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Horticulture Asstistant Manager

Fresnos Chaffee Zoo Corporation • Full-time • Fresno, California • 2w ago

Job Details

Management

Facility - Fresno, CA

Full Time

Not Specified

$24.50 - $29.00 Hourly

Any

Facilities

Job Posting Date(s)

12/08/2025

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Horticulture Manager, this position oversees the daily operations of the Horticulture Department, including the plant collections and grounds management for Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC). The role supports the needs of animal exhibits, display gardens, plant conservation priorities, and the Zoo’s overall landscapes. This position requires close collaboration with Zoo staff, contractors, and the public to advance the Zoo’s mission to inspire guests to care for animals, make connections, build community, and support wildlife conservation.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position $24.50 - $29.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
•   Manage the daily operations of the Horticulture Department in conjunction with the Horticulture Manager.
•   Plan and directly supervise Horticulture staff in the implementation of all ongoing Horticulture projects and initiatives.
•   Manage the department’s tool and equipment inventory and responsible for ongoing maintenance.
•   Create and manage department’s work orders.
•   Assist the Horticulture Manager with coordinating work with animal teams and animal exhibits.
•   Ensures Horticulture staff maintain the aesthetic appeal and safety of public areas, pathways, exhibit surroundings, and behind the scenes areas.
•   Safely operates gardening equipment including but not limited to lawn mower, edger, weed eater, pole saw, hedge trimmer, chainsaw and backpack blower.
•   Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses as directed.
•   Water and apply fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides to lawns, shrubs, flowers and plants.
•   Move and replace soil, gravel, sand and other rock and mineral materials.
•   Remove debris and refuge from landscaping and Zoo grounds as needed.
•   Perform various irrigation and general maintenance tasks as needed to maintain Zoo landscaping and grounds.
•   Install, repair, and maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems.
•   Assist with the general maintenance of facilities, equipment, buildings and grounds.
•   Identify plant needs for care and maintenance.
•   Diagnose and remedy landscape and plant health issues: weed control, pests, disease and water needs.
•   Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the Zoo’s facilities and offsite.
•   Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
·   Customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgement during the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learn from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
·   Reports to meetings and activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully and respectfully prioritizes other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and are accountable for the management of the team.
·   Manages payroll timekeeping for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations for direct reports.
·   Accountable for ensuring all direct reports submit any required training, documents, or other deliverables on time.
·   Willingly engages the team and other Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
·   Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.
·   Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

MISSION
WE INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR ANIMALS, CREATE CONNECTIONS, BUILD COMMUNITY, AND SAVE WILDLIFE.
VISION
A JUST FUTURE THAT BEGINS WITH US AND MAKES POSSIBLE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE THRIVE TOGETHER.

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
•   Associate’s degree in plant sciences, botany, agronomy or related field of study is highly preferred.
•   Minimum three (3) years’ full-time paid experience in landscaping or irrigation including the maintenance and care of trees, lawns, flowers, and shrubs, and the use and care of mechanical equipment and hand tools required.
•   Minimum two (2) years’ full-time paid experience in a leadership or supervisorial capacity overseeing at least five (5) direct reports required.
•   Minimum two (2) years’ paid experience complying with and enforcing safety rules, regulations and precautions in the horticulture and maintenance trades required.
•   Minimum two (2) years’ paid experience in vegetation management practices and plant species identification is preferred.
•   Qualified Applicators License (QAL) preferred.
•   Minimum two (2) years’ paid experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and other business software required.
•   A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
•   This position is required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for the operation of gardening equipment and other machinery; use fingers for fine manipulation of hand tools and plants.
•   This position is required to lift, push, pull or carry up to 100 pounds.
•   This position is required to walk up to eight (8) miles daily.
•   Visual acuity to operate machinery and read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess the thoroughness of the work assigned is required.
•   This position requires detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
•   This position will be required to convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
•   This position functions primarily outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, insects, poor air quality, Zoo environments and external events.
•   This position is required to work with others including Zoo executives and employees.
•   The employee is exposed to hazardous chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), fumes from equipment operation, and dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
•   This position is required to work at heights up to 80’.
•   The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
•   Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel required
•   Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.