Assistant Manager of Horticulture for the City Zoos

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 8/1/2025  Compensation: $68,000 - $75,000 per year

The Assistant Manager will be responsible for supervising seasonal staff and overseeing the daily maintenance of zoo grounds and animal exhibits, in alignment with the standards of the Wildlife Conservation Society. This role requires a professional demeanor, proven experience in staff management, formal education in horticulture, and a strong commitment to ongoing learning through hands-on fieldwork, collaboration, and continuing education.

The ideal candidate will thrive under pressure, demonstrate flexibility by adapting to changing priorities and locations on short notice, and possess strong leadership and organizational skills. Proficiency in plant identification—particularly native and ornamental species—is essential. The ability to work independently and make sound, on-the-spot decisions is required, as is a collaborative mindset to work effectively across departments. Spanish language skills are a plus.

This is a full-time position based at the Central Park Zoo, with responsibilities across multiple sites. In addition to Central Park Zoo, the Assistant Manager will regularly work at the Queens Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo, and occasionally at the New York Aquarium. Flexibility and the ability to travel between sites as needed are essential.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Supervise Seasonal Staff
    Lead and support seasonal employees in daily operations, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
  • Grounds and Exhibit Maintenance
    Maintain zoo grounds and animal exhibits in accordance with Wildlife Conservation Society standards.
  • Plant Health Management
    Monitor and manage plant health by identifying pests, diseases, and cultural stresses. Develop and implement effective solutions to address issues.
  • Tool and Equipment Maintenance
    Operate and maintain tools and power equipment safely. Keep accurate records of equipment maintenance.
  • Horticultural Aesthetics
    Design and maintain visually appealing plant displays in garden beds and planters, upholding high standards of horticultural design.
  • Administrative Management
    Manage administrative duties including staff timesheets, work orders, and procurement of supplies.
  • IPM and Maintenance Plans
    Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and general maintenance plans for grounds and exhibits, as directed by the Manager.
  • Record Keeping
    Accurately track and submit seasonal staff time records to the Manager.
  • Safety Compliance
    Ensure a clean, safe, and organized work environment by strictly adhering to all safety protocols and procedures.
  • Equipment Operation
    Proficiently operate various machinery such as tractors, chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, string trimmers, and hedge trimmers. Occasional vehicle operation, including driving to other zoo locations, may be required.
  • Irrigation System Management
    Maintain, repair, and install irrigation systems as needed to ensure proper plant hydration and system functionality.
  • Crew Management
    Direct labor distribution and assign daily tasks to ensure optimal use of time, resources, and personnel.
  • Project Coordination
    Develop and manage schedules for project execution, coordinating necessary materials, staffing, and equipment.
  • Training and Support
    Provide hands-on training and mentorship in equipment use, pruning techniques, safety procedures, and horticultural best practices.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising and managing horticulture staff.
  • Formal education and/or extensive hands-on experience in horticulture or related fields.
  • Proven ability to identify a wide range of plants, pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
  • Demonstrated success in managing and maintaining grounds, gardens, and horticultural exhibits.
  • Strong eye for horticultural design and the creation of visually compelling plant displays.
  • Proficient in operating and maintaining a variety of outdoor equipment and tools.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills.
  • Strong organizational abilities with a proven track record of managing multiple tasks and projects efficiently.

Additional Information

Applicants must apply online at WCS.org, go under Careers, enter Horticulture.

Contact Information

Wildlife Conservation Society
Contact Name: John McBride
Website: Apply Online