Botanical Garden Administrator

Natural and Cultural Resources; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an experienced Horticulturist to serve as Botanical Garden Administrator. This role manages plant collections and landscapes to support animal habitats, visitor experiences, and conservation goals, reinforcing public awareness of plants and their role in nature.

As Botanical Garden Administrator, you will develop protocols, supervise staff and volunteers, and contribute to accreditation and external funding efforts while ensuring safety and compliance with zoo

Qualifications

• Demonstrated thorough knowledge plant identification and botanical nomenclature.
• Work experience with an arboretum, botanical garden, zoo, conservatory, or plant focused institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in specimen collection curation, plants preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with the presentation of informational lectures on science related topics, providing tours, and/or the publication of articles or other public-directed media pieces.
• Demonstrated experience with GIS mapping, database management, and specimen labelling.

Responsibilities

• Development of protocols and operational procedures for the botanical garden.
• Plant collection and preservation, accession of specimens into the collection, taxonomic identification, maintenance of data base, and participation in the preparation and submission of proposals for external funding and future garden/plant collections.
• Responsible for supervising staff, students, interns and volunteers.
• Assist the uploading of the plant collection on the Zoo web site
• Reviews and updates the plant collection database under the direction of the Hort Curator Manager and the Interior Horticulture Curator.
• Records progress and documentation for five-year accreditation review by BGCI.
• Comply with safety, environmental, and all Zoo Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills

Plant identification

Botanical nomenclature

Public speaking

GIS mapping

Database management

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or science curriculum related to the area of expertise

Tools

GIS mapping software

Database management systems

Specimen labeling protocols

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Zoological Park Job Classification Title Natural Science Research Curator I (NS) Position Number 65044250 Grade NC09

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an experienced Horticulturist to work as a Botanical Garden Administrator in our Horticulture department. The Botanical Garden Administrator (BGA) at the North Carolina Zoo is responsible for maintaining and enhancing plant collections and landscapes that support animal habitats, visitor experiences, and conservation goals. The Botanical Garden Administrator’s work supports the horticulture mission to advance public awareness of the importance of plants and their role in nature and contributes to the goal of creating living pictures of wild places that respectfully represent animal habitats.

Key Responsibilities

• Development of protocols and operational procedures for the botanical garden.
• Plant collection and preservation, accession of specimens into the collection, taxonomic identification, maintenance of data base, and participation in the preparation and submission of proposals for external funding and future garden/plant collections.
• Responsible for supervising staff, students, interns and volunteers.
• Assist the uploading of the plant collection on the Zoo web site
• Reviews and updates the plant collection database under the direction of the Hort Curator Manager and the Interior Horticulture Curator.
• Records progress and documentation for five-year accreditation review by BGCI.
• Comply with safety, environmental, and all Zoo Standard Operating Procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $41,206 - $61,660 To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated thorough knowledge plant identification and botanical nomenclature.
• Work experience with an arboretum, botanical garden, zoo, conservatory, or plant focused institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in specimen collection curation, plants preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with the presentation of informational lectures on science related topics, providing tours, and/or the publication of articles or other public-directed media pieces.
• Demonstrated experience with GIS mapping, database management, and specimen labelling.

Position / Physical Requirements

Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm Must be able to work rotating weekends and holidays throughout the year, on average once every 2 months. Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider. This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events. Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program. Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions in all extremes of weather. Must be able to lift 30 pounds on a frequent basis. Must be willing to be a team player and maintain effective work relationships.

Location

This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or science curriculum related to the area of expertise from an appropriately accredited institution AND two-years' experience in specialty area: a Master's degree in a natural science area may be substituted for experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

EEO Statement

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Contact Information

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205