Browse and Forage Coordinator

Adult Correction; North Carolina; Presencial; USD 39.000 - 59.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a Browse and Forage Coordinator to lead the development, implementation, and daily management of the Browse and Forage Program. This role ensures a safe, sustainable, and nutritionally appropriate supply of browse and forage for the Zoo's animal collection, supporting education, research, and animal welfare.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating production year-round, collaborating with Clinical Nutritionist, Veterinary Services, Horticulture,

Formación

• Preferred qualifications include experience in browse/forage or plant-based production programs.
• Knowledge of browse identification, plant toxicology, sustainable harvesting, forage preservation, and plant production systems.
• Familiarity with animal nutrition principles and the role of browse in health and enrichment.

Responsabilidades

• Lead the Browse and Forage Program, overseeing harvesting, procurement, preservation, storage, quality control and distribution.
• Supervise, train and mentor staff, interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees, ensuring safety and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Clinical Nutritionist, Veterinary Services, Horticulture and Animal Care to support nutrition, enrichment, and sustainability.
• Coordinate year-round browse production by managing gardens, harvesting operations, preservation methods, inventories and vendor relationships.
• Manage program resources including budgets, equipment, vehicles, inventories and vendor relations.
• Develop standard operating procedures and staff training to ensure safe, compliant operations.
• Provide hands-on leadership in daily browse operations and delivery to support the animal nutrition program.

Descripción del empleo

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. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range

$39,244 - $58,962

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a browse, forage, horticulture, agricultural, forestry, or similar plant-based production program.
• Knowledge and experience with browse identification, plant toxicology, sustainable harvesting practices, forage preservation techniques, and plant production systems.
• Familiarity with animal nutrition principles and the role of browse and forage in supporting animal health, welfare, behavioral enrichment, and natural feeding behaviors.

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 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.