Curator of Arbor

State of North Carolina•Asheboro, NC

8h•$57,983 - $72,250•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an experienced horticulturist to serve as Curator of Arbor during a period of growth ahead of the opening of Asia. The role is responsible for the scientific curation, healthcare, and aesthetic display of the Zoo’s tree and woody plant collections, which support animal habitats, visitor experiences, and conservation goals. The Curator plans long-term landscape growth, supervises field staff, and maintains precise records of tree specimens. The work supports the horticulture department’s mission to advance public awareness of plants and their role in nature, and the Zoo’s goal of creating living pictures of wild places that respectfully represent animal habitats. The position is based at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with rotating weekend and holiday Manager on Duty coverage on average once every two months. The role is designated Essential/Mandatory, requiring work during adverse weather events and potentially at special events. The employee must participate in the Zoo’s occupational health program and pass a pre-employment screen.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, or a related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution, and four years of progressive experience in zoological work at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
Valid North Carolina pesticide applicator license.
Experience working with an arboretum, botanical garden, zoo, conservatory, or plant-focused institution.
Experience in integrated pest and weed management.
Experience with GIS mapping, database management, and specimen labeling.
Valid driver’s license issued in the United States, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job for extended and irregular periods in adverse conditions and all extremes of weather.
Ability to frequently lift 30–50 pounds of aggregate material to a height of 18 inches and transport it laterally 4.5 feet.
Ability to work rotating weekends and holidays, on average once every two months, and during adverse weather events; may be called to work special events.
Ability to maintain effective work relationships and work as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of hands-on experience in tree care, urban forestry, or botanical collection management.
Three to five years of supervisory experience in arboriculture, horticulture, or a related industry.
Thorough working knowledge of tree maintenance practices used in landscape installation and grounds maintenance.
Experience with arboriculture equipment used for tree maintenance, such as chainsaws, lifts, chippers, dump trucks, front-end loaders, and skid-steers.
Certified Tree Care Safety Professional through the Tree Care Industry Association.

Responsibilities

Direct long-term tree management, supervise arbor staff, and maintain curation records for woody plant specimens.
Develop and execute policies for acquiring, mapping, labeling, and cataloging tree species.
Monitor tree health, test soils, and direct pruning, fertilization, and pest-control treatments across Zoo properties.
Represent the North Carolina Zoo in arboriculture matters involving contracts, public relations, and education.
Preserve the existing Zoo canopy, promote genetic diversity, and assist with project tree selection.
Inspect Zoo trees for potential hazards to people and property.
Coordinate team responses to reduce identified tree risks or remove specimens.
Foster a team culture of professional development, continual learning, and excellence in tree care.
Lead a team of nine staff in daily tree work throughout the Zoo.