Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $34.60. The full-salary range for this position is $34.60- $42.97 per hour
We are excited to open a Horticulture Specialist position at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, where the work goes far beyond traditional groundskeeping. This role helps shape the living backdrop of animal habitats and guest spaces, supporting both animal wellbeing and the overall visitor experience. From maintaining immersive landscapes in active exhibits to collaborating with animal care and facilities teams, this is hands-on, meaningful work in a dynamic environment. It’s a unique opportunity to apply your craft in a setting where every detail contributes to something bigger!
Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You’ll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Perform a variety of specialized duties related to the operations, production, selection, propagation, growth, care and maintenance and other horticulture/arboriculture needs. Review work that directly affects the parks flora, as needed. Provide work direction, prioritize tasks, provide training and review the work of assigned volunteers, interns, contractors, and staff as needed. Organize and participate in the development and implementation of all operations relating to horticulture and arboricultural. Operate a variety of equipment necessary to conduct work plans, including heavy machinery. Conduct self-initiated tasks and projects designed to meet park-wide goals and improve the overall ecological health of park land holdings.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
We are excited to open a Horticulture Specialist position at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, where the work goes far beyond traditional groundskeeping. This role helps shape the living backdrop of animal habitats and guest spaces, supporting both animal wellbeing and the overall visitor experience. From maintaining immersive landscapes in active exhibits to collaborating with animal care and facilities teams, this is hands-on, meaningful work in a dynamic environment. It’s a unique opportunity to apply your craft in a setting where every detail contributes to something bigger!
Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You’ll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Perform a variety of specialized duties related to the operations, production, selection, propagation, growth, care and maintenance and other horticulture/arboriculture needs. Review work that directly affects the parks flora, as needed. Provide work direction, prioritize tasks, provide training and review the work of assigned volunteers, interns, contractors, and staff as needed. Organize and participate in the development and implementation of all operations relating to horticulture and arboricultural. Operate a variety of equipment necessary to conduct work plans, including heavy machinery. Conduct self-initiated tasks and projects designed to meet park-wide goals and improve the overall ecological health of park land holdings.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, always implement appropriate safety practices and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $34.60. The full-salary range for this position is $34.60- $42.97 per hour
We are excited to open a Horticulture Specialist position at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, where the work goes far beyond traditional groundskeeping. This role helps shape the living backdrop of animal habitats and guest spaces, supporting both animal wellbeing and the overall visitor experience. From maintaining immersive landscapes in active exhibits to collaborating with animal care and facilities teams, this is hands-on, meaningful work in a dynamic environment. It’s a unique opportunity to apply your craft in a setting where every detail contributes to something bigger!
Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You’ll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Perform a variety of specialized duties related to the operations, production, selection, propagation, growth, care and maintenance and other horticulture/arboriculture needs. Review work that directly affects the parks flora, as needed. Provide work direction, prioritize tasks, provide training and review the work of assigned volunteers, interns, contractors, and staff as needed. Organize and participate in the development and implementation of all operations relating to horticulture and arboricultural. Operate a variety of equipment necessary to conduct work plans, including heavy machinery. Conduct self-initiated tasks and projects designed to meet park-wide goals and improve the overall ecological health of park land holdings.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
We are excited to open a Horticulture Specialist position at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, where the work goes far beyond traditional groundskeeping. This role helps shape the living backdrop of animal habitats and guest spaces, supporting both animal wellbeing and the overall visitor experience. From maintaining immersive landscapes in active exhibits to collaborating with animal care and facilities teams, this is hands-on, meaningful work in a dynamic environment. It’s a unique opportunity to apply your craft in a setting where every detail contributes to something bigger!
Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You’ll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Perform a variety of specialized duties related to the operations, production, selection, propagation, growth, care and maintenance and other horticulture/arboriculture needs. Review work that directly affects the parks flora, as needed. Provide work direction, prioritize tasks, provide training and review the work of assigned volunteers, interns, contractors, and staff as needed. Organize and participate in the development and implementation of all operations relating to horticulture and arboricultural. Operate a variety of equipment necessary to conduct work plans, including heavy machinery. Conduct self-initiated tasks and projects designed to meet park-wide goals and improve the overall ecological health of park land holdings.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, always implement appropriate safety practices and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
About Metro Parks Tacoma
Metro Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.
Good parks, open space and program services contribute to economic development by fostering economic benefits and promoting tourism:
- Environmentally, they provide green infrastructure and help manage climate change.
- Socially, they revitalize communities, create safer neighborhoods, help children learn and grow, improve public and environmental health, and support smart growth.
- Culturally, open space and program services can nurture a sense of place in the community, and provide opportunities to engage the public of diverse backgrounds.
Site Resources:
For Employers:
©2026 International Association of Women.
Powered by TalentAlly.