Zoo Horticulture Supervisor

Requirements MOS Code: None. Education and Experience: High School Diploma, GED or higher, and five (5) years of experience in landscaping, nursery or related field involved with grounds maintenance, gardens, planting and propagation and/or greenhouse management including one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience. Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class "C" Driver’s License or equivalent from another state. A Non‑Commercial Applicator’s license issued by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board must be obtained during the first 12 months of appointment. General Purpose Under general supervision, perform a variety of semi‑skilled and skilled duties associated with the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens encompassing 35 acres of exhibits and support planning, managing, maintaining and irrigating the Zoo grounds. Typical Duties Oversee, install, and sustain turf, landscaping and botanical garden collections. Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, flowering plants, groundcovers, and other plantings. Maintain and repair irrigation systems, including installation of new systems. Aerate, fertilize, mow, trim, edge, and seed grounds and turf areas. Perform installation and repair tasks associated with facilities, grounds, exhibits and gardens. Collect trash and litter, clean surfaces, and assist in graffiti removal. Assist and coordinate major irrigation system extensions or revisions. Collaborate with Management Plan, develop, and design planting/landscape areas to benefit zoo animals, guest experience, and ecological impact. Coordinate with the Education Curator to maintain and expand educational signage and programming related to the botanical collection and eco‑friendly landscaping. Assist animal care teams in providing safe and non‑toxic browse (animal food) and exhibit plants for zoo animals. Develop and manage greenhouse facility and operations. Organize and maintain horticultural operations, inventory, and procedures to meet regulatory, accreditation, and collection needs. Grounds & Gardening Operations Utilize and maintain general and specialized tools, equipment, materials, and supplies associated with grounds keeping and gardening procedures. Periodically inspect and review grounds, exhibits, gardens, and planting areas for hazards and take corrective action or report to supervisor. Work with computer software and equipment to input data and create documents and reports. Participate in preparation for special events such as holiday lights, concession rentals, meetings, displays, education programs, concerts, and other programs. Be available for after‑hours or for unscheduled tasks or emergency call‑in. Pest Control Coordinator Functions Coordinate services of contracted pest control professionals to control rodents, insects, and other pests on grounds. Work closely with the Chief Veterinarian and animal care supervisors to ensure safe pesticide and herbicide use around sensitive zoo animals. Apply pesticides and herbicides as required. Maintain inventory of pest control supplies. Utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to achieve goals with minimal negative environmental impact. Supervision Schedule, assign, instruct, guide, and check work of assigned personnel. Appraise employee performance and provide training and development. Enforce personnel rules, regulations, and work behavior standards impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony among staff. Interview applicants, recommend hiring, termination, discipline, merit pay, or other employee status changes. #J-18808-Ljbffr