Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Assistant Director of Gardens and Grounds
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, 73116
Overview
The Assistant Director of Gardens and Grounds is a strategic leader responsible for guiding a high-performing team in the design, planning, and execution of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s botanical gardens and public grounds. This role provides direct oversight of staff, contractors, and volunteers to deliver exceptional horticultural displays, manicured landscapes, and engaging guest experiences. The Assistant Director inspires and develops team members, manages resources and budgets, and ensures safety and operational excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities
Manage garden design, planning, and execution Oversee functions and responsibilities of assigned assistant managers Lead, coordinate, and hold accountable team members, contractors and volunteers to deliver high-quality results Recruit, inspire, and develop high-performing staff by providing mentorship and feedback Lead performance management efforts by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and ensuring staff accountability to Zoo standards Manage plant cultivation, propagation, and records Support animal care teams by overseeing plant materials for exhibits and animal enrichment as well as ensuring the upkeep of specific animal habitats Ensure safety compliance with Zoo and department safety protocols and training Ensure Zoo cleanliness, lawncare, landscaping, and irrigation systems function Support leadership in developing and reviewing department planning and financial budgets Augment staffing support with targeted planned volunteer programs Coordinate and implement conservation programs and efforts as part of Zoo’s mission Respond to emergencies and participate in Zoo Emergency Response Plan functions Lead with vision and resilience during emergencies, operational challenges, or shifts in prorates, ensuring staff remain focused, safe, and engaged Coordinate department functions with other key stakeholders throughout Zoo Obtain and maintain certifications and professional training that support current industry standards Foster a positive, forward-thinking, unified team approach, in which all staff feel responsible for supporting each other to ensure the team’s success Leads with patience, empathy, flexibility, reliability, and positivity Takes ownership of assigned team’s engagement, motivation, morale, and participation in meeting the OKC Zoo’s organizational goals and objective Participate in conservation activities to support Zoo’s mission Take ownership of assigned team’s engagement, motivation, morale, and participation in meeting the OKC Zoo’s organizational goals and objectives Practice and model the Zoo’s values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership Qualifications
Minimum Experience & Education Requirements : Three (3) years of progressive experience in horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, botanical gardens operations as well as two (2) years of experience in a leadership role and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of relevant education. Department:
Buildings and Gardens Direct Supervisor:
Director of Building and Gardens Supervisory Responsibility:
Direct (2); Indirect (20+) Primary Work Location:
Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors Certification:
Valid Oklahoma Class A driver’s license Other:
This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing Employment details
Employment Status:
Full-Time FLSA Status:
Exempt Starting Annual Pay Rate:
$70,557.00 - $88,196.00
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The Assistant Director of Gardens and Grounds is a strategic leader responsible for guiding a high-performing team in the design, planning, and execution of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s botanical gardens and public grounds. This role provides direct oversight of staff, contractors, and volunteers to deliver exceptional horticultural displays, manicured landscapes, and engaging guest experiences. The Assistant Director inspires and develops team members, manages resources and budgets, and ensures safety and operational excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities
Manage garden design, planning, and execution Oversee functions and responsibilities of assigned assistant managers Lead, coordinate, and hold accountable team members, contractors and volunteers to deliver high-quality results Recruit, inspire, and develop high-performing staff by providing mentorship and feedback Lead performance management efforts by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and ensuring staff accountability to Zoo standards Manage plant cultivation, propagation, and records Support animal care teams by overseeing plant materials for exhibits and animal enrichment as well as ensuring the upkeep of specific animal habitats Ensure safety compliance with Zoo and department safety protocols and training Ensure Zoo cleanliness, lawncare, landscaping, and irrigation systems function Support leadership in developing and reviewing department planning and financial budgets Augment staffing support with targeted planned volunteer programs Coordinate and implement conservation programs and efforts as part of Zoo’s mission Respond to emergencies and participate in Zoo Emergency Response Plan functions Lead with vision and resilience during emergencies, operational challenges, or shifts in prorates, ensuring staff remain focused, safe, and engaged Coordinate department functions with other key stakeholders throughout Zoo Obtain and maintain certifications and professional training that support current industry standards Foster a positive, forward-thinking, unified team approach, in which all staff feel responsible for supporting each other to ensure the team’s success Leads with patience, empathy, flexibility, reliability, and positivity Takes ownership of assigned team’s engagement, motivation, morale, and participation in meeting the OKC Zoo’s organizational goals and objective Participate in conservation activities to support Zoo’s mission Take ownership of assigned team’s engagement, motivation, morale, and participation in meeting the OKC Zoo’s organizational goals and objectives Practice and model the Zoo’s values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership Qualifications
Minimum Experience & Education Requirements : Three (3) years of progressive experience in horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, botanical gardens operations as well as two (2) years of experience in a leadership role and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of relevant education. Department:
Buildings and Gardens Direct Supervisor:
Director of Building and Gardens Supervisory Responsibility:
Direct (2); Indirect (20+) Primary Work Location:
Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors Certification:
Valid Oklahoma Class A driver’s license Other:
This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing Employment details
Employment Status:
Full-Time FLSA Status:
Exempt Starting Annual Pay Rate:
$70,557.00 - $88,196.00
#J-18808-Ljbffr