Browse Horticulturist - Seasonal - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to wildlife conservation as a Horticulturist. In this seasonal role, you will cultivate and care for diverse plant species, ensuring their health and aesthetics while supporting the mission of inspiring passion for nature. You'll manage soil conditions, implement sustainable practices, and educate visitors on biodiversity. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant environment, contributing to conservation efforts and engaging with a community passionate about wildlife. If you have a love for plants and nature, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Free admission to the Zoo

Family Passes

Complimentary Tickets

Local Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial plant care or landscape maintenance preferred.
• Knowledge of plant growth principles and horticultural practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine horticultural tasks under general supervision.
• Monitor plant health and implement pest management strategies.

Skills

Plant Care

Soil Management

Pest Control

Equipment Operation

Communication Skills

Education

A.A. in Horticulture

A.A. in Botany

A.A. in Plant Science

Tools

Lawnmowers

Tractors

Irrigation Systems

Job description

Browse Horticulturist - Seasonal - San Diego Zoo

Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Horticulturist performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature. The Horticulturist under direction, performs routine horticultural, grounds maintenance, and tree related work of assigned area; develops new area when necessary. This position reports to a Lead/Supervisor.

This class is distinguished from the next higher class, Senior Horticulturist, in that the Senior Horticulturist works under minimal supervision and its duties require more horticultural skills and knowledge. The Horticulturist class performs a wide range of standard duties under general supervision at the Zoo or Safari Park.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Plant Cultivation and Care:
  • Plant and transplant various types of flora based on seasonal and environmental requirements.
  • Monitor plant growth and health, identifying biotic and abiotic disorders.
  • Implement appropriate fertilization, mulching and irrigation methods to ensure optimal plant development.
  • Prune, trim, and shape plants to encourage healthy growth and maintain desired aesthetics.
  
  
• Equipment Management and Safety:
  • Complete and adhere to required safety trainings
  • Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders
  • Operate and maintain horticultural equipment, such as lawnmowers, tractors, trimmers, and irrigation systems.
  • Ensure tools are cleaned, sharpened, and stored properly to prolong their lifespan.
  • Ensure vehicles are operated and maintained in alignment with Vehicle Code and Garage maintenance expectations.
  
  
• Soil Management and Improvement:
  • Conduct soil analysis to determine nutrient content, pH levels, and drainage capabilities.
  • Implement soil improvement strategies, such as composting, mulching, and aeration.
  • Recommend soil amendments and apply them as needed to optimize plant growth.
  
  
• Pest and Disease Control:
  • Monitor for pests and diseases, identifying early signs of infestation or infection.
  • Implement integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
  • Apply appropriate pesticides or biological controls when necessary, following safety protocols and regulations.
• Environmental Conservation and Sustainability:
  • Promote environmentally friendly practices, such as water conservation, composting, and native plant preservation.
  • Educate staff, visitors, or clients on sustainable gardening techniques and the importance of biodiversity.
• Research, Record Keeping and Documentation:
  • Maintain detailed records of planting schedules, maintenance activities, and plant health assessments.
  • Create reports for management or clients on garden status, performance, and recommended improvements.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This Horticulturist position will be a member of the Browse department. Under general supervision, the Horticulturist will perform job duties including the maintenance of SDZWA farm sites and delivery of browse to Zoo animals. Travel to alternate off-site browse areas will be required. These reporting sites will vary from Zoo to Safari Park and the different Browse Farm sites. Maintenance, harvest, and delivery of browse material from off-site areas will require effective time management, record keeping, and communication skills, both written and verbal.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Prior commercial plant care/landscape experience preferred
  
  

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• A.A. in horticulture, botany, plant science, or other related degree preferred.
• Valid California Driver’s License Upon Hire required
  
  

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

• A variety of plants, plant materials and growth principles
• Horticultural soil conditions and preparations
• Methods and precautions for applying fertilizers and insecticides
• Working knowledge of tree removal and maintenance practices
• Proper watering techniques
• Work safety practices
• Effective customer relations skills

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot basic irrigation problems
• Manage soils, substrates, plants and amendments in a professional landscape
• Keep accurate records
• Research plants to provide special collections care
• Use a variety of industry tools safely and effectively
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Operate power machinery as required

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Three-Month Seasonal Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $22.07

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail [e-mail] . If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to [e-mail] and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.