Horticulture Manager

GENERAL PURPOSE
This position oversees the daily operations of the Horticulture Department, plant collection and grounds operation of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to meet the needs of animal exhibits, display gardens, plant conservation priorities, and the overall landscapes. This position requires collaboration with Zoo staff, contractors and the public to advance the Zoo’s mission of inspiring our guests to care for animals, make connections, build community, and save wildlife.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position $68,640.00 - $75,504.00 annually . Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Regular inspections of live plants for damage or disease and general health, taking appropriate measures for improved health.
• Managing and curating the Zoo’s plant collection, planning, supervising and directing all work associated with projects and activities using proper horticulture methods while considering conservation related initiatives.
• Provides direct supervision to horticulture workforce which includes training, instructing, assigning, reviewing work, planning, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, and allocating personnel.
• Responsible for the selection of new employees, acting on employee problems, recommending and implementing disciplinary actions, coaching, evaluating employees, defining goals, and recommending pay increases.
• Plans for the design, installation, cultivation, and maintenance of turf areas, exhibits, landscapes, annual and perennial gardens, tropical plants, tree health and safety and gardens.
• Works with contractors when needed.
• Directs all aspects of plant and tree maintenance including irrigation, fertilizing, pruning, transplanting, and propagation.
• Directs the production of annuals, perennials, and foliage plants in greenhouses and oversees the maintenance of the greenhouse.
• Prepare and develop protocols as required for the horticulture department
• Solicits bids for specialized landscape services which include but are not limited to services, various equipment purchases, and plant materials.
• Receives, reviews, prepares, and submits various reports and records.
• In conjunction with the Department Director, prepares and tracks the annual Horticulture budget.
• Oversee and directs the propagation of plants required for the Zoo’s internal browse programs.Oversee and directs invasive plant control.
• Oversee and directs the installation, operation and maintenance of manual and automatic irrigation systems.
• Manages timecards and paid time off requests for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversee the implementation of appropriate regulations.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the Zoo’s facilities and offsite.
• Plans and provides support for various departments such as Animal Care as well as events (weddings, special events, Zoo Boo, Illuminature), and temporary exhibits.
• In conjunction with the Education Department, leads Zoo tours and presents educational programs.
• In conjunction with the Volunteer Manager, directs the activities of volunteer organizations to assist with Horticulture projects.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement.
• Leads through connecting individual and team skills and passions with organizational needs.
• Effectively solves problems and learns from mistakes.
• Employs teamwork, when appropriate, to find solutions.
• Attends meetings and activities on time, engaged, and prepared.
• Prioritizes tasks to be respectful of others’ time.
• Respond to emails and other communications within 2 business days.
• All written communication contains professional and proper language
• Demonstrates follow through.
• Accountable for team leadership and management.
• Actively creates connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Provides regular performance feedback and coaching to reporting staff.
• Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) degree required. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in landscape design, horticulture, or botanical operations preferred.
• Minimum five years’ related experience in an AZA accredited facility preferred.
• Minimum two years’ supervisory experience required.
• Experience operating various types of machinery including, but not limited to, forklifts, scissor lift, bobcat, and pallet jacks preferred
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively with varied stakeholders. Bilingual skills a plus.
• Solid computer skills, including proficiency working with databases and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point required.
• Strong planning, analytical and decision-making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Demonstrated motivational and problem-solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics.
• Possesses the ability to articulate and inspire support among peers and employees. 

• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
• This position involves walking and standing for long periods. The employee may be required to bend, stoop or kneel.
• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
• This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees, Zoo guests and community members, media and government officials.
• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, Zoo environments and external events.
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.