Description
SALARY & FLSA: $80,168.40- $97,864.00 per year; FLSA exempt
The $80,168.40 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to $84,000 of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.
OPENING DATE: 01/08/2026
CLOSING DATE: 01/23/2026 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.
JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time
UNION: Non-Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: Onsite
DEPARTMENT: Horticulture
HOW DO YOU ZOO?
More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.
Washington State Pesticide Operator's License preferred
WHO YOU ARE
As our new Horticulture Supervisor, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:
Bring strong hands-on horticulture expertise – With demonstrated experience in landscape installation and maintenance, plant care, grounds equipment, and the safe use of horticulture-related chemicals, you support healthy, well-maintained landscapes across the organization.
Organized and effective leader – You manage multiple complex tasks with confidence, supervise and coach staff with clarity, and promote accountability, collaboration, and high performance within your team.
Clear communicator and collaborative partner – You communicate effectively in writing and in person, working productively with diverse teams, audiences, and work environments to achieve shared goals.
Adaptable, solution-oriented, and improvement-focused – You approach challenges with strong problem-solving skills, work well both independently and as part of a team, and are committed to continuous improvement in a fast-paced, operational setting.
YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership, Supervision, and Work Culture
Supervise, mentor, and coach Horticulture staff to ensure effective performance, accountability, and professional growth.
Establish, enforce, and monitor work standards, safety protocols, and quality expectations for all horticulture operations.
Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment aligned with the zoo’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) goals.
Continuously evaluate department operations and implement improvements to enhance service quality and efficiency.
Landscape, Exhibit, and Botanical Operations
Plan, coordinate, and oversee the installation and maintenance of all zoo landscapes, exhibits, and grounds across the 92acre campus.
Direct the design and installation of new and renovated exhibits representing major world biomes.
Manage plant materials, seasonal color, turf, arboriculture, rose garden, greenhouses, browse gardens and other botanical collections.
Ensure plant selections are appropriate, safe for animal species, and support exhibit biogeographic themes.
Direct the planting, growing, harvesting, and delivery of browse in collaboration with animal care staff to support animal welfare and enrichment.
Arboriculture, IPM, and Environmental Stewardship
Develop, implement, and manage the zoo’s Arboriculture program.
Manage the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing environmental impact.
Guide landscape practices that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and herbicides.
Support and advance organizational sustainability goals related to water conservation, carbon reduction, and waste management.
Irrigation, Equipment, and Asset Management
Oversee the maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation of irrigation systems, emphasizing water conservation and recirculation.
Manage horticulture equipment, tools, and assets to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
Oversee inventory control and procurement of horticulture supplies, materials, and equipment.
Address scheduling, implementation, equipment, and inventory challenges to maintain operational continuity.
Coordination, Liaison, and Vendor Management
Coordinate horticulture activities with other zoo departments to support integrated operations and project delivery.
Represent the Horticulture Department on cross departmental project teams.
Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, contractors, community partners, and work parties.
Contract, coordinate, and oversee vendor and contractor services related to horticulture operations.
Education, Interpretation, Events, and Public Engagement
Develop and implement horticultural messaging in support of conservation education and visitor engagement.
Collaborate with the Learning & Innovation Department to design and deliver horticultural and botanical education programs.
Provide horticulture support for events, special programs, and fundraising activities.
Serve as a spokesperson for zoo horticulture programs through presentations, tours, and other public forums.
Planning, Records, Reporting, and SOPs
Maintain accurate horticulture records, databases, and operational documentation.
Research and recommend plant specimens that support exhibit design and biogeographic accuracy.
Prepare and present operational plans, studies, and reports as required.
Develop, maintain, and update departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Utilize planning tools, databases, and meetings to prioritize, communicate, and execute workloads effectively.
Budget and Administrative Responsibilities
Contribute to departmental budget development, forecasting, and cost management.
Support administrative and operational planning functions of the Horticulture Department.
Professional Expertise and Compliance
Maintain current professional knowledge of horticulture, arboriculture, ground maintenance, pest management, and equipment operation.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, chemical use requirements, and operational standards.
Provide training and guidance related to horticulture practices, safety, and equipment use.
BENEFITS
The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:
Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
Free staff parking
403(b) Retirement Plan
SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.
This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.
Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.
Requirements
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
ISA Certified Arborist.
WA State pesticide applicators license.
Knowledge of installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems and SMART systems.
Geographic Information System (GIS) knowledge.
Knowledge and culture of plants, soil, horticultural practices, procedures, and principles.
QUALIFICATIONS
Equivalent to an associate’s degree in botany, horticulture, biology, forestry, environmental sciences, or other related areas of study
At least four (4) years of landscaping experience with two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated experience with landscape installation and maintenance, plant care, lawn and grounds equipment, and the safe use of horticulture-related chemicals.
Ability to obtain the Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License within 6 months of hire.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks effectively.
Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff while promoting accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work productively across diverse teams, audiences, and work environments.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, operational environment.
Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.
