Position: Horticulturist I

Reports To: Horticulturist Manager

Pay: 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 Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center opening, the Aquarium is 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:

The Horticulturist I is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the plants in their respective areas. This position provides daily care of plant materials both inside and outside of the Aquarium. The candidate will work with the Horticulture Manager to ensure the health and well-being of all plant material as well as the safety of both people and animals in work areas. This position will also be trained in the care and maintenance of both temperate and tropical plant material in the gallery and garden spaces. The individual will maintain an understanding of current horticultural practices. The Horticulturist also has the knowledge and ability to act as a resource for presenters, volunteers, and interns.

Qualifications:

· A college degree (A.A, A.S, B.A, OR B.S) is strongly recommended with an emphasis in Horticulture or other plant science course work. Equivalent hands-on work experience/knowledge will be considered.

· Experience maintaining numerous types of plants with various cultural practices

· Experience and knowledge of plants, pests, diseases, and nutrition

· Must have experience maintaining various types of both indoor and outdoor plant materials

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

· Valid Utah driver's license

· Must possess current, negative drug and TB test results

· Must be willing to certify and train on scissor lift and forklift

Critical Skills/Competencies:

· Attention to detail

· Excellent troubleshooting skills

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Working knowledge of best management practices on plant care

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Perform watering, weeding, fertilizing, seasonal plant rotation, and pruning.

· Monitor plant health and address pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies. Reporting suspected incidence of pests and/or disease immediately to the Horticulture Manager.

· Ensure all landscaped areas remain attractive and professionally maintained.

· Perform watering and cleanup functions without direct supervision

· Maintain a clean work area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scenes tours

· Maintain a flexible schedule to ensure project deadlines are met, including availability for evening, weekend, or holiday shifts as required.

· Provide alternate coverage for the Horticulture team

· Maintain supplies and equipment needed for the department

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.