Browse and Forage Coordinator

State of North Carolina • Randolph, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an energized and collaborative Browse and Forage Coordinator to lead and manage its Browse and Forage Program. The coordinator is the program’s subject matter expert and is responsible for ensuring a safe, sustainable, and nutritionally appropriate supply of browse and forage for the Zoo’s animal collection. The position supports the Zoo’s mission through education, research, professional engagement, and the advancement of innovative browse and forage management practices.

The coordinator oversees browse, hay, and forage harvesting, procurement, preservation, storage, quality control, and distribution. The role supervises and mentors staff, interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees; coordinates with Clinical Nutrition, Veterinary Services, Horticulture, and Animal Care; and manages gardens, harvesting operations, approved plant inventories, vendors, budgets, equipment, vehicles, and records. The coordinator also develops procedures and provides training to maintain safe and compliant operations, and provides hands-on assistance with daily harvesting, preservation, and delivery as needed.

The position is located at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the employee must be able to work weekends, holidays, after regular shifts, adverse weather events, and special events. The position is designated Essential/Mandatory and requires participation in the Zoo’s occupational health program. A job offer is contingent on passing a pre-employment screen.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in horticulture or a related degree from an appropriately accredited institution and up to three years of experience in developing and implementing landscape plans and grounds maintenance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license issued in the United States, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to supervise staff, coordinate multiple projects, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, after regular work shifts, adverse weather events, and special events.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds; walking long distances over uneven terrain; climbing, bending, and reaching; and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate and train others in the use of vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, pole saws, tractors, and other browse harvesting and landscaping equipment.
• Ability to work safely at heights using ladders and elevated work platforms and to safely tow trailers and operate four-wheel-drive vehicles over unimproved terrain.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Veterinary Services, Clinical Nutrition, Animal Care, Horticulture, and external partners.
• Ability to conduct browse operations in compliance with AZA accreditation standards, USDA regulations, OSHA requirements, and Zoo policies.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment screen and participation in the Zoo’s occupational health program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing a browse, forage, horticulture, agricultural, forestry, or similar plant-based production program.
• Knowledge and experience with browse identification, plant toxicology, sustainable harvesting practices, forage preservation techniques, and plant production systems.
• Familiarity with animal nutrition principles and the role of browse and forage in supporting animal health, welfare, behavioral enrichment, and natural feeding behaviors.
• Working knowledge of plant identification, browse harvesting, horticulture, forestry, agriculture, or animal nutrition, including the ability to identify approved browse species and recognize toxic plants.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the North Carolina Zoo’s Browse and Forage Program.
• Oversee harvesting, procurement, preservation, storage, quality control, and distribution of browse, hay, and forage for the Zoo’s animal collection.
• Supervise, train, and mentor browse staff, interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees, promoting safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Work with Clinical Nutrition, Veterinary Services, Horticulture, and Animal Care staff to support animal nutrition, behavioral enrichment, and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinate year-round browse production and availability, including browse gardens, harvesting, preservation, approved plant inventories, and relationships with commercial vendors and community partners.
• Manage program budgets, equipment, vehicles, inventories, and vendor relationships, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop standard operating procedures, provide staff training, and ensure compliance with Zoo policies and applicable safety and regulatory standards.
• Provide hands-on assistance with daily harvesting, preservation, and delivery as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and coordinate multiple projects.
• Safely operate and train others to use vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, pole saws, tractors, and other browse harvesting and landscaping equipment.
• Conduct browse operations in compliance with AZA accreditation standards, USDA regulations, OSHA requirements, and North Carolina Zoo policies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Benefits

• A $1,000 sign-on bonus is offered to eligible candidates, subject to funding availability and final eligibility determination.
• Eligible state employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care is referenced as a state policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree