The Horticulture Manager oversees staff or contractors who install and care for landscaping in and around zoo grounds – grasses, trees, shrubbery, flowers, and other plantings. Designs or oversees the design of the zoos outside environment, including animal exhibits, lawns, gardens, water settings, walkways, etc.
Our Mission:
- Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision:
- Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides strong leadership for the Zoo’s horticulture staff, which includes performance management, development, and training.
- Consistently maintain Zoo landscape at a high level creating an environment that is enjoyable and educational for Zoo visitors.
- Strong working relationship with the animal care staff in the design and maintenance of exhibit landscape
- Close working relationship with the Facilities Department in the design and implementation of project work on Zoo grounds
- Develop and manage the annual budget for the Horticulture Department
- Schedule and manage outside contractors working on Zoo grounds.
- Procures horticulture supplies and plant materials.
- Provides landscape design input for capital improvement projects and provides associated budgets.
- Develop and implement educational, entertaining activities for Zoo guests.
- Must communicate well with guests, volunteers, staff, contractors and vendors.
- Responsible for the professional development and progress of all direct reports
- Manage design, installation, and maintenance of plant material in exhibits and public areas.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and regulations, as well as state, local and federal ordinances. Observes safety regulations and ensures that field teams do the same.
- Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and comply with the policy on driving.
- Approves and manages expense budgets for department.
- Follows HZI purchasing policy in dealing with outside vendors/contractors ensuring the Zoo’s best interests are protected.
- Work with appropriate Zoo staff to co-coordinate projects and ensure that staff are prepared when projects are on-going in their area.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in landscape design, agriculture or life sciences preferred. A thorough understanding of horticulture and the design of gardens and plantings are required. or equivalent work experience required
- Five years supervisory experience
- A sound background in the identification and culture of plants, as well as working knowledge of horticultural best practices
About Houston Zoo
- Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
- Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.
- The Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
