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Louisiana Staffing

Horticulture Manager - Zoo

Louisiana Staffing, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 70123

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Horticulture Manager

The horticulture manager at Audubon Zoo and Park is responsible for directing daily operation of the gardens and grounds under the guidance of the Director of Facilities. Accountable for timely and efficient landscape maintenance of the displays and care of the gardens. Physically perform garden labor, including operation of loud equipment and transport work materials/equipment as needed. Work in all weather conditions. Contribute to team effort. Responsible for supporting pest management program. Day to Day Responsibilities

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality. Oversee general landscape maintenance and scheduling for the garden, including pruning, planting, mowing, raking, weeding, watering, fertilizing, chemical application, and minor irrigation repair according to written maintenance and safety standards. Lead horticulturists, volunteers, interns, etc. in their assigned areas for efficient productivity and successful garden maintenance. Hold staff accountable to expectations set by the Director. Evaluate and effectively manage/schedule personnel. Train and develop staff in the garden area to increase their knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance. Assure that all equipment is secured at the end of the day. Assist with educational and research projects as required, for example, horticulture demonstrations during special events. Respond to information requests by garden visitors as needed. Troubleshoot and provide support to horticulturists related to planting issues and unexpected damage due to storms, droughts, etc. Provide technical assistance and training on plant diseases and assure that staff comply with appropriate chemical application and safety standards. Assure that all equipment is inventoried, accounted for, and properly maintained. Coordinate and conduct safety and procedural training for new hires. Manage efficient implementation of desired horticultural enhancements during festivals/events. Work effectively and maintain good working relationships with other department staff. Oversee pest management through routine maintenance of bait boxes, pest reports, and area audits. Additional/Overall Skills

Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience. Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubons mission. Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow. What Were Looking For Must Haves

High school diploma or GED Minimum 10 years in Horticulture, grounds, or related field. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage a diverse group of employees to form a cohesive team and to delegate and organize workflow. Ability to identify common pests and weeds. Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time with attention to detail and ability to follow through. Follow schedules. Work collaboratively and cooperatively. Work as a team or independently. Must have the ability to use handheld gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms. Must be able to operate and maintain fuel in gas-powered hedgers, weed eaters, power blowers, riding and push mowers, and extension chain saws. Must have a valid La. drivers license and be capable of driving golf carts, gas-powered utility vehicles, and pickup trucks as well as the ability to tow a trailer with weight. Physical Requirements

This position is a physically demanding one. This job requires 100% working out in the elements, so the ability to withstand hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters is a must. You must be a team player and be able to interact well with others within the department, as well as staff from other departments. Good communication is important within the team. This job requires the ability to pick up items weighing up to 40 lbs. Must be able to operate power equipment in varying degrees of temperatures for long periods. Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language are expected. Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds. Ability to read and write required. Use of chemicals is limited, but a part of the job. Chemical applications will be taught.