Working At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
My Role as a Seasonal Horticultural Assistant at the Zoo
As a Seasonal Horticultural Assistant at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, I have the unique opportunity to combine my love for plants with the dynamic setting of wildlife conservation. Working behind the scenes in the horticulture department, I help create and maintain the vibrant, living landscapes that enhance both the animal exhibits and the overall guest experience.
🌿 A Living Landscape
Unlike a traditional garden or park, a zoo’s landscape must serve many roles. It needs to be aesthetically pleasing, ecologically functional, and in some cases, suitable for animal interaction. From tropical plantings in rainforest-themed exhibits to native Ohio species in outdoor habitats, each plant is selected with intention—and I help keep them thriving.
Daily tasks include:
Watering and fertilizing diverse plant collections
Weeding and mulching garden beds
Pruning shrubs and maintaining plant health
Assisting with seasonal plantings and landscape installs
🧤 Hands-On Learning
This role is not only about labor—it's about learning through experience. I’ve gained valuable insight into:
Sustainable landscape practices
Plant care under varying light, soil, and climate conditions
Horticultural problem-solving in a public setting
The intersection between horticulture, animal care, and education
These experiences directly support my studies in Plant Science and Technology, and reinforce classroom knowledge from books like Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon, and who can forget teh mighty DiR
🌺 Why It Matters
Plants play a critical role in animal welfare and guest engagement. Shade trees cool enclosures. Native perennials attract pollinators. Ornamental plantings make the zoo feel more immersive and welcoming.
As a horticulturist-in-training, I’m proud to contribute to this mission—beautifying the zoo, supporting sustainability, and growing my career in the green industry.
Thanks for reading! If you're interested in horticulture, public gardens, or green careers, visit Metroparks career page here
