Oakland Zoo
Oakland, California
01/30/2021
Full time
Job Title: Assistant Director of Landscaping & Horticulture Job Code: ADLH Department: Park Services FLSA Status: Exempt Reports To: Vice-President of Park Services Salary: 60K+ DOE Summary/Objective This position requires position requiring a powerful combination of horticultural expertise and administrative skills with expertise in botanical collection management and landscape management. This position requires strong team building and project management skills. Essential Job Duties · Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics and leadership Manage the horticulture maintenance programs of the zoos landscape and exhibits including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilization, pruning, and weeding. Directly supervise a team of full-time staff, seasonal staff, and volunteers. Duties include but are not limited to scheduling, training, assigning work responsibilities, procuring, budgeting, garden design, coaching/counseling, and evaluating. · Acts as a mentor to develop excellent leadership traits and high morale within the staff. Cooperate with the Volunteer Programs staff to maintain a smooth and efficiently run volunteer program for the department. Identify volunteer needs, recruit, train and provide instruction for assignments. Manages horticultural operations in zoo gardens, overseeing operational projects and horticulture contractors. ·Assists in the development of short-term and long-range plans for botanical collections and facility landscaping throughout the Zoo. · Assists in developing, administering, and monitoring assigned budgets. · Researches and directs acquisition of new plant materials. · Directs the development of maps and documentation. · Evaluate proposals, prepare bid requests, write project specifications. · Coordinate Pest Control solutions with Animal Care staff and exploring solutions to improve plant health across zoo gardens. · Demonstrates superior customer service, both internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.). · Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports, the Conservation Society of California mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of behavior. · Performs other related duties as required and assigned. Required Qualifications - Required qualifications to effectively perform the job. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. · Bachelor's degree in Business Horticulture, Botany, forestry, Environmental Science, or equivalent direct Experience AND/OR Education of 7-10 years. Desirable education includes coursework in horticulture, landscape design and landscape maintenance or a related field. · Preferred licenses/certifications: Registered Landscape Architect, ISA Arborist, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper. · Ca. Class C Driver's License. · Good Driving Record (ability to get authorization from Zoo Insurance Carrier). · Available to work flexible weekend day and some holidays. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of this knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. · Thorough knowledge of horticulture, landscape cost estimating and maintenance requirements, irrigation systems well and pump operations and potable/non-potable water systems. · Advanced knowledge in plant identification and growing requirements, landscape design, plant propagation, irrigation and water management · Turf management and fertilization · Fumigants, herbicides, pesticides, and integrated pest management · Botanical conservation and research · Botanical garden administration · Common and exotic plant material is desirable. · Knowledge of proper handling and use on a variety of related tools, equipment and machinery · Ability to train horticulture team members and volunteers in proper program practices and procedure. · Knowledge of relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Policies. · Ability to read and interpret architectural plans. · Excellent written and verbal skills. Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. · Varying inclement outdoor weather such as heat, cold, wind and rain. Physical Abilities - Activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Able to lift 50 lbs. with regularity Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time. Ability to safely and effectively use the program tools and equipment. Ability to move about on sometimes slippery, muddy surfaces. Ability to work in all weather. Ability to work on uneven terrain. Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for long periods of time (8-hour shifts) Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Zoo reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements