Full-Time Plant Science Center Supervisor

Lake Metroparks; Kirtland (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

OPERS membership

Employer-paid life insurance

Paid leave (vacation, personal, sick,,

Optional benefits including additional

Mental health support and EAP

Inter-Museum Council membership, andtu

Job summary

Lake Metroparks is seeking a Plant Science Center Supervisor to plan, coordinate, and oversee horticultural operations at Farmpark in Kirtland, Ohio. The role manages greenhouses, gardens, crop production, plant displays, landscape maintenance, and staff, while supporting educational programs and visitor experiences.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in horticulture, experience supervising staff, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; degree preferred.
• 3+ years horticulture experience; greenhouse management, landscape design, or public garden maintenance.
• 1-2 years supervising staff preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; insurable under Park District policy.
• ODA Certified Pesticide Applicator License preferred or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee horticultural operations at Farmpark.
• Supervise part-time and seasonal staff; schedule and train.
• Maintain greenhouses, gardens, crop production, displays, and landscape maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, ODA, EPA, safety and Park District policies.
• Develop and support horticulture programs for public and school audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Horticulture knowledge

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture / related field (preferred)

3+ years horticulture experience; supervisory experience

Job description

Plant Science Center Supervisor, Full-Time Salaried (Exempt)

Salary Range: $47,840.00 annually ($23.00 hourly equivalent) starting rate to $83,200.00 annually ($40.00 hourly equivalent) maximum rate.

Pay Grade: E. Starting salary is based on prior experience and education.

Location: Farmpark, Kirtland

Position Summary

Lake Metroparks is seeking a Plant Science Center Supervisor to plan, coordinate, and oversee horticultural operations at Farmpark under the direction of the Farmpark Administrator. The supervisor manages greenhouses, gardens, crop production, plant displays, and landscape design and maintenance; supervises horticulture staff; and supports educational programs and visitor experiences. The position also coordinates horticultural resources to meet the park’s operational needs and maintain its appearance.

Position Requirements

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or equivalent skills required. Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, natural resources, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of related horticulture experience required, including greenhouse management, fruit and vegetable crop production, landscape design, or public garden maintenance.
• One to two years of experience supervising or leading staff preferred.

Certificates or Licenses

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Park District’s policy.
• Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Certified Pesticide Applicator License in categories 2b and 6d preferred, or ability to obtain the license within a time frame agreed upon by management.

All Park District employees shall complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, sexual harassment prevention, and additional job-specific training.

Other

• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check is required.
• Must be able to work in varying weather conditions and on a variable schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to perform the physical tasks of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must demonstrate leadership, professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.
• Must be able to operate Park District vehicles and equipment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Follows all applicable safety procedures, reports hazards or incidents promptly, and supports a safe environment for participants, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
• Supervises, schedules, trains, and supports assigned part-time and seasonal horticulture staff; establishes clear expectations and promotes accountability, teamwork, and a respectful work environment.
• Coordinates staff training on horticultural operations, program changes, safety practices, equipment use, and regulatory requirements.
• Manages ornamental horticulture, greenhouse operations, fruit and vegetable production, landscape maintenance, and pesticide application in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Designs, installs, and maintains horticultural demonstrations, displays, gardens, landscapes, and interpretive areas throughout Farmpark and, as needed, at off-site locations.
• Maintains public and interpretive horticulture facilities, including hydroponics and propagation greenhouses, display gardens, program gardens, flower beds, and related landscape areas.
• Assists with developing the horticulture budget; monitors expenses, purchases supplies, and uses resources responsibly.
• Researches horticultural practices, plant materials, and program opportunities to keep displays, operations, and educational programs current and relevant.
• Maintains accurate records for planting sites, growing schedules, harvests, pesticide applications, and chemical inventories, including required safety data sheets and other documentation for agricultural and horticultural materials.
• Prepares horticulture-related content, photographs, and information for publications, programs, interpretive materials, and internal communications as assigned.
• Works with Farmpark staff and other departments to plan and support special events, school programs, public programs, and visitor experiences.
• Develops and supports horticulture programs for public and school audiences in coordination with interpretation and education staff.
• Serves as duty officer and provides weekend, evening, holiday, and management coverage as assigned.
• Serves on the Farmpark management team and assists with operations, programs, and special projects as needed.
• Ensures compliance with applicable United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ODA, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), safety, health, and Park District policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises part-time and seasonal horticulture staff.

