Curator - Exterior Horticulture - HYBRID

State of North Carolina

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is growing, and it is an exciting time to join our team! The North Carolina Zoo is looking for a dynamic team-oriented leader as the Curator of Exterior Horticulture. This position directs the management of the NC Zoo’s Exterior plant collections as the Zoo’s authority on North Carolina natives, tropicals, perennials, shrubs, trees and turf and those exterior plants which are appropriate to the look of the African, North American and Asian habitats. This position also manages the Exterior Horticulture teams who oversee and maintain parkwide landscape, horticulture needs and our extensive compost program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution AND four years progressive experience in zoological work in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo; animal care facility; OR or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 7AM – 4PM.
• Must be able to work weekends/holidays.
• Hybrid work schedule; remote work may be approved for up to 1 day per week, or up to 4 days per month, depending on workload demands and on going projects within the park
• Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Must serve as Weekend Manager on Duty up 4 weekends per year
• Must obtain a Public Pesticide Operator’s Certification from the NC Dept of Agriculture immediately upon employment.
• Must be able to participate in the NC Zoo Occupational Health Program.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• The ability to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or more and/or up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly to move objects; along with visual acuity for analysis of data, landscape plans, operation of equipment and vehicles, computer use and regular document reviews.
• Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions in all extremes of weather.
• This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to develop contract documents for purchases of plant material and for the removal, maintenance and installation of plant material.
• Knowledge on policy development and drafting for standard operating procedures and processes.
• Ability to retain and archive plant research, and to retain and archive research of basic animal characteristics and behaviors.
• Experience in regulatory reporting as required for permitting, safety and environmental management system (EMS).

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the Zoo’s horticulture landscapes, exhibits and offsite properties with a demonstrated and thorough working knowledge of diverse plant collections.
• Plan, prepare and present informational lectures, workshops and communications effectively to interdisciplinary Zoo teams, donors, media and the general public.
• Train, manage and supervise other leadership positions, which includes the management of schedules, budgets and plant procurement.
• Management of systemic collections of specimens for public display and maintain scientific documentation.
• Demonstrate professionalism and maintain effective work relationships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees