Job Details

Horticulturist II (Water Conservation Garden)

Position Number: 6315544
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Horticulturist II (Water Conservation Garden)

Job Summary

Red Butte Garden is seeking a Horticulturist II for 3-acre Water Conservation Garden and landscaping around the Dumke Horticulture building. Performs high-level horticultural maintenance and supports the supervisor with ensuring the same in assigned garden areas, including the living plant collections held within. Must work as a functional team with assigned supervisor to identify and implement all maintenance and preservation needs in assigned areas, ensuring maintenance activities are performed safely and without impact to Garden or private events by coordinating special projects with appropriate personnel and departments as needed. Supports the supervisor in providing leadership and training to seasonal staff and volunteers.

An excellent benefits package is included (see here for a full description of the benefits package):

14.2% employer retirement contribution in addition to employee contributions (automatic and immediately vested)
Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation accruals each month
Excellent health insurance options that are both affordable and allow access to care through the University of Utah health system
Tuition reduction for employees and family members
Options for short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and HSA/FSA savings plans are available
Free public transportation pass (see here for more information)

Other perks of working at the Garden, a department of the University of Utah:

Discounts for campus events and the campus store, as well as campus library privileges.
Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes, an employee discount in our gift shop, advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts, and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series.
Staff are provided work shirts and gloves, and on-the-job training.

Red Butte Garden is accessible via several bus routes that stop in Research Park and at the University Medical Center, as well as the Trax Red line, followed by a short walk or on-demand university campus shuttle. The campus shuttle offers a direct line to Red Butte Garden via the Sunnyside Route. For more information see:

https://commuterservices.utah.edu/uta/
https://commuterservices.utah.edu/uta/
https://www.redbuttegarden.org/directions/

Responsibilities

Performs garden maintenance and supports the supervisor to ensure all maintenance and preservation of assigned outdoor garden areas and their living plant collections meet excellent horticultural and aesthetic expectations and achieve individual collection objectives. This team has a strong focus on waterwise gardening, including native and non-native low water use plants, and plants that are heat tolerant.
Assists supervisor with interviewing and hiring seasonal staff; jointly and independently leads seasonal staff and volunteers in the performance of garden maintenance expectations while following safety guidelines.
Assists and supports the supervisor to evaluate, prioritize, design, and implement plant displays and improvements to plantings and garden areas that no longer meet performance expectations.
Monitors assigned areas and living plant collections for damage from a wide variety of pests, including invasive plant species, and coordinates treatment actions in advance to avoid disruption to scheduled events. Researches and uses biological, mechanical, and chemical methods to safely control invasive plant species.
Serves as a professional horticulturist serving as a public face' by greeting and interacting with guests, responding to inquiries, and providing horticultural content for Garden publications.
Participates in the Garden's living plant collection committees and meets periodically to monitor and evaluate the living plant collections, their care, and performance.
Ensures staff and volunteers are trained on department and UofU policies and guidelines applicable to the work performance required of their positions; enforces policies and guidelines accordingly.
Assists with snow and ice removal operations as necessary and in a manner that is safe and efficient to preserving garden structures, hardscape, and plant life.
Collaborates with the Horticulture department and supervisor to implement assigned section(s) of Fundraiser Plant Sales.
Reports and/or assists in the coordination of preventative and routine maintenance and potential safety concerns.
May teach classes in areas of expertise.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, or a related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), and two years of experience in horticulture. Strong knowledge and understanding of plant culture and best practices for ornamental and/or native plant care.

Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
This position is not responsible for providing patient care.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences
Specific knowledge of:

Waterwise plants
Native plants
Rock or crevice gardening
Pruning techniques for native and low water plants
Irrigation systems & water saving techniques

Ability to identify major plant genera and species, knowledge of botanical names, and characteristics of a wide range of ornamental and native plants;
Ability to identify a wide variety of horticultural weeds, insects (including beneficials), and diseases, determine and implement appropriate treatment;
A valid Utah driver's license and proof of insurability;
A Utah Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, or obtain within first six months of employment;
Able to safely and proficiently operate all equipment and tools common to the trade;
Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and to work safely in inclement conditions, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.
Demonstrated human relations skills; including effective written and oral communication;
Commitment to provide excellent customer service and maintain a consistent professional demeanor/presence;
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite and Adobe.
Experience working in a public garden;
2 years' experience leading others;
Landscape design & use of related software;
Advanced degree in Horticulture.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42238B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Work Schedule: Sunday through Thursday, with one evening shift per week from April through mid-October. Additional shifts are periodically required to provide coverage for Garden programs/events or snow removal for the same, and as essential personnel this position is expected to provide coverage during Holidays and University Closed Days, to provide minimum garden coverage, clear the Garden for reopening, and/or respond to other emergencies as required.
Department: 00340 - Red Butte Garden & Arboretum
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 20.00 or more, depending on experience
Close Date: 9/20/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/184283