Pay Range: $72,842 - $81,393

Position Summary 

The Senior Manager, Grounds & Horticulture is an essential member of the Oakland Zoo team, overseeing the teams who manage the landscape to maintain a pleasant and functional environment throughout the Zoo. They develop the strategy and implementation plans to support all grounds and horticulture operations across the Zoo and Lower Park Creek. They supervise the Grounds Manager and all members of the Horticulture team and lead efforts to support staff and guests alike in having the most positive and enjoyable experience possible at Oakland Zoo.

Essential Job Duties 

• Develop and oversee implementation of strategy to maintain develop the botanical collection and grounds of Oakland Zoo’s 100 acres. 
• Build strategy and develop structure for programs involving Zoo volunteers and corporate volunteer groups. 
• Perform Horticultural design, implementation, and maintenance while directly overseeing a staff of 3 Horticulture Associates.
• Supervise a Grounds Manager responsible for 10 Groundskeepers whose duties include maintaining cleanliness, ensuring aesthetic appeal, trash pick-up, composting, weeding, placing equipment for Special Events, and Parking. Develop sustainable and eco-friendly practices for both teams.
• Lead morning and weekly meetings 

• Manage design, procure and install plants and irrigation for new or renovated exhibits 
• Build rapport and collaborate with other departments. 
• Manage 25 weekly volunteers and approximately 1,200 corporate volunteers annually.
• Cultivate partnerships with external vendors and organizations who can support conservation-focused efforts and native landscaping at Oakland Zoo 
• Oversee staffing, employee development and budget planning 
• Support Leads and Manager in managing employee performance support
• Manage, Prioritize and Assign Work Orders through Asset Essentials 
• Partner with internal/external parties to ensure environmental safety, e.g. tree work, pest control, irrigation systems, and defensible space landscape clearing with the Fire Department. 
• Order supplies and materials for department and projects 
• In collaboration with Education and ACCR departments, develop research and educational opportunities. 
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned. 

Who You Are 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and at least 1 year of Supervisory or Management experience where staff relations was a priority.
• Valid Class C Driver's License 
• 5 years of combined related experience and education in Landscaping and Horticulture 
• 3 years of supervision and management of a team 
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management and budget oversight 
• Skilled at developing and maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships 
• Knowledge of sustainable practices, conservation principles and native plants of the San Francisco Bay Area
• Extensive knowledge of horticulture operations including plant identification, proper placement, maintenance, and irrigation 
• Able to bend and twist, lift 50 lbs, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts 

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. 

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities 
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision 
• Impact: Inspired to contribute to the success of a project or the organization 
• Leadership – mentors, advises, and develops people across identities with consideration for cultural relevance and responsiveness, self-awareness around implicit bias and understanding of the power dynamics that exist in organizations. 
• Project management – effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needs 
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments 
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued 
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times 
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife 
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department 

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do. 

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access 

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying folks, and women to apply.