Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Garden Curator of Horticulture, Grounds, & Environmental Services

Peoria Park District•Peoria, IL

3d•$68,000 - $73,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of the Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Garden, the Curator of Horticulture, Grounds, and Environmental Services is responsible for directing the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of the botanical garden and zoo facilities relating to landscaping and custodial duties. This includes supervising the horticulture and custodial departments as well as various contractors. The role involves developing and monitoring budgets and long-range plans for the botanical gardens and zoo horticulture, managing departmental personnel, and interacting regularly with other district departments. The position also entails managing and operating the Luthy Botanical Gardens and the Peoria Zoo grounds, preparing and submitting the department's annual budget, and planning, preparing, and installing plant and flower displays. Additionally, the Curator oversees the browse program, botanical conservation projects, and landscape projects, while maintaining knowledge of horticulture design, plant identification, and integrated pest management. The role also involves developing and improving horticulture facilities, consulting on horticulture needs, seeking current Green Industry best practices, planning special events, and supervising pesticide application. The Curator works with plant specialty clubs, solicits outside financial support, provides guided tours, supervises plant records, assists in garden interpretation, maintains facilities and equipment, and develops special events to increase market presence and generate financial support. The position requires developing and maintaining effective working relationships, encouraging greater utilization and visitation of the Garden, and following all safety procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field required.
A minimum of five (5) years experience in landscape maintenance, greenhouse management, and landscape design is essential.
Three (3) years of supervisory experience, including personnel management and facility management are required.
Thorough knowledge of landscape maintenance, greenhouse operation, and management.
Advanced knowledge of tropical plants, woody landscape plants, herbaceous plants, roses, bulbs, turfgrass, and integrated pest management.
Creative ability in planning and preparing artistic botanical displays.
Ability to work cooperatively with representatives of community, public, and private groups and organizations to provide the best possible image of the Park District, Botanical Gardens, and Zoo.
Basic knowledge of principles of interpretation.
Extensive knowledge of facility operations, including scheduling, programming, and basic management procedures.
Understanding of budgeting and maintenance with the ability to apply and interpret knowledge in practical situations related to facility operations and programs.
Ability to train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate employees.
Extensive knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) and the ability to obtain pesticide applicator's license.
Requires a valid Illinois State Driver's License.
Ability to effectively communicate in both speaking and writing.
Work record that shows reliability, initiative, tact, and resourcefulness.
Ability to exhibit exceptional customer service and coach staff in this skill.
Ability to work effectively and enthusiastically with volunteers.
Ability to work with the public and fellow employees enthusiastically and cooperatively.
Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience in a similar position with similar duties may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.
Teaching experience, special events coordination, and volunteer management are desirable.

Responsibilities

Direct the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of the botanical garden and zoo facilities relating to landscaping and custodial duties.
Supervise the horticulture and custodial departments as well as various contractors.
Develop and monitor budgets and long-range plans for the botanical gardens and zoo horticulture.
Manage departmental personnel to include supervision, recruitment, retention, training, development, commendation, and disciplinary action.
Interact regularly with other district departments and assist them in achieving their goals.
Manage and operate the Luthy Botanical Gardens and the Peoria Zoo grounds and supervise all aspects of staff.
Prepare the department's annual budget for submission to the Director of the Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden and manage operations within the approved budget.
Plan, prepare, and install plant and flower displays within the Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Oversee the browse program and educate all staff on browse identification and toxic plants.
Oversee botanical conservation projects.
Participate in the design and execution of landscape projects from construction documents or landscape design documents.
Develop and implement long-range and short-term plans by setting goals, establishing priorities, organizing collections, and designing landscapes in botanical displays and animal exhibits.
Maintain knowledge of horticulture design based on exhibit and/or animal needs within AZA accreditation standards.
Maintain knowledge of plant identification, growth and culture, propagation skills, greenhouse management, forestry, tree protection, irrigation principles, and integrated pest management.
Develop and improve the horticulture facilities by establishing programs on the production and growing of plants; collect and organize information regarding plants; seek methods of efficiency improvement in all areas.
Consult and advise on horticulture needs throughout the Park District as requested.
Seek out and utilize the most current and best practices within the Green Industry.
Plan and coordinate special events, exhibitions, and programs in conjunction with the programming lead.
Schedule and supervise the proper application of pesticides; work towards chemical use reduction within an IPM program.
Select, schedule and supervise departmental staff, including part-time employees and volunteers.
Work directly with area plant specialty clubs to promote harmonious and cooperative relations.
Solicit outside financial support.
In coordination with the education department, provide guided tours for school groups and interested parties.
Supervise the maintenance of plant records, including accession records in ZIM's Botanical program.
Supervise and assist in garden interpretation.
Maintain facilities and equipment at the botanical garden.
In coordination with the events department, develop and implement special events, exhibits and programs to increase the zoo and garden's market and generate financial support for the zoo and botanical gardens.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Park District staff.
Constantly encourage greater utilization and visitation of the Garden within the community and out-of-town visitors.
Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid sick days
vacation days
holidays
Longevity bonus program
wellness program
Pension and retirement programs
Social Security participating
Exceptional health plan
Paid Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Discounted recreation classes for full-time employees and dependents
Free admission to select Park District facilities for full-time employees and dependents