Zoo Horticulture Supervisor

Salary: $46,211.15 – $68,392.50 annually

Location:

Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Number: U

Department: ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN

Opening Date: 01/01/2026

Closing Date: 2/23/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Max Number of Applicants: 150

High School Diploma, GED or higher, and five (5) years of experience in landscaping, nursery or related field involved with grounds maintenance, gardens, planting and propagation and/or greenhouse management including one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.

Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state.

Non-commercial Applicator's license issued by Texas Structural Pest Control Board must be obtained during the first 12 months of appointment.

Under general supervision, perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties associated with the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens encompassing 35 acres of exhibits and support planning, managing, maintaining and irrigating the Zoo grounds.

• Oversee, install, and sustain turf, landscaping and botanical garden collection; planting and maintaining trees, shrubs, flowering plants, ground covers, plantings.
• Maintain associated irrigation systems repair and installation; aerate, fertilize, mow, trim, edge and seed grounds and turf areas.
• Perform various installation and repair tasks associated with the upkeep of facilities, grounds, exhibits and gardens.
• Pick-up trash and litter, clean surfaces and assist in graffiti removal.
• Assist and coordinate major irrigation system extension or revisions.
• Collaborate with management to plan exhibit improvements, enhance animal welfare, and meet Botanical Garden goals; plan, develop and design planting/landscape areas to benefit zoo animals, guest experience, and ecological impact.
• Coordinate with Education Curator to maintain and expand educational signage and programming related to the botanical collection and eco-friendly landscaping.
• Assist animal care teams in providing safe and non-toxic browse (animal food) and exhibit plants for zoo animals.
• Develop and manage greenhouse facility and operations; organize and maintain horticultural operations, inventory and procedures to meet regulatory, accreditation and collection needs.
• Utilize and maintain general and specialized tools, equipment, materials and supplies associated with grounds keeping and gardening procedures.
• Perform periodic inspection and review of grounds, exhibits, gardens and planting areas for hazards and take corrective action or report to supervisor.
• Work with computer software and equipment to input data and create documents and reports.
• Participate in preparation for special events such as holiday lights, concession rentals, meetings, displays, education programs, concerts and programs.
• Be available for after hours or for unscheduled tasks or emergency call‑in.
• Perform pest control coordinator functions: coordinate services of contracted pest control professionals to control rodent, insect, and other pests on grounds; work closely with Chief Veterinarian and animal care supervisors to ensure safe pesticide and herbicide use around sensitive zoo animals; apply pesticides and herbicides as required; maintain inventory of pest control supplies; utilize Integrated Pest Management principles.
• Supervise assigned personnel: schedule, assign, instruct, guide and check work; appraise employee performance; provide for training and development; enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially; counsel, motivate and maintain harmony; interview applicants; recommend hiring, termination, discipline, merit pay or other employee status changes.

• Experience:
  
  five (5) years in landscaping, nursery or related field; one (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.
• Driver's License:
  Texas Class "C" or equivalent.
• Licensing:
  Non-commercial Applicator's license issued by Texas Structural Pest Control Board within first 12 months.

Employer City of El Paso
300 N. Campbell
El Paso, Texas 79901
Phone:
Website: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov