Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs

Lincoln Park Zoo; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to cultural sites

Free on-site parking

Discounted event tickets

LPZooU training and staff events

HSA contribution

Job summary

Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking an in-person Horticulture Specialist to manage plant records, labeling, and inventories, and to oversee health care and IPM planning across zoo gardens.

You will assist in propagating plants, developing collections, and coordinating budget development, grants, and program projects with the Director of Horticulture.

This role requires Associate's degree in horticulture, 3 years' experience, strong English, and willingness to work weekends or events as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in horticulture or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three years of practical experience in applied horticulture; public garden experience preferred.
• Proven knowledge of Midwest landscape plants and plant ID skills.
• Experience supervising staff or interns is preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain plant records and irisBG database, manage labels and inventories.
• Oversee plant health care initiatives and IPM program with Pest Control.
• Assist with plant propagation and development of specialized horticultural collections.
• Support budget development, grants writing, and donor cultivation as requested.
• Collaborate with other departments and external partners on horticulture projects.

Skills

Plant health care

IrisBG database

Plant propagation

Public speaking

IPM planning

Plant identification

Team supervision

Education

Associate’s degree in horticulture

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

irisBG

Excel

Word processing

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

General Summary

The department of Animal Care and Horticulture is an integrated team that cares for the animals and plants that live at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

This in-person position is responsible for the management of plant records and labeling, plant health care and integrated pest management planning, plant propagation, and development of horticultural programming. This position works closely with the Director of Horticulture to develop and execute special horticulture projects and ongoing programmatic components of the horticulture team, assist with development of specialized plant collections, and siting of permanent plant materials. This position also is required, as needed, to assist hands‑on in gardens and oversee horticulture operations projects and contractors, and staff seasonal after‑hours events.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage the plant records, including the plant records database (irisBG), the manufacturing and installation of plant labels, and management of regular plant inventories, accession mapping, plant identification, plant toxicity evaluation list, and data validation.
• Manage plant health care initiatives and plant quarantines under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, including indoor environmental data tracking, coordinating horticulture IPM program with Pest Control, scouting for insect infestations and exploring solutions to improve plant health across zoo gardens.
• Manage plant propagation initiatives including propagule collection, sowing of seed, and asexual propagation.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture in the development of specialized horticultural collections including sourcing and ordering of plant materials, and assisting in siting of permanent collection plants.
• Assists in the development of programmatic components of the horticulture program, managing special projects as assigned including tours, classes, after‑hours events, and phenology programs.
• Assist the Director of Horticulture in programmatic information management, producing and maintaining various documents, files, and reports as requested.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture in grant writing and donor cultivation as requested.
• Collaborate with other departments at the zoo as a representative of the horticulture team.
• Collaborates with external partners and seeks new opportunities for professional partnerships in plant research, conservation, public horticulture, and/or community‑based projects.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture in preparation of annual horticulture budget.
• Represent the zoo in meetings and interactions with current and potential donors, partners, and other stakeholders. May be asked to present at zoo events or professional meetings and conferences.
• Occasionally may be asked to develop and implement training for horticulture team and volunteers.
• Supervise the Public Horticulture Intern and support other horticulture staff, assisting with potential research projects and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Supports horticultural operations in zoo gardens, occasionally overseeing operational projects and horticulture contractors.
• Ensures cleanliness, order, and safety of working environment for oneself and those in and surrounding the work site.
• Occasionally participating in operations horticulture, including: grooming, mulching, planting, pruning, watering, weeding and other horticultural care.

Additional Responsibilities

• May use electric cart and/or hand truck to transport plants and supplies
• May use vehicle for zoo pick‑ups and deliveries
• May be asked to direct volunteers and guests in a zoo emergency
• May be asked to participate in a Zoo Committee
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to communicate and be understood in verbal and written business English, with an emphasis on public speaking
• Advanced skills in computer word processing, spread sheets and database software.
• Knowledge in plant database software (irisBG) or comparable database preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of plant identification and growing requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate gardening techniques and practices to promote plant health.
• Knowledge in integrated pest management planning and implementation.
• Knowledge in plant propagation techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of proper handling and use on a variety of related tools, equipment and machinery
• Ability to train horticulture team members and volunteers in proper program practices and procedures
• Knowledge of interpretation techniques, and ability to create tour guides and lead tours effectively.
• Ability to effect and enforce safe work practices
• Ability to respond calmly and productively in emergency situations be they human or animal
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
• Ability to operate electric cart

Education and Experience Requirements

Associate’s degree in horticulture or related field, Bachelor's degree preferred.

Three years of practical experience in applied horticulture, database management preferred. Must have proven knowledge of common landscape plants of the Midwest and plant ID skills. Experience in a public garden setting preferred. Supervisory experience also preferred.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift on a frequent basis up to 50 lbs. Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach and climb. Ability to safely and effectively utilize the program tools and equipment. Ability to move about on sometimes slippery, muddy surfaces. Ability to work in all weather conditions. Ability to work on uneven terrain. No allergy to plants or animals which may interfere with the ability to work.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed and assigned.
• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned.
• Available to assist with emergency and storm related horticulture events as needed, including potential to be called in on days that are scheduled off or during unscheduled hours.
• Must have valid driver’s license with good driving record.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• General working knowledge of small tools and equipment.
• Compensation: $55,000-$59,000

Our Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.

Lincoln Park Zoo Benefits

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!