Horticulture Manager

Position Title: Horticulture Manager Department: Horticulture Reports To: Director of Facilities Location: Zoo, Park, Riverview Position Type: Full-time Who We Are Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park,"¯Audubon Zoo,"¯Audubon Aquarium,"¯Audubon Insectarium,"¯Audubon Louisiana Nature Center,"¯Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center,"¯Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species,"¯Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and"¯Audubon Wilderness Park At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers-we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world. What You'll Do The horticulture manager at Audubon Zoo and Park is responsible for directing daily operation of the gardens and grounds under the guidance of the Director of Facilities. Accountable for timely and efficient landscape maintenance of the displays and care of the gardens. Physically perform garden labor, including operation of loud equipment and transport work materials/equipment as needed. Work in all weather conditions. Contribute to team effort. Responsible for supporting pest management program. Day to Day Responsibilities Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality. Oversee general landscape maintenance and scheduling for the garden, including pruning, planting, mowing, raking, weeding, watering, fertilizing, chemical application, and minor irrigation repair according to written maintenance and safety standards. Lead horticulturists, volunteers, interns, etc. in their assigned areas for efficient productivity and successful garden maintenance. Hold staff accountable to expectations set by the Director. Evaluate and effectively manage/schedule personnel. Train and develop staff in the garden area to increase their knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance. Assure that all equipment is secured at the end of the day. Assist with educational and research projects as required, for example, horticulture demonstrations during special events. Respond to information requests by garden visitors as needed. Troubleshoot and provide support to horticulturists related to planting issues and unexpected damage due to storms, droughts, etc. Provide technical assistance and training on plant diseases and assure that staff comply with appropriate chemical application and safety standards. Assure that all equipment is inventoried, accounted for, and properly maintained. Coordinate and conduct safety and procedural training for new hires. Manage efficient implementation of desired horticultural enhancements during festivals/events. Work effectively and maintain good working relationships with other department staff. Oversee pest management through routine maintenance of bait boxes, pest reports, and area audits. Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience. The horticulture manager will contribute to a group effort to provide beautiful gardens of varying color and texture that enhances the guest's visit to Audubon Zoo and that will serve to provide a memorable guest experience. Additional/Overall Skills: Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience. Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon's mission. Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow. The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned. What We're Looking For Must Haves: High school diploma or GED Minimum 10 years in Horticulture, grounds, or related field. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage a diverse group of employees to form a cohesive team and to delegate and organize workflow. Ability to identify common pests and weeds. Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time with attention to detail and ability to follow through. Follow schedules. Work collaboratively and cooperatively. Work as a team or independently. Must have the ability to use handheld gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms. Must be able to operate and maintain fuel in gas-powered hedgers, weed eaters, power blowers, riding and push mowers, and extension chain saws. Must have a valid La. driver's license and be capable of driving golf carts, gas-powered utility vehicles, and pickup trucks as well as the ability to tow a trailer with weight. Physical Requirements: This position is a physically demanding one. This job requires 100% working out in the elements, so the ability to withstand hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters is a must. You must be a team player and be able to interact well with others within the department, as well as staff from other departments. Good communication is important within the team. This job requires the ability to pick up items weighing up to 40 lbs. Must be able to operate power equipment in varying degrees of temperatures for long periods. Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language are expected. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds. Ability to read and write required. Use of chemicals is limited, but a part of the job. Chemical applications will be taught.

Created: 2025-03-03