Description

Job Title: Browse Coordinator

Division: Operations

Department: Gardens

Level: 

Exemption: Non-Exempt

Level of Authority: 

Reports to: Gardens Curator

Supervises: Volunteers, Interns

Position Summary:

The Browse coordinator is an energetic and outgoing plant knowledgeable expert who thrives on physically demanding work outdoors. They are responsible for procuring, researching, and coordinating all aspects of the animal care browse program. The ideal browse coordinator will care about advancing the best practices for animals who consume browse plant species. The Browse Coordinator is a member of the Gardens Team however has a close working relationship with Animal Care and plays a role in improving animal well-being.

This dedicated browse position will ensure the browse program for the grazers and browser animals well-being is taken to the next level. Many of the The Living Desert (TLD) species rely on fresh browse for their optimal nutrition and this role ensures they are being provided with the best care possible. This role will ensure the browse trees grown on grounds are being maintained including the sustainability of the system in place. The TLD Browse Program is rapidly developing and a central part of our Animal Care Philosophy. This position will be key in continuing the browse program’s development and sustainability.

The Browse Coordinator must demonstrate strong leadership skills which include being a role model and an example to others while working towards an improved future and shared vision within TLD and the Garden team. 

Browse Coordinator Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities: 

Mission:

• Must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the well-being of animals, staff and guests while working for the greater good of the zoo.
• Will support the Zoo in our mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation” and will help the Zoo achieve a forward thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.
• Must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team setting. 
• Willing to learn about animal natural history in order to procure the appropriate plant species
• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act accordingly at all times.

Administrative:

• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, to accurately carry out such instructions and record observations intelligently.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally, in writing and present to a variety of groups. 
• Collaborate with Curator team to assess needs
• Must check emails regularly and respond in a timely manner including but not limited to surveys and questionnaires.
• Maintain discretion with sensitive or confidential information. 

Communication/Relationships:

• Liaison between departments management teams as needed. Is honest and forthcoming to management with information regarding accomplishments, issues and challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to partner between animal care and gardens teams.
• Build relationships and collaborate with outside landscape companies to procure safe and edible browse.
• Able to communicate well both verbally and written to find landscape partners in the community who could donate usable browse
• Strong organizational and communication skills. The ability to accurately report daily information written, orally and with computer programs.
• Updates and keeps a current list of preferred and approved plant species for reference
• Provide solutions to challenges presented and have open, honest dialogue with management 

Safety:

• Ability to work around potentially dangerous animals and utilize the Lock Out Tag Out Engineering Control systems.
• Assume a leadership role in training about safe trimming practices including use of chainsaw
• Must be capable of emergency response handling to avoid injury to self, humans, and animals while remaining calm under pressure.
• Training staff on area SOP’s, ensuring safety protocols of staff and animal are being adhered to
• May oversee pest control management animal care duties working with outside agencies to ensure items are properly set around the zoo
• Collaborates with Veterinarians to determine safe vs toxic plant species 

Guest Service/Public Relations:

• Deliver uncompromising excellence in guest engagement and vendor relations
• Ability to speak in public and give presentations to public both informally and formally. 
• Ability to pay attention to the details of habitats and perception of animals for an optimal guest experience

Leadership/Knowledge Specific Tasks, Duties, Responsibilities:

• Dietary observations with a knowledge of nutritional requirements for assigned species
• Assist Gardens and Animal Care Curator as needed in support of area tasks/projects 
• Train, assist and supervise work of volunteers/interns and ensure their safety while performing these duties, under direction of Management.

