What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulture Supervisor position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Horticulture Supervisor
Job Description
Reports to: Manager, Horticulture
Position Managed: 6 full time Gardeners and 2 Maintenance workers
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Horticulture
Position Type: Full Time
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Job Summary
The Bronx Zoo consists of 265 acres of forest with multiple indoor tropical exhibits and conservatories as well as an array of outdoor landscapes that depict different animal habitats. The Horticulture department maintains and operates 4 greenhouses and a plant nursery used to house and grow plants for our exhibits. The Supervisor effectively and efficiently manages the Bronx Zoo’s Horticulture department and the departments’ assets. The Horticulture Supervisor is responsible for the Horticultural appearance of the Park’s upkeep of public exhibit spaces, lawns, and all other public spaces. Supervises the Horticulture department’s Gardener staff, providing direction in the care of the zoo’s gardens and forest. Assists the Maintenance Department when necessary to ensure a clean, safe and attractive environment for all staff, volunteers and guests. Contributes effectively in creating the best possible guest experience for people visiting the zoo.
Major Responsibilities
- Responsible for supervising staff scheduling and providing oversight for all necessary managerial functions for the day-to-day operations of the Horticulture department.
- Supervises and, when necessary, assists Maintenance staff in snow removal and plowing operations.
- With Guidance from the Manager of Horticulture, determines planting and supply needs, and coordinates the activities of contracted arborist.
- Supervises staff to support large plantings, perform routine landscaping, lawn maintenance, weeding, trimming and exhibit work, as well as storm cleanup work.
- Conducts and recommends to the Manager of Horticulture, the hiring, training, evaluation and disciplining, if necessary, of all full time and seasonal horticulture staff.
- Communicates and coordinates work as appropriate with Curators, managers and supervisors in other departments to guarantee the desired appearance of the Park, exhibits, buildings and grounds in general.
- Maintains and/or oversees any and all records that the Department is required to keep, including, but not limited to tree maintenance records, SDS manuals, receiving documents, tree maintenance records, etc.
- Represents the Departments at internal meetings or with outside agencies as requested by the Manager of Horticulture.
- Maintains the Society’s standards for quality and professionalism and enhanced guest experience throughout the park, its facilities, buildings and exhibits.
- Monitors the operation of all department functions by daily inspections of all job sites/work locations and documenting such inspections as required by WCS, City, State and Federal policy.
- Assists the Maintenance department, as directed, in the supervision of clean up after weather events, including snowfalls.
- Be able to direct multiple activities at once, providing supervision, guidance and follow up as necessary.
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Qualification Requirements
- Must be flexible and have the ability to prioritize jobs and work assignments in a dynamic environment.
- Work effectively with other departments in carrying out the principal functions of the Horticulture departments.
- Must be committed to creating and maintaining a positive guest experience throughout the zoo.
- Must have knowledge and proven experience with landscape maintenance, garden and seasonal bed design, irrigation system function and maintenance.
- Bachelor’s degree (BA)/associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a technical school for Horticulture or related field. A minimum of 5 years experience supervising staff and managing a team.
- Ability to manage union staff, understand and interpret labor contract and manage the progressive disciplinary process as outlined therein.
- Must be computer literate, especially Microsoft Office. Familiarity with SAP or other purchasing software is desirable.
- Greenhouse maintenance and Arboriculture experience a plus.
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to work in varied environments, including all weather conditions. This position is considered essential; in addition to working before, during and after emergency situations, including all weather emergencies, and all snowfall events.
Physical Demands
- This is an in-the-field supervisory position. The supervisor will spend 80% of their day out of the office, on zoo grounds, inspecting conditions, job performance, monitoring employees, assessing needs, instructing and leading the horticulture functions of the zoo
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
Salary Range
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000
