Browse and Forage Coordinator

Natural and Cultural Resources; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$1,000 sign-on bonus

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo, part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, seeks a skilled Grounds Supervisor II to lead the Browse and Forage Program. This role oversees harvesting, storage, and distribution of browse and forage to support animal nutrition and welfare.

The position requires an Associate’s degree in horticulture and relevant landscape experience, with strong leadership and cross‑functional collaboration to ensure safe, compliant operations year‑round.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in horticulture or related field and up to three years of landscape/grounds experience.
• Experience developing and implementing landscape plans and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to lead a diverse team and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead Browse and Forage Program including procurement, preservation, storage and distribution of browse and forage.
• Supervise staff, interns, volunteers and seasonal employees.
• Collaborate with Veterinary Services, Clinical Nutrition, Horticulture and Animal Care.
• Manage budgets, equipment and vendor relationships for the program.
• Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, OSHA and zoo policies.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Horticulture knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in horticulture

Tools

Vehicle operation

Chainsaws

Pole saws

Tractors

Job description

Agency and Position Details

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Zoological Park
Job Classification Title Grounds Supervisor II (S)
Position Number 65044364
Grade NC08

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

Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire an energized and collaborative Browse and Forage Coordinator. The Browse and Forage Coordinator is the subject matter expert and program leader responsible for the development, implementation, and daily management of the North Carolina Zoo’s Browse and Forage Program, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and nutritionally appropriate supply of browse and forage for the Zoo’s animal collection. The Browse and Forage Coordinator supports the North Carolina Zoo’s mission through education, research, professional engagement, and the advancement of innovative browse and forage management practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the North Carolina Zoo’s Browse and Forage Program, overseeing the harvesting, procurement, preservation, storage, quality control, and distribution of browse, hay, and forage to support the health and welfare of the Zoo’s animal collection.
• Supervise, train, and mentor browse staff, interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees, fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement while ensuring high-quality browse operations.
• Work closely with the Clinical Nutritionist, Veterinary Services, Horticulture, and Animal Care staff to develop and maintain a browse program that supports animal nutrition, behavioral enrichment, and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinate year-round browse production and availability by managing browse gardens, harvesting operations, preservation methods, approved plant inventories, and relationships with commercial vendors and community partners.
• Manage browse program resources, including budgets, equipment, vehicles, inventories, and vendor relationships, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and program effectiveness.
• Maintain safe and compliant operations by developing standard operating procedures, providing staff training, and ensuring compliance with Zoo policies and applicable safety and regulatory standards.
• Provide hands‑on leadership in daily browse operations, assisting with harvesting, preservation, and delivery as needed to ensure reliable support for the Zoo’s animal nutrition program.

Salary & Benefits

Recruitment Range: $39,244 - $58,962

Sign‑on bonus of $1000 is being offered for eligible candidates.
Eligibility: see https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy. Payout contingent on funding availability.

Position/Physical Requirements

Work schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.

• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre‑employment screen conducted by the 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 physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, walking long distances over uneven terrain, climbing, bending, reaching, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to safely operate and train others in the use of vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, pole saws, tractors, and other browse harvesting and landscaping equipment.
• Must possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to supervise staff, coordinate multiple projects, and maintain accurate records.
• Working knowledge of plant identification, browse harvesting, horticulture, forestry, agriculture, or animal nutrition is preferred, with the ability to accurately identify approved browse species and recognize toxic plants.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Veterinary Services, Clinical Nutrition, Animal Care, Horticulture, and external partners to support the Browse and Forage Program.
• Must be able to conduct browse operations in compliance with AZA accreditation standards, USDA regulations, OSHA requirements, and North Carolina Zoo policies.
• Must be able to work safely at heights using ladders and elevated work platforms and safely tow trailers and operate four‑wheel‑drive vehicles over unimproved terrain.

Minimum Education and Experience

Example: “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.”
Associate’s degree in horticultural or related degree from an appropriately accredited institution AND up to three years of experience in the development and implementation of landscape plans and grounds maintenance; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Location

4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.