Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Oakland Zoo
Job overview
The Manager, Grounds & Horticulture at Oakland Zoo oversees maintenance and development of the zoo's 100 acres of grounds and 400 acres of parkland, ensuring safety, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility aligned with the zoo's conservation mission.
Responsibilities and impact
The role includes leading the horticulture and grounds team, developing landscaping strategies, managing budgets and staff, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, maintaining plants and grounds, managing pest control, and supporting zoo events.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary range of $78,000 to $83,000 annually based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, paid time off, employee assistance, and a family zoo membership.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, at least 5 years in grounds or horticulture management with 2 years supervisory experience, strong plant care knowledge, team management skills, familiarity with environmental regulations, and physical ability to perform outdoor labor; certifications like ISA Arborist or Landscape Architect are a bonus.
Career development
The job promotes professional growth through leadership development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and opportunities to support conservation and sustainability initiatives within the zoo environment.
Work environment and culture
Oakland Zoo emphasizes a culture of inclusivity, respect, collaboration, and continuous learning, valuing diversity and equity, and aligning with its PRIDE values of positivity, respect, inquisitiveness, drive, and effectiveness.
Company information
Oakland Zoo, managed by The Conservation Society of California, is a 100-acre accredited AZA member focused on animal care, conservation, and guest experience, located in Knowland Park, Oakland.
Team overview
The manager leads a dedicated horticulture and grounds maintenance team, collaborating with internal departments and external partners to maintain and enhance the zoo's landscapes.
Job location and travel
The position is based at Oakland Zoo in Oakland, California, requiring outdoor work in varied weather and some weekend, holiday, and evening availability for events or emergencies.
Unique job features
The role is distinguished by its integration of conservation-focused landscaping, sustainability practices, and leadership in managing a large, diverse natural environment within a zoological setting.
Company overview
Oakland Zoo, located in Oakland, California, is a prominent zoological institution dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the education of the public about the natural world. Established in 1922, the zoo is operated by the Conservation Society of California and is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. It generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and special events, which support its mission of wildlife conservation and education. The zoo is renowned for its expansive California Trail exhibit, which highlights native species and ecosystems, and its commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight your leadership experience in grounds and horticulture management, emphasizing your ability to oversee large landscapes and diverse plant collections as outlined in the Oakland Zoo job description.
Focus on showcasing your expertise in sustainable landscaping techniques, team supervision, budget management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to align with the Zoo’s conservation mission.
Apply through multiple channels including the Oakland Zoo’s official careers page, LinkedIn, and other reputable job boards to maximize your application visibility for the Manager, Grounds & Horticulture position.
Connect with current employees in Oakland Zoo’s horticulture or grounds division on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent Zoo conservation initiatives or expressing enthusiasm for their sustainability efforts to start meaningful conversations.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'horticulture management,' 'sustainable landscaping,' 'team leadership,' 'budget planning,' and 'environmental compliance' to increase your chances of passing automated screenings.
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