Assistant Manager of Horticulture, City Zoos

Assistant Manager of Horticulture, City Zoos

Wildlife Conservation Society (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.

Position : Assistant Manager of Horticulture for City Zoos

Reports to : Manager of Horticulture for City Zoos

Position Managed : Seasonal Gardeners

Location : Central Park Zoo / Prospect Park Zoo / Queens Zoo

Department : City Zoos Horticulture

Scope : Mutli Site / Based at Central Park

Position Type : Full Time

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager will supervise seasonal staff and oversee the daily maintenance of zoo grounds and animal exhibits in accordance with the standards of the Wildlife Conservation Society. This position requires a professional attitude, formal horticultural education, and a strong eagerness to continue learning through field experience, collaboration, and continuing education.

Major Responsibilities

1. Supervise Seasonal Staff : Oversee and guide seasonal employees in their daily tasks, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

2. Grounds and Exhibit Maintenance : Ensure Zoo grounds and animal exhibits are maintained to the standards set by the Wildlife Conservation Society.

3. Plant Health Management : Identify and manage pests, diseases, and cultural stresses. Evaluate causes and develop effective action plans to resolve issues.

4. Tool and Equipment Maintenance : Safely operate and maintain tools and power equipment, keeping accurate maintenance records.

5. Horticultural Aesthetics : Create visually appealing plant displays in garden beds and planters, maintaining a strong horticultural aesthetic.

6. Administrative Management : Oversee administrative tasks, including timesheets, work orders, and supply orders as needed.

7. IPM and Maintenance Plans : Follow the general maintenance and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) plans for exhibits and grounds, as established by the Manager.

8. Record Keeping : Maintain and submit seasonal time records to the Manager.

9. Safety Compliance : Maintain a clean and safe work environment, strictly always adhering to safety protocols.

10. Equipment Proficiency : Operate machinery such as tractors, chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, weed whackers, and hedge trimmers. Occasional driving of trucks to other zoos may be required.

11. Irrigation System Management : Maintain, repair, and install irrigation systems as necessary.

12. Crew Management : Oversee labor allocation and job assignments to ensure efficient use of time and resources.

13. Project Coordination : Create and coordinate schedules for executing projects, including materials, personnel, and equipment.

14. Training and Support : Provide hands-on training and guidance for crew members on equipment operation, pruning techniques, safety standards, and quality expectations.

Job Qualifications

Formal education in horticulture or a related field.

Ability to identify plants, pests, diseases, and cultural stresses.

Proven experience in managing and maintaining grounds and exhibits.

Strong aesthetic sense for horticultural design and plant displays.

Comfortable operating and maintaining various outdoor equipment.

Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

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 in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking 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, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations / and similar categories. 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, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS's employment policies.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate's individual experiences, skills, and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.