What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulturist II position at The Living Planet Aquarium?
Position: Horticulturist II
Reports To: Horticulture Manager
Compensation: Starting at $18/hour
Why Utah?
Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.
About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.
Position Summary:
This position is for a mid-to-advanced level horticulturist responsible for the high-level
care, aesthetic presentation, and maintenance of the Aquarium's expansive indoor and
outdoor botanical collection. This consists of a diverse array of tropical plants, large
temperate and tropical trees, indoor galleries, animal habitats, and expansive outdoor
grounds and gardens. The Horticulturist II works closely with the Horticulture Manager to
maintain optimal environmental parameters, lead plant health management, coordinate
small-scale horticultural projects, and mentor staff, interns, and volunteers.
Qualifications:
• A two- or four-year degree (A.A., A.S., B.A., or B.S.) in Horticulture, Biological
Sciences, or related plant science field. Candidates with a suitable combined
equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
• 2–3 years of paid, professional experience in the field of horticulture.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining diverse collections of indoor, tropical, and
outdoor temperate plant materials.
• Practical knowledge and applied experience in plant pathology, nutrition, disease
management, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) best practices.
• Proven track record coordinating projects from design development and budgeting
to execution and completion.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Valid Utah driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire).
- Must possess current, negative TB and drug test results prior to start date.
- Utah Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
- Willingness and ability to train and certify on equipment, including scissor lifts and forklifts.
Critical Skills/Competencies:
• Strong attention to detail with an eye for garden and exhibit aesthetics.
• Excellent troubleshooting, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to
work collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor colleagues and lead by example in best
management practices.
• Efficient time management, strong project management skills, and self-direction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform and oversee daily plant care, including watering, fertilizing, weeding,
pruning, and seasonal plant rotations across indoor galleries, animal habitats, and
outdoor grounds.
• Monitor, maintain, and adjust environmental parameters for optimal plant health
and growth.
• Monitor plant health, diagnose signs of pests, disease, or nutritional deficiencies,
and execute appropriate integrated pest management responses in collaboration
with the Horticulture Manager.
• Ensure all landscaped areas, exhibits, and public spaces remain exceptionally
attractive, healthy, and professionally maintained.
• Mentor, train, and act as a subject-matter resource for Horticulturist I staff, interns,
and volunteers to expand team skill sets.
• Plan, budget, coordinate, and execute small-scale botanical and landscape
enhancement projects.
• Maintain accurate records and regular documentation in support of botanical
collection health and industry best practices.
• Clean, service, and maintain all departmental tools, equipment, supplies, and
support spaces.
• Maintain a flexible schedule to ensure project deadlines and operational needs are
met, including availability for evenings, weekends, or holidays as required.
• Provide alternate coverage for the horticulture department and perform duties
without direct supervision.
Physical Demands of the Job:
• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments across varying weather
conditions, including elevated surfaces, hot/cold temperatures, high humidity,
animal habitats, uneven terrain, enclosed spaces, and noisy workspaces.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, stand or walk for extended
periods, work around cleaning/horticultural chemicals, and operate machinery,
power tools, and aquarium vehicles.
Benefits & Perks
- Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus optional FSA/HSA accounts
- Paid time off & 12 paid holidays per year
- Paid bereavement leave and paid new child leave (birth, adoption, or placement)
- Employer-paid short-term disability; optional long-term disability coverage
- Convenient onsite childcare (employees pay approximately 20% of the cost)
- 401(k) with match up to 4% - fully vested from day 1 of contribution
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free Aquarium membership
- Discounts on tickets, gift shop, and café purchases
- Free and discounted animal encounters
- Pet insurance and discounts
- Footwear discounts
- Entertainment, travel, and retail savings through Tickets at Work
While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.
The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.