Horticulture Supervisor

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 Summary

• We are seeking a Horticulture Supervisor to effectively and efficiently manage the Bronx Zoo’s Horticulture department and the departments’ assets. 
• The role is responsible for the Horticultural appearance of the Park’s 265 acres, upkeep of public exhibit spaces, lawns, and all other public spaces. 
• The Supervisor will oversee the Horticulture department’s Gardener staff, providing direction in the care of the zoo’s gardens and forest. 
• The supervisor will also assist the Maintenance Department when necessary to ensure a clean, safe and attractive environment for all staff, volunteers and guests to the park in order to contribute effectively in creating the best possible guest experience for people visiting the zoo.

Principal Responsibilities (Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:)

• Responsible for supervising staff scheduling and providing oversight for all necessary managerial functions for the day-to- day operations of the Horticulture department.
• Supervises and, when necessary, assists Maintenance staff in snow removal and plowing operations.
• With Guidance from the Director of M&H, determines planting and supply needs, and coordinates the activities of contracted arborist.
• Supervises staff to support large plantings, perform routine landscaping, lawn maintenance, weeding, trimming and exhibit work, as well as storm cleanup work.
• Conducts and recommends to the Director of M& H, the hiring, training, evaluation and disciplining, if necessary, of all permanent staff. Oversees the hiring, training, evaluation and disciplining, if necessary, of all seasonal/temporary staff.
• Communicates and coordinates work as appropriate with Curators, managers and supervisors in other departments to guarantee the desired appearance of the Park, exhibits, buildings and grounds in general.
• Maintains and/or oversees any and all records that the Department is are required to keep, including, but not limited to tree maintenance records, SDS manuals, receiving documents, tree maintenance records, etc.
• Represents the Departments at internal meetings or with outside agencies as requested by the Director of M&H.
• Maintains the Society’s standards for quality and professionalism and enhanced guest experience throughout the Park, its facilities, buildings and exhibits.
• Monitors the operation of all department functions by daily inspections of all job sites/work locations and documenting such inspections as required by WCS, City, State and Federal policy.
• Assists the Maintenance department, as directed, in the supervision of clean up after weather events, including snowfalls.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience supervising staff and managing teams;
• Should be a team leader and able to direct multiple activities at once, providing supervision, guidance and follow up as necessary.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to prioritize jobs and work assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Work effectively with other departments in carrying out the principal functions of the Horticulture departments.
• Must be committed to creating and maintaining a positive guest experience throughout the zoo.
• Must have knowledge and proven experience of grounds keeping, lawn maintenance  and snow removal. 
• Ability to manage union staff, understand and interpret labor contract and manage the progressive disciplinary process as outlined therein.
• Must be computer literate, especially Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with SAP or other purchasing software is desirable.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to work in varied environments, including all weather conditions. This position is considered essential; in addition to working before, during and after emergency situations, including all weather emergencies, and all snowfall events.
• Must have the ability to lift 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field preferred

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 a diverse workforce.
• We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look 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, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
• 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, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
• Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Perks

• 20 Vacation,
• 13 Holidays,
• 12 Paid-Time-Off Days,
• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• 401K,
• Pension,
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave and much more…

Salary

• 75,000 - 82,000