Grounds & Live Exhibits Manager

Oakland Museum of California•Oakland, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Grounds & Live Exhibits Manager is responsible for the maintenance and care of the California native plant garden and animal exhibits on the museum grounds. The museum grounds include planter beds on each level, lawn, and the exterior areas of the main campus as well as two off-site facilities. This position will develop management procedures and prioritize work to ensure the plants and animals have healthy environments. They will also be responsible for the function/operation of systems supporting these habitats. This position is responsible for training staff and ensuring continuous operation and support of living exhibits.

Requirements

English language proficiency in both spoken and written form
3-5 years of related experience
Experience as a landscape/grounds manager or similar role, with a strong knowledge of horticulture, landscape design, and groundskeeping techniques.
Experience with live animal care (strong preference for experience with marine animals and live exhibit care).
Excellent leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively supervise and motivate a team.
In-depth understanding of irrigation systems, pest management, and landscape maintenance.
Proficient in operating and maintaining groundskeeping equipment.
Strong knowledge of work safety protocols and environmental regulations related to grounds management.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with staff, stakeholders, and external vendors.
Computer literacy. Familiarity with Google Workplace.
Problem solving skills. Product/system research, budgeting, operations and maintenance management

Nice To Haves

A degree or certification in horticulture, landscape management, or a related field is preferred.
Fishing license preferred
Familiarity with operation and maintenance of fish pond, aquariums or animal enclosures preferred
Experience with “hot” species: venomous reptiles and poisonous invertebrates preferred.
First aid/CPR training preferred

Responsibilities

Support the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, and institutional relevancy for the future
Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement
Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives
Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement
All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role.
Is responsible for California native plant garden health and habitat. Monitor and manage maintenance needs for plants including pruning, weeding, and mulching.
Seasonally maintain and adjust the irrigation system. Carry out or coordinate repairs and improvements to the irrigation system as needed.
Monitor and manage garden turf maintenance. Collaborate with museum staff to ensure the lawn is healthy and presentable.
Monitor and manage weed growth throughout grounds and hardscape at the museum’s main campus and two offsite facilities
Ensure the proper care and maintenance of all groundskeeping equipment, including lawn mowers, trimmers, and hand tools.
Is responsible for critical animal life support systems, including two 50,000 gallon outdoor fish ponds, a 1,000 gallon aquarium, and two reptile/invertebrate tanks. Ensure systems are operating in compliance with facilities procedures. Repair, upgrade, and replace life support systems and components as needed.
Maintain and clean animal life support systems (filter, pumps, sterilizers, etc.) to facilitate efficient operation
Feed organisms within a carefully scheduled safe window of nutrient application
Monitor behavioral and external signs of stress or illness
Regularly test water conditions to ensure animal enclosures are within safe parameters. Monitor and correct water quality parameters (salinity, ph, temperature) in all of the live exhibit systems as needed
Respond to animal care health needs with veterinarian consultation
Collaborate and cross-train with museum staff and contractors for maintenance and troubleshooting (facilities department, production staff and engineer contractors)
Train staff in basic emergency response for live exhibits. Be on call 24/7 for any emergencies requiring specific expertise or training.
Inspect and assess the condition of the grounds, including lawn, garden, irrigation systems, and other outdoor features, and develop plans for improvement.
Supervise and coordinate the work of the Gardener, including training, and providing performance feedback. Coordinate contractor work as needed.
Source, budget, purchase and organize animal care and plant care supply inventory to meet the responsibilities listed above
Ensure healthy rotation of live animals and plants. Procure additional animals and plants in compliance with local laws and goals for the organization.
Keep current records of chemical inventory in accordance with industry standard work safety practices and regulatory requirements.
Maintain necessary documentation, permits, and records for collection and display of protected plants and animals.
Manage the budget for maintenance and care of the animal enclosures, native plant garden, and grounds including forecasting expenses, sourcing materials, and evaluating cost-saving opportunities.
Develop and update animal care and garden operation and maintenance guides
Develop and manage garden waste removal compost system
Research, develop and implement live exhibit enclosures, habitats and life support systems with design staff, onsite engineers, and natural science curator
Manage and execute animal enclosure, garden, and grounds projects
Educate museum guests and staff regarding appropriate conduct around live exhibits. Advocate for safer and user friendly messaging and materials to benefit both live plants and animals and the visitor.
Develop relationships with vendors, academic consultants and government agencies to ensure animal enclosures and California native plants are healthy, accurate and engaging.
Collaborate with the museum volunteer team to implement garden volunteer sessions with OMCA volunteers and external groups.
Maintain a high level of organization and cleanliness in work areas. Safely handle and store animal care and garden supplies in compliance with work safety practices.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in animal care, California native plant, and grounds management to continually improve the appearance and functionality of our outdoor spaces.