Manager, Grounds & Horticulture

The Manager of Horticulture and Grounds is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and development of the Oakland Zoo’s 100 acres of zoo grounds, including animal exhibits, visitor pathways, and landscaped areas, as well as addressing needs in the 400 acres of Knowland Park under Zoo management. This role ensures that the zoo grounds remain safe, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsible while supporting the Zoo’s conservation mission. The Manager will supervise a team dedicated to horticulture and grounds maintenance and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance and preserve the natural landscape.

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.

Department Leadership

• Develop vision and implement strategies for maintaining the Zoo’s botanical collection as well as the varied and diverse landscapes.
• Research and implement landscaping techniques that align with sustainability and conservation goals.
• Oversee staffing, employee development, and budget planning for the department. Provide ongoing support to direct reports to develop as managers.
• Collaborate with other Zoo departments to support operational and conservation goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the horticulture and grounds team.

Safety and Compliance

• Partner with internal and external entities, such as tree service providers, pest control experts, irrigation specialists, and fire safety professionals, to maintain environmental safety and compliance with USDA regulations and fire prevention best practices
• Cultivate partnerships with external vendors and organizations to support conservation-focused landscaping efforts.
• Train staff on safety protocols and best practices in landscape management.

Grounds and Horticulture Maintenance

• Maintain plants, shrubs, trees, lawns, parking areas, and public pathways to ensure a clean and welcoming environment.
• Manage weed abatement and oversee and develop trash, recycling, and compost pick-up operations in line with Zoo’s conservation mission.
• Coordinate and manage pest control programs to ensure a safe and balanced ecosystem.

Event and Guest Support

• Support setup for zoo special events and prepare spaces for parties and meetings.

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Environmental Science, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in grounds management, horticulture, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of plant care, irrigation systems, turf management, and non-toxic pest control methods.
• Experience managing a team, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Ability to operate and train staff in the use of landscaping tools and machinery.
• Familiarity with local environmental regulations and best practices for sustainable landscaping.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and in dirt and dust and perform physical labor as needed including must be able to bend and twist, lift, and carry 75 lbs., stand, kneel, sit, bend, stoop, speak and walk on uneven terrain regularly for 8-hour shifts
• Possess active Class C Driver’s License with a clean DMV record (able to obtain authorization to drive from Zoo’s insurance provider)
• Available to work at least one weekend day as part of regular schedule. Available to work on some holidays and evenings as required for events or emergency response.

Bonus:  

• Registered Landscape Architect, ISA Arborist, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor or Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper

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• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Environmental Science, or a related field or equivalent experience.

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, both verbally and in writing

• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.  
• 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.

• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times  

• 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  

• 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