Landscape Supervisor

SUMMARY

The Landscape Supervisor will oversee the processes and procedures necessary to maintain daily and weekly landscape standards across Birmingham Zoo, Inc. (BZI) property. This role directly supervises the Landscape Lead, Landscape Technician, and Seasonal Landscape Technician, coordinating and monitoring their work to ensure landscaping practices align with established standards and schedules. The Landscape Supervisor is also responsible for the installation of landscape projects and for maintaining the overall aesthetic quality of the Zoo. Work is evaluated by the management team through visual assessments of results achieved, as well as adherence to budget and time constraints.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works with Maintenance Manager in developing present and future landscape plans and projects.
• Assigns and directs the work to be accomplished by Landscape crew.
• Manages crew duties and works with crew to ensure work is properly achieved.
• Reports and coordinates work responsibilities and progress to Maintenance Manager.
• Provides essential turf & ornamental expertise for daily work duties and for future landscape plans; diagnoses or resolves ornamental plant health issues.
• Performs daily routine landscape work such as, mowing, weed eating, edging, blowing and other duties.
• Performs inspections of Zoo grounds and external appearance on a regular basis and takes initiative in providing a quality aesthetic look at the zoo.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Operates equipment including commercial mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, tillers, tractors, and trailers.
• Working with the Director of Animal Health, identifies and disposes of toxic plants. Also consults with Director of Animal Health before planting projects to ensure safety to animals.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Landscape Technicians

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Landscape Supervisor position is impacted by hazardous exposures common to the maintenance industry. 

Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection. 

Equipment operation requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as ear and eye protection.

The Landscape Supervisor is responsible for following safety policies and procedures for their areas. 

The Landscape Supervisor bears responsibility for making sure that all staff under their direction are trained on the proper use of safety equipment.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory. 

The Landscape Supervisor, as with any staff member of the zoo, is required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department, Safety Manager, or Manager on Duty (MOD). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls. 
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch and talk or hear. 
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Requires frequent walking for long distances
• Exposure to wet surfaces.
• Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

• High School Diploma or GED required, College degree in Horticulture/Turf preferred.
• At least 2 to 5 years’ experience in landscaping or related field required. Lead or supervisor experience preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Must have an eye for detail and initiative to provide a quality appearance at the Zoo.
• Ability to operate landscape equipment, tractors and trailers or the ability to learn.
• Working mechanical knowledge and ability to take care of preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Must know how to calibrate sprayers and fertilization spreaders.
• Must have knowledge of plant, turf and weed identification.
• Must have experience working with fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.
• Utilizes the following materials: blueprints, calculator, computer, hand tools, power equipment and general office equipment.
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Basic knowledge of the Microsoft suite; experience with online databases a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Desirable qualities

• Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements

• Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test.
• Must have a current, valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations within the last three years. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Full-time, Exempt, salary.
• Weekdays and weekends required.
• Occasional evening hours (during special events) and occasional holidays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity.