make up their cancelled shift.

What is "browse"?

Browse is any edible, fresh plant material like leaves, twigs, and branches from woody plants. All animals at HVZ can get browse for a variety of different purposes (ex. eating, climbing, tools, perching, etc.).

Some animals have a daily fresh browse requirement. HVZ Gardeners learn to identify browse in their work and play a key role in maintaining and harvesting the browse during the growing season.

"Do you think plants can hear too?"

Aaron, HVZ Horticultural Aid exploring the sensory garden with a young guest