Director of Horticulture and Grounds

Zoo Knoxville is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and visionary leader to serve as Director of Horticulture & Grounds. This individual will provide leadership and direction for all horticultural activities, overseeing the design, development, and daily operations of the Zoo’s living botanical collection and landscaped grounds. The Horticulture program is considered part of the Zoo’s living collection and aligns within the zoological department while also collaborating with the operations and facilities maintenance teams. The Director is responsible for planning and implementing high-quality horticultural programs that promote plant health, conservation, and sustainability, while enhancing the overall aesthetic and guest experience in alignment with AZA standards. This individual is a member of the Zoo’s leadership team and will work with other Directors and executive staff members to inform and execute organizational strategy.

• Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Horticulture & Grounds will guide horticultural and sustainability initiatives, supervise plant and grounds maintenance, as well as housekeeping and lead a team of staff and contractors with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach.
• This role ensures the highest standards of horticultural practice and plays a key role in the strategic development and stewardship of Zoo Knoxville’s green spaces and plant collections.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for horticulture and grounds that aligns with Zoo Knoxville’s mission and long-term goals.
• Establish priorities, set measurable objectives, and monitor performance to ensure continual improvement in operations and guest experience as it relates to the Zoo’s living botanic assets.
• Participate in the planning for the Zoo’s Master Plan and the redevelopment of Chilhowee Park.
• Perform administrative duties that include record keeping, documentation, monitoring of all horticulture and grounds operations and personnel management.
• Horticultural, Grounds, and Housekeeping Operations
• Lead all aspects of horticultural care and grounds maintenance, including plant selection, propagation, planting, irrigation, pruning, fertilization, integrated pest management, and seasonal displays.
• Oversee landscape design, installation, and renovation projects across the Zoo, including animal habitats and guest areas, ensuring aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and horticultural feasibility.
• Manage the Zoo’s browse program and coordinate plantings that support animal programs and welfare.
• Ensure excellence in botanical presentation and the overall visual quality of the Zoo’s outdoor spaces.
• Oversee the Zoo’s horticulture, grounds, and housekeeping teams, ensuring the campus is clean and exceeds guests’ expectations.
• Manage the removal of all waste, salvage and recyclable materials from the Zoo.
• Manage housekeeping operations including public restrooms, offices and buildings, public pathways and spaces, as well as litter control in the park.

Staff & Team Development

• Directly supervise the horticulture, grounds, and housekeeping teams, including seasonal staff, interns and volunteers.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff, fostering a safe, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Coordinate staff scheduling, task delegation, and team development to meet project and maintenance goals.
• Establish and maintain procedures and enforce standards regarding the safety of departmental personnel.
• Collection & Compliance Management
• Oversee the care, documentation, and labeling of plant collections, ensuring compliance with AZA and other applicable standards.
• Maintain accurate records for plant inventory, pesticide and fertilizer use, SDS documentation, and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure departmental compliance with USDA, OSHA, EPA, ADA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness plans and drills and respond to emergencies as directed by the Incident Commander.
• Budgeting & Resource Management
• Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and alignment with strategic goals.
• Oversee purchasing and procurement of horticultural supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Collaboration & Internal Support
• Work closely with all Zoo departments, to support cross-functional initiatives and maintain high standards for animal exhibitory and welfare, and guest experience and safety.
• Participate in exhibit planning, interpretive projecsetts, and sustainability efforts.
• Manage and assist with the installation and removal of special exhibits/displays for events and other Zoo initiatives.
• Communicate project updates and departmental needs to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations on projects and zoo-wide initiatives that require cooperation between the teams.
• Community Engagement & Revenue Generation
• Create an annual horticultural event to support departmental operations and guest engagement.
• Represent Zoo Knoxville through public programming, AZA participation, and professional presentations when appropriate.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, forestry, environmental science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory experience in horticulture, landscaping, or botanical gardens required.
• Experience in zoos, public gardens, theme parks, or similar environments highly preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Excellent knowledge of horticultural practices, plant identification, and integrated invasive species and pest management.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and scheduling software; GIS or landscape design software a plus.
• Ability to read landscape plans, irrigation schematics, and manage project timelines.
• Familiarity with equipment such as skid steers, mowers, chainsaws, and irrigation tools. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email and telephone. 
• The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts.
• Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions.
• Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Don’t meet every requirement?
• At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
• You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Experience Required

• Minimum 3-5 years supervisory experience in horticulture,
• landscaping,
• or botanical gardens.

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision Healthcare,
• Retirement options,
• PTO

Salary

• 75,000 - 85,000