Grow your career in a world-class setting! Are you passionate about horticulture and ready to make a lasting impact in a truly unique environment? At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, we’re looking for a skilled and dedicated Senior Greenhouse Specialist to help maintain and enhance the beauty of our world-renowned landscapes and greenhouse collections.
- This role is essential in creating a vibrant, healthy, and immersive environment for both our guests and wildlife. Your efforts will enhance the beauty of a world-class Zoo and create a memorable experience for millions of visitors.
- If you thrive in dynamic outdoor settings, have a keen eye for plant health, and love working with a team that brings landscapes to life—this is the job for you!
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Greenhouse & Plant Care:
- Assist in the annual and seasonal production of plants to enhance the Zoo’s landscapes.
- Maintain optimal plant health by implementing best practices in watering, fertilization, pest control, and disease management.
- Ensure greenhouse cleanliness and organization to support high-quality plant production.
Landscape & Grounds Maintenance:
- Oversee the care and maintenance of designated landscape zones, ensuring they remain healthy and visually appealing.
- Perform pruning, irrigation monitoring, fertilization, weed control, and plant health treatments as needed.
- Apply pesticides and other treatments safely and effectively to protect plant life.
Conservation & Innovation:
- Maintain accurate plant species inventory records to support the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
- Identify opportunities for landscape enhancement and plant health improvements to elevate the guest experience.
- Supervise and mentor seasonal staff, volunteers, and students to inspire the next generation of horticulture professionals.
Equipment & Systems Maintenance:
- Perform routine maintenance on horticultural tools and equipment to ensure efficiency.
- Monitor and troubleshoot irrigation systems to optimize water usage and plant hydration.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of plant care, greenhouse operations, and landscape design principles.
- Knowledge of tree, turf, shrub, perennial, and grass identification and maintenance.
- Experience with irrigation systems, pest/disease management, and weed control.
- Ability to apply pesticides safely and legally (Nebraska Pesticide Applicator’s License required or willingness to obtain).
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel preferred).
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Horticulture or a related field (required).
- Minimum 5 years of greenhouse production and plant maintenance experience.
- At least 2 years of experience in commercial landscape maintenance.
- Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to walk long distances across the Zoo’s expansive grounds.
- Requires standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds (occasionally up to 75 pounds).
- Work schedule includes weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings to accommodate special events and seasonal needs.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
