What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Greenhouse Specialist position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium?
Job Details
Senior Greenhouse Specialist
Job Title: Senior Greenhouse Specialist
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-time (6:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Monday - Friday with occasional weekend or evening hours)
Summary:
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.
Qualifications