Browse Coordinator Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ability to learn and gain general knowledge of animal biology and nutritional needs
• Motivated, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. Should also be able to work with others in a team setting.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to trouble shoot issues and reveal solutions to move the animal team forward. Present solutions to Management.
• Ensure replanting of used or dead trees from the various browse gardens on zoo grounds
• Understanding or ability to learn sustainable tree trimming practices to ensure the health of browse trees.
• Assess browse needs in collaboration with Animal Care Curators for all species and ensure proper feeding is happening for optimal well-being.
• Able to drive truck and trailer around Coachella Valley to pick up usable browse.
• Ability to learn various types of machinery such as tractor and skid steer.
• Comfortable and capable in learning to use a brush chipper to assist Gardens with maintaining used tree branches and creating wood chips for use around the zoo.
• Must be able to drive twice a month to Arizona and back for browse pickup
• Responsible for care of supplies, resources and zoo property.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and tidy work space including but not limited to common areas, desk areas and restrooms.
• Maintain accurate time cards and approve in a timely manner.
• Must check emails regularly and respond in a timely manner including but not limited to surveys and questionnaires.
• Must actively participate in required training exercise drills and debriefs. 
• Provide engaging behind the scenes experiences for guests, donors, zoo camp, team members, colleagues or any other group requested by management.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and remain levelheaded in emergency situations 
• Ability to research animal species nutritional needs and natural history; research scientific journals.
• Ability to engage in data collection and evaluation to help evaluate the progress of the Browse Program and TLD’s commitment to data driven decision making.
• Proficiency in plant identification to ensure plants whether they are toxic or safe for animals or the ability to learn and perfect this skill. 
• Ability to determine reliable vs unreliable sources to help determine the toxicity of plants.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal residents and animal staff, resolve problems and learn of new procedures and policies. 
• Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking. Gives knowledgeable and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff and donors.
• Participate in guest education programs on or off-site, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled and impromptu keeper talks and provide accurate, effective and engaging presentations. 
• Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Communication skills for effective working relationships with all Zoo staff and outside professionals. Courteous with guests, staff and volunteers at all times while representing the institution at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Familiar with USDA & AZA regulations & complying with them.
• Future projects may include romaine lettuce propagation- researching and experimenting with growing romaine lettuce in collaboration with Gardens propagation to offset giraffe feeding program expenses. This could evolve into a larger scale hydroponic, energy, water and space efficient sustainable system
• Provides assistance to other departments as needed. 
• Other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives. 

Browse Coordinator Criteria:

• Must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders or climbing apparatuses helpful
• Ability to work in uneven terrain and majority of time outside.
• Must have critical thinking skills while being flexible to handle interruptions and requests for information
• Must be a self-starter, take initiative with efficient time management skills while possessing a high level of multi-tasking ability under pressure with limited supervision
• Works to preserve and provide a positive work place including actively stopping negative talk and speculation
• Must provide and accept crucial, productive feedback
• Consistently works in a safe manner and proactively looks for safer processes
• Acts as a role model for others to emulate as an excellent team member; takes a lead role in training new animal area team members in routines, policies and procedures
• Provides mentorship and guidance for interns 
• Must be able to remain calm while working under high pressure conditions including but not limited to emergencies, personnel challenges, scheduling and deadlines

Requirements

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent. Relevant vocational or experience in horticulture, landscaping, forestry or related field a plus. AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Plant Science or other related degree preferred. 
• Experience with irrigation, plant identification, pest management, toxicity and power equipment is ideal. 
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college. 
• Valid California driver license or eligible to attain. Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy. 
• Covid vaccination plus one booster required.
• Annual TB test with negative reading required. 

Equipment Used: 

PC computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric and gas cart, vehicles including medium to heavy equipment such as bobcat, tractor, pepper spray (Counter Assault Bear Deterrent),rake, shovel, wheel barrow, catch pole, capture net, baffle board, snake hook, weight scale, garden hose, small hand held and power tools such as hammer, screwdriver, drill, wire cutters etc.

Working Conditions: 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting up to 50lbs. 

TYPICALWORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials. Work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals). 

HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday and weekend work required. 

TRAVEL: Occasional conference and workshop attendance available, if funding available. Some or all expenses paid. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.