Horticulturist II

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.

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.

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.

• 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
• 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.
• 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
• Efficient time management, strong project management skills, and self‑direction.

• 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.

• Perform and oversee daily plant care, including watering, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, and seasonal plant rotations across indoor galleries, animal habitats,…