Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Lead 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 and leading the fight against extinction. The Lead Horticulturist under minimal direction supervises and performs horticultural maintenance and grounds development tasks at the Zoo and the Safari Park. This position reports to the Supervisor/Manager.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Horticulturist class by consistently demonstrating leadership qualities while supporting staff and exercising supervisory responsibilities in a wide variety of horticultural duties, both skilled and unskilled. Lead Horticulturist consistently demonstrates leadership qualities as well as the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers. Supports and mentors staff.

This is a skilled position that schedules, coordinates and executes horticultural work with minimal supervision.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Trains, schedules, supervises, and inspects horticulture production work.

• Plant Cultivation and Care:
◦ Horticultural care of native and non-native plant material including IUCN red list plant materials.
◦ Plant and transplant various types of flora based on seasonal and environmental requirements.
◦ Monitor plant growth and health, identifying and addressing any diseases, pests, or nutrient deficiencies.
◦ Implement appropriate fertilization and irrigation methods to ensure optimal plant development.
◦ Prune, trim, and shape plants to encourage healthy growth and maintain desired aesthetics.

• Team Collaboration and Leadership:
◦ Provide guidance and training to junior staff members or volunteers as needed.

• Research, Record Keeping and Documentation of Section/Specialty Plant Collections:
◦ 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.

• 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.

• Equipment and Tool Management:
◦ 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.

• 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.

• Garden Design and Planning:
◦ Design and maintain ornamental gardens, themed displays, and seasonal arrangements.
◦ Select appropriate plants and trees based on the site conditions, aesthetics, and identified thematic.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
JOB EXPERIENCE
• Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills listed required
• Four or more years of experience in commercial gardening, supplemented by specialized horticultural training required

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• College level coursework preferred
• Valid California Drivers License Upon Hire required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of:
• A variety of plants, plant materials and growth principles
• Horticultural soil conditions and preparations and testing
• Methods and precautions for applying fertilizers and insecticides
• Equipment operation and safety precautions
• Plant classification, identification and maintenance requirements
• Effective customer relations skills
• Effective leadership skills
• Principles and practices of training and supervision
Ability to:
• Comprehend and follow instructions
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Work in a team environment and motivate others
• Multi-task and prioritize
• Give directions effectively
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others in a diverse environment
• Perform each Essential job function at a high level

SOME OF THE REWARDS 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
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $37.56
About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
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 sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

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 sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org 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. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.