Landscape Supervisor

Job Description

The Landscape Supervisor is a key role in the horticulture department and is responsible for executing all landscape projects pertaining to ongoing grounds maintenance, upkeep, and upgrades. This includes turf management, fall leaf clean up, snow removal, vegetation management for exhibits, distribution of landscape materials such as soil and mulch, tree care, and storm water management. Leading a crew of landscapers, the Landscape Supervisor works very closely with both the Horticulture Supervisor and Curator of Horticulture to coordinate tasks and logistics in a timely manner while achieving overarching departmental and organizational goals. The position also participates in exhibit and garden design and works with other departments such as animal care and facilities to meet zoo operations.

The following themes highlight critical skills and are keys to success in this role:

Communication: must be comfortable operating the work order system and 2-way radios while exhibiting excellent customer service and team player traits.

Operating machinery: comfortable maintaining and operating a variety of gas and battery powered landscaping equipment.

Project management: proven track record of planning and executing landscape projects in a timely and professional manner.

Safety: Familiarity and ability to teach and convey prevailing safety best practices and regulations, especially with concern to machinery.

Education: must be comfortable with leading and instructing a diverse landscape team through skill building and continuous improvement and education.

About Us

Zoo New England’s mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.

Zoo New England (ZNE)
Commonwealth Zoological Corporation D/B/A Zoo New England (“Zoo New England”) manages and operates Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Zoo New England programming is made possible through earned revenues and state, private, and corporate funding.

Zoo New England is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park, long considered the “crown jewel” of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace Park System. The Zoo was founded in 1912 and was managed by the City of Boston until 1958, when the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), a state agency, assumed management. The MDC managed the Zoos until 1991, when Governor William Weld signed legislation to create the private Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (CZC). In July of 1997 the CZC changed its name to Zoo New England to reflect the regional appeal of the Zoo.

Stone Zoo, formerly known as the Middlesex Fells Zoo, is located on a 26-acre site near the sparkling Spot Pond reservoir in Stoneham, MA. Charles Price, Superintendent of the Metropolitan District Commission’s Middlesex Fells Reservation, founded the Zoo in 1905, and in 1969, the site was renamed in honor of Walter D. Stone, a former Zoo Director.

In 1991, the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (CZC) was created to maintain care, custody, and control of both Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo.

Duties & Responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities

Operates machinery including mowers, hedgers, weed wackers, chainsaws, snow throwers, roto-tillers, skid-steer loaders, tractors, backhoe loaders and sod cutters
Participates in, and supervises under the direction of the Curator of Horticulture, the installation and maintenance of the landscapes at the Franklin Park Zoo and the W.D. Stone Memorial Zoo.
Participates in, and supervises under the direction of the Curator of Horticulture, all aspects of landscape construction and exhibit construction as pertains to the landscape.
Plants trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, bulbs, seed and sod as directed.
Prepares planting areas, installs walls, fences, pathways, irrigation systems, and water features as directed.
Waters trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers, utilizing irrigation systems, sprinklers, hoses or by hand.
Performs all aspects of plant maintenance including; weeding, dead-heading, pruning, fertilizing, transplanting, dividing, propagation, mulching and winterizing.
Performs all aspects of grounds maintenance including; raking, sweeping, blowing, snow removal, sanding and salting, mowing, edging and grading.
Leads landscaping crew on daily tasks and assignments.
Monitors zoo grounds to make sure they are safe, clean, attractive, and comfortable for zoo guests and staff.
Purchases parts and materials as directed.
Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about the zoo and acts as a good will ambassador for the zoo.
Operates two-way radio responsibly and professionally.
Attends training and education programs and seminars.
Responsible for administering training programs for staff related to equipment operation and safety.
Works outside in all weather.
Performs related or non-related work as assigned to assure the proper operation of the zoo.
Collaborates with Curator of Horticulture to prioritize tasks in the work order management system.

Education and Experience

Must have a valid drivers license and a Mass. 2A-1C Hoisting License, or ability to obtain within six months.
Three to five years professional experience in landscaping or horticulture.
Ability to provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work under adverse conditions including weather and heights.
Ability to operate machinery, including skid steer loaders and backhoe loaders.
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Must have a negative result on a TB test.
Must have at least two years supervisory experience or equivalent experience leading groups.
Strong knowledge of landscaping and horticultural principles and practices.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Must have a good work history.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
Ability to use Microsoft Office products including Outlook email.
Ability to navigate and operate a work order management system software program.

Additional Information

This is an excellent opportunity to join the horticulture department at ZNE as we seek to elevate and beautify the landscape through programs, projects, and initiatives. Major projects in 2024 include: landscaping for our new African Experience exhibit; continuing phase II of our Aurthur Schurcliff historic rock garden restoration; landscaping a new butterfly exhibit at Stone Zoo; an orchid show display in February; planting 300+ trees to restore our canopy; and a variety of landscape improvement projects.

Thinking of applying? Email Josh at Jmeyer@zoonewengland.org

Application Instructions

Please apply on the ZNE website via the following link:
https://zoonewengland.bamboohr.com/careers/237