Job Title: Landscaper (Temporary)
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Senior Maintenance Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
Job Summary:
This position maintains the grounds, landscapes, and exterior areas of facilities in a clean, attractive, orderly, safe, and healthy condition across White Oak property.
Essential Duties:
o Works under the close direction of the Lead Landscaper.
o Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of landscapes such as fertilizing, applying pesticides, pruning, dead-heading, weeding, mulching, etc.
o Performs groundskeeping and landscape maintenance duties.
o Assists in determining the appropriate plants or shrubs for landscaped areas.
o Installs and maintains trees, shrubs, ground covers, and turf grasses.
o Assists with maintaining and managing irrigation systems across the property.
o Assists with general exterior maintenance duties which may include typical duties such as mowing, weed-eating, pressure washing, and other exterior facility work.
o Assists Support Services teams as needed.
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
- High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s Degree as Horticulturist, preferred.
- Minimum of one year of landscaping installation, maintenance, along with one year of landscaping equipment uses or plant nursery work.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Knowledgeable and passionate about managing landscapes.
- Certificates of competency in landscaping are preferred.
- Pesticide applicator certification preferred.
- Knowledge of the fundamental principles of landscaping and irrigation.
- Ability to operate without direct supervision and be self-motivated, persistent, confident, tenacious, and take pride in work.
- Ability to operate mowers, tractors, weed eaters, pruners, and water truck.
- Flexibility in work hours and schedule.
- Dependable, trustworthy, and neatly groomed.
- Capable of receiving and following instructions and communicating with co-workers.
- Ability to read and adhere to labels, safety warnings, and guidelines.
- Attentive to detail and always alert to ensure safety.
- Basic computer skills.
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
- Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers’ license.
- Working in inclement weather and extreme temperatures (attics).
- Work around noise and hazardous materials.
- Work using high ladders and man lifts.
- Occasionally lift over 50 lbs.
- May require weekend rotating coverage and may require occasional after-hours work.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.