Qualification Requirements

Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this position satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the role. Reasonable accommodations and workplace supports may be provided to employees with barriers to employment to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills And Equipment Operation

• Proficiency with computers, web-based applications, email, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be able to safely operate park vehicles, trailers, small power tools, and other hand tools as required.

Additional Information

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of horticulture practices, greenhouse operations, plant propagation, crop production, landscape design, and garden maintenance.
• Knowledge of plant identification, plant health, soil and fertility management, and the diagnosis and treatment of plant pests and diseases.
• Knowledge of turf management, arboriculture, nursery operations, native Ohio plants, biodiversity, integrated pest management, and sustainable horticulture practices.
• Knowledge of pesticide application requirements, agricultural chemical handling, safety data sheets, and applicable ODA, EPA, USDA, health, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of working farm operations, including safe practices around live animals, farm equipment, public visitors, staff, volunteers, and program participants.
• Knowledge of scheduling, budgeting, recordkeeping, purchasing, and resource management related to horticulture operations.

Skills

• Leadership, supervision, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and public presentation skills.
• Skill in planning, designing, installing, and maintaining gardens, displays, landscapes, and interpretive horticulture features.
• Skill in safely operating and maintaining horticulture tools, equipment, vehicles, trailers, and related supplies.
• Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, solving problems, and completing projects in a farm setting that serves the public.

Abilities

• Ability to work independently, lead assigned staff, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to interact with visitors, volunteers, staff, vendors, and community partners with professionalism, tact, courtesy, and sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate horticulture concepts in an engaging and accessible manner for school groups, families, visitors, and staff.
• Ability to evaluate problems, collect information, establish facts, and make practical decisions in a changing operational environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and adjust to seasonal demands, weather conditions, program schedules, and operational needs.
• Ability to address conflicts, safety concerns, and service issues professionally and respectfully.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, use personal protective equipment correctly, and report hazards promptly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations and workplace supports may be provided to employees with barriers to employment to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, and handle tools and materials, and to talk, hear, and visually observe work areas, equipment, plants, animals, staff, and visitors. Work includes walking on uneven, wet, slippery, or unpaved surfaces and moving between greenhouses, gardens, barns, public areas, outdoor farm settings, and an office. The employee must be able to use a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment; operate vehicles, trailers, and horticulture equipment as assigned; and carry, lift, move, or position tools, soil, plants, containers, and other materials. The employee must regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds and may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work takes place in indoor and outdoor farm and office settings, including offices, greenhouses, gardens, barns, public program areas, fields, and landscaped areas. The employee may work in heat, cold, rain, humidity, wind, mud, dust, noise, odors, and changing weather conditions. The work includes regular interaction with visitors, school groups, volunteers, staff, vendors, and community partners, as well as exposure to live animals, farm equipment, horticulture tools, vehicles, and agricultural materials. The employee may be required to wear a Park District-provided uniform and must use appropriate personal protective equipment for the task. Work schedules vary by season and may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

This position involves working on a farm near live animals and farm equipment. Potential hazards include animal bites, kicks, scratches, and other contact with live animals; exposure to animal waste, insects, allergens, dust, pollen, and odors; and uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, and changing weather. The employee also works near farm equipment, vehicles, trailers, hand tools, power tools, irrigation systems, greenhouse equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, fuels, and other agricultural or horticultural materials. Safe work practices, appropriate training, prompt hazard reporting, and the use of required personal protective equipment are expected to reduce risk and support a safe environment for employees, volunteers, visitors, and program participants.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

The employee must support the Park District’s mission, respond respectfully to the needs of Lake Metroparks and the people it serves, maintain professional conduct, and follow applicable policies and procedures. The employee must provide courteous service to participants, visitors, volunteers, coworkers, and community partners.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) membership
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid leave, including vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave
• Optional benefits, including additional life insurance, short-term disability coverage, and deferred compensation
• Mental health support and employee assistance programs (EAP)
• Additional benefits, including Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership, agency discounts, and tuition reimbursement