Director of Garden Operations

The Director of Garden Operations is a collaborative leader and motivating developer of people, a lifelong learner who sets and achieves high standards for campus condition and aesthetics, and brings ethics and integrity to the role.

The Director of Garden Operations provides overall direction and management of the horticulture, grounds, garden services / housekeeping, and automotive fleet management functions. This position leads and directs all activities and staff related to landscape maintenance, grounds maintenance, building janitorial functions, and fleet maintenance throughout the 42-acre garden, adjacent parking areas and site periphery, and provides management direction for the logistical support of special events. The Director plans and monitors the operating budget and works with other departments on capital improvements to the garden. The Director oversees a collective team of union and non-union staff, including two managers and several other direct reports.

Reports to: Vice President of Guest and Facilities Operations

Essential Functions

· Oversees all care and maintenance of plants and gardens, including those in public spaces and in animal exhibits and buildings, etc.

· Oversees the Garden custodial and housekeeping functions including routine custodial tasks to maintain the cleanliness of restrooms, offices, public spaces in animal and other buildings and the Garden at large; snow/leaf removal, drain cleaning.

· Functions as manager of Zoo vehicle fleet, including golf carts, trucks, and heavy equipment.

· Develops and implements long-term plans for facility horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and fleet in coordination with the Planning and Animal Departments, pursuant to the institution's master plan and operating plans.

· Provides oversight of the logistical support (setup, breakdown) for all events taking place in the Garden.

· Oversees the management of the municipal, recyclable, and compostable material waste streams.

· Most importantly, leads a workforce including full-time, part-time and seasonal staff in a workplace with a strong emphasis on guest experience.

· Within above areas of responsibility:

o Establishes performance goals and standards, including standards to support the staff and guest experience.

o Develops, documents, and implements policies and procedures to ensure safety and compliance with all Zoo policies.

o Oversees the hiring, training, and supervision of staff.

o Monitors performance of direct reports and provides prompt, objective coaching and counseling; establishes performance goals and job standards; and conducts annual performance and salary reviews for direct reports.

o Assures that effective communications are maintained within areas of responsibility and regularly conducts employee discussions and meetings as required to inform, coordinate, and implement projects and programs.

o Develops and implements plans to ensure the effective and proper use of people, materials, and equipment. Ensures that work is performed in accordance with appropriate standards of quality for cleanliness, aesthetic appeal and timeliness; takes action to correct defective work as required.

· Acts as a key management representative for department on collective bargaining matters, serving on labor / management committees, processing grievances, and participating in labor / management initiatives, etc.

· Develops and administers annual department operating and capital projects budget.

· Acts, when needed, as Incident Commander, Operations, or Logistics leader during Zoo-wide alerts and emergencies. Generally, acts as a key operations leader for the organization, and may act as stand-in point for other Facilities groups (e.g. Engineering).

Knowledge and Abilities Required

· Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or related field.

· Minimum of five (5) years’ experience caring for a varied outdoor horticulture collection or landscape.

· Minimum of three (3) years’ management / supervisory experience in a zoo, botanical garden, park, campus, or similar environment. Experience working in a zoo, thematic park, or a related recreational operation desirable. Management experience in a collective bargaining environment preferred.

· Ability to evaluate and interpret architectural drawings and specifications desirable.

· Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of yard maintenance equipment, trucks, and power tools as related to Garden operation.

· Demonstrated hands on experience directing a large workforce consisting of full-time, part-time and seasonal staff in a workplace with a strong emphasis on guest experience, excellent customer service, and positive employee relations. Demonstrated ability to achieve goals through others.

· Demonstrated experience working with many different groups of people and interests. Ability to build relationships with wide variety of stakeholders, including colleagues, senior managers, Board members, union leadership, volunteers, outside vendors / contractors, casual visitors to the Zoo and facility rental clients.

· Demonstrated ability to sustain effective working relationships with senior managers, peers, and subordinates; superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse personalities; tactful manner and flexible attitude.

· Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated experience developing, documenting, and implementing policies, procedures, and standards in a customer-oriented, service environment. Ability to communicate technical information and instructions to staff and to contractors.

· Demonstrated experience developing and monitoring department and project budgets within the objectives and parameters established by the institution.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule. Regular workweek will include one weekend day. Some evening work is required.

· Ability to use MS Office programs.

· Ability to use CMMS systems for Zoo equipment, vehicle, plant, and grounds assets.

Physical Requirements:

· Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test prior to starting work.

· Able to work outside in varying weather conditions with exposure to inclement weather, dust, animals, and noise, in addition to potentially dangerous or hazardous chemicals.

· Use of protective equipment or clothing may be required for some tasks, including, but not limited to, goggles, gloves, braces, gowns, boots, etc.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All employees must be Covid vaccinated and able to wear a mask while on Zoo grounds.

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have caring for an outdoor horticulture collection or landscape?
• How many years of management experience do you have in a zoo, botanical garden, park, campus or similar environment?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: One location