Horticulturist

MUSEUM SCI (009723)

UCPath Position ID: 41061780

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1141334

Approved Date:

3/6/2026 9:32:25 PM

Date Last Edited:

3/6/2026 9:32:21 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

11/1/2023

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1330D

Division:

L&S LIFE SCIENCES

Department:

092000 - BOTANICAL GARDENS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41061780

Position Description ID

169246

UC Payroll Title:

MUSEUM SCI (009723)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40036395

Reports to Payroll Title:

Museum Scientist Senior

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40043454

Department Head Payroll Title:

PROF=AY

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Senior Museum Scientist (Garden Manager), the incumbent is responsible for maintaining and improving the living collections of the Botanical Garden; the incumbent will be responsible for the care and maintenance of assigned Garden zones; assist in the maintenance of the Garden landscape and its features; be responsible for day-to-day horticultural operations; will assist the Garden Manager and Assistant Director with the volunteer program and policies; conduct tree work and assess tree health in collections; monitor pesticide needs for the garden; will be trained to use and update the Garden database; identify plant species in the garden, propagate and maintain plants from various global ecosystems; will work on weekends and some campus holidays; assist Garden Manager and Assistant Director with other Garden projects or tasks when needed.

HORTICULTURAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A1. Maintain and improve the health of plants in the living collection, including pruning, fertilization, and plant and animal pest management. A2. Assess tree health in collections. A3. Assist in an ongoing program for labeling new plantings, identifying and labeling current unlabeled species in the garden, and updating Garden database (IrisBG). A4. Meet weekly or as needed with the Garden Manager to set priorities on development and maintenance of living collection. A5. Open and close the garden as required.

80%

NURSERY OPERATIONS

(Shade house, greenhouse, outdoor container stock, field plants, and aquatic tubs):  B1. Maintain structures related to nursery operations and general storage. B2. Propagate plants as needed determined by the Assistant Director and the Garden Manager. B3. Maintain container stock of living materials by watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

10%

Pond Maintenance

C1. Maintain cleanliness of stream by removing debris, monitoring pH and chemical levels, additions of fish safe biological controls. C2. Monitor Koi and other aquatic animal life. C3 Maintain aquatic and bog plants and fertilize and propagate as needed C4. Additional pond maintenance as directed by Garden Manager and Assistant Director.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Other Type of Degree

Certificate/Degree in Horticulture or similar and/or the equivalent professional horticultural experience

Preferred

General knowledge of basic botany, including plant structure, life cycles, and categories of vascular plants. Working knowledge of basic botany and the ability to recognize by sight and scientific name many common plant species, especially those in assigned garden zones

Required

Strong working knowledge of proper cultural methods for non-native subtropical, tropical,  temperate, Mediterranean, and California native plants, this includes planting, irrigation,  identification, and inspection of plants for pests and diseases

Required

Ability to learn University policies regarding safety practices and the ability to safely handle horticultural tools and equipment. - Required Ability to learn University policies regarding safety practices

Required

Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills while collaborating with team members and interacting with co-workers, volunteers, and visitors. Be capable of following directions both individually and as part of a team to successfully complete tasks. Show the ability to finish essential tasks promptly an

Required

Ability to work in various environments of heat, cold, humidity, water, and other aspects of a garden environment. Physical ability to lift 40 pounds and to perform all basic physical moves required for labor associated with an outside garden

Required

Proficient in English, with skills in spelling, legible writing, reading horticultural literature, and effective communication in one-on-one and group settings

Required

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including assigned weekends and campus holidays, on a regular basis

Required

Willing to learn garden plant database applications to update records when needed

Required

Willingness to stay in constant communication with other garden staff using a walkie-talkie or mobile phone

Required

Ability to learn to operate and maintain an electric cart and diesel tractor

Required

Motivated to help in executing the Garden's vision plan

Required

Represent the garden by donning approved and appropriate clothing

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Botanical Garden

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.