Horticulturist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a Horticulturist for the Safari Park who will perform routine horticultural and grounds maintenance tasks under supervision. You will cultivate and care for a variety of plants, monitor health, and implement irrigation, fertilization, and soil improvement practices to support landscape aesthetics and plant vitality.

The role emphasizes safety, proper equipment use, record keeping, and collaboration with staff and stakeholders to advance

Qualifications

• Prior commercial plant care/landscape experience preferred.
• Knowledge of 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.

Responsibilities

• Plant and transplant flora according to seasonal and environmental needs.
• Monitor plant growth and health, identify biotic and abiotic disorders.
• Implement fertilization, mulching, and irrigation to support development.
• Prune, trim, and shape plants for growth and aesthetics.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment safely; follow safety trainings.
• Maintain detailed records of planting schedules and maintenance activities.

Skills

Plant care

Irrigation systems

Soil management

Pest control

Safety training

Record keeping

Tree maintenance

Communication

Education

A.A. in horticulture, botany, plant science

Job description

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.

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 FORJOB EXPERIENCE

Prior commercial plant care/landscape experiencepreferred

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 KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of:

A variety of plants, plant materials and growth principlesHorticultural soil conditions and preparationsMethods and precautions for applying fertilizers and insecticidesWorking knowledge of tree removal and maintenance practicesProper watering techniquesWork safety practicesEffective customer relations skills

Ability to:

Troubleshoot basic irrigation problemsManage soils, substrates, plants and amendments in a professional landscapeKeep accurate recordsResearch plants to provide special collections careUse a variety of industry tools safely and effectivelyCommunicate and work effectively with othersOperate power machinery as required