Manager of Horticulture Operations

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us .

The department of Animal Care and Horticulture is an integrated team that cares for the animals and plants that live at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

This position assists the Director of Horticulture in the management of operational components that support the horticulture team. Responsibilities include inventorying, organizing and maintaining equipment and tools; coordinating cross-departmentally on the scheduling and execution of projects; hiring, onboarding, and supervising seasonal staff; assisting in the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems; organizing chemical use and record keeping on behalf of the horticulture team;

and maintaining an ISA Arborist Certification. This position also frequently gives guidance on horticulture operations projects and oversees horticulture contractors. These work priorities happen in addition to the responsibilities of a horticulturist. Horticulturists report to the Director of Horticulture and are critical hands-on members of the horticulture team, responsible for performing day-to-day plant care and garden maintenance in her or his landscape area.

Horticulturists also regularly provide direction and supervision of volunteer gardeners.

• Maintain horticulture team tool and supply inventory, ensuring that tools are clean, regularly maintained, and functioning properly. Assist with sourcing and ordering of tools, supplies, and plant materials as needed.
• Coordinate interdepartmentally to ensure efficient completion of horticulture projects.
• Oversee horticulture contractors, including scheduling and coordinating them on grounds
• Manage irrigation system maintenance, irrigation system repair, and irrigation schedules.
• Maintain Illinois pesticide applicator license and under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, manage the appropriate use of plant pesticides and fertilizers on zoo grounds. Maintains a chemical use log on behalf of the horticulture team.
• Maintain ISA arborist certification within year of employment.
• Supports horticultural operations in zoo gardens, frequently interacting with and overseeing horticulture operations projects and horticulture contractors.
• Lead semiweekly volunteer gardening crews, coordinating gardening activities, tracking volunteer gardener’s attendance, hours, and interactions with each other and guest. Regularly inspecting volunteer gardeners’ work and ensuring quality standards are being met in planting, weeding, and general cultivation.
• Performing and coordinating lawn care and maintenance of lawn care equipment
• Manage maintenance of green roofs, creating yearly maintenance calendar and working with horticulturists to guide them on yearly maintenance.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of seasonal staff and volunteers, providing day-to-day direction and supervision.

• Coordinate landscape waste disposal and container ordering with Manager of Grounds and Maintenance.
• Under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, facilitate horticulture skill and tool training for horticulturists, seasonal staff, and volunteers as needed.
• Able to work all days of the week on a flexible schedule. A weekend shift may be assigned during peak growing season.
• Frequently works independently and in groups with other zoo staff and volunteers.
• Daily inspection of assigned garden areas, ensuring gardens…