Horticulture & Maintenance Supervisor

Zoo Maintenance Supervisor

Under the general supervision of the Zoo Deputy Director, responsible for day to day technical, design, maintenance, and supervisory work in horticulture, forestry, and maintenance functions on zoo and park grounds.

Essential Functions

• Assigns and supervises duties of all zoo maintenance staff, interns and volunteers, including onboarding, training, work assignments, scheduling, and effectively recommends personnel matters pertaining to staff, hiring, firing, and disciplinary action.
• Responsible for maintaining building and grounds repairs and normal upkeep.
• Plans, designs, and maintains landscape installations in the zoo and park, including but not limited to : determines types and quantity of horticultural plants to be grown; cultivates and propagates exotic and native plant species that are landscape or exhibit specific; selects and purchases seed, plant nutrients, and disease control chemicals; provides daily maintenance and identifies plant needs and provides appropriate solutions.
• Recommends improvements in landscaping public park property, including kinds and location of trees, shrubs, and other ornamental plants; provides leadership in forestry management on zoo and park grounds.
• Coordinates with zoo department heads and staff concerning maintenance related activities on a daily basis.
• Oversees labor and material needs for projects, researches options, develops plans, speaks with vendors, and makes recommendations, monitors cost and budget, including during emergency situations.
• Completes work orders and records concerning time, material and equipment.
• Coordinates the ongoing daily activities of the Maintenance Department with outside agencies such as contractors, sales representatives, and volunteer groups.
• Stays current and works to exceed all USDA and AZA standards.
• Participates in all manager on duty and zoo emergency procedures.
• Attends and develops reports for Board of Commissioners, Zoo Board, and departmental meetings and events as requested.

Other Functions :

Employment Qualifications

Education : Equivalent of two years of advanced course work in horticulture, landscape architecture or other closely related field of study. Prefer some course work in supervisory / management skills.

Experience : Three years of progressively responsible horticulture and / or forestry including supervisory experience. Knowledge of Zoo operations and horticulture experience preferred.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging respectfully and effectively with individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives to promote clarity, understanding, and collaboration.

Other Requirements : Knowledge of legal requirements, regulations, laws and other authoritative standards applicable to horticulture. Arborist certification or equivalent is preferred. Possession of or ability to obtain state licensing as a Pesticide Applicator is required. Training or experience with Integrated Pest Management is preferred. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Michigan Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required. Must have a good driving record. Driving records will be checked as part of the referral process.