Position Title: Horticulture Manager
Department: Horticulture
Reports To: Director of Horticulture
Location: Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium and Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Position Type: Full Time
Who We Are
Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park
At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do
Day to Day Responsibilities
· Responsible for day-to-day operations of Woldenberg Riverfront Park including all landscaping, maintenance, and cleanliness.
· Manage in house planting and maintenance projects as well as daily upkeep of the assigned areas.
· Oversee irrigation, tree work, shrubs, pruning, pest management and all other horticultural elements of Woldenberg Riverfront Park and in-house plantings.
· Schedule, recruit and train employees.
· Inspect all equipment for safe and dependable operation, perform and schedule repairs as needed.
· Plan department’s work on a weekly basis, including schedule review, project management and events.
· With the assistance of the Director of Horticulture, develop and coordinate department’s annual goals.
· Conduct monthly one on ones with all direct reports and monthly departmental meetings.
· Work with the husbandry staff and its leadership to ensure exhibit plantings are safe for the animals in the exhibit and add to the aesthetic of the exhibit.
· Serve as not only as a departmental representative but as a manager on duty for occasional, rotating weekends.
Additional/Overall Skills:
· Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
· Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
· Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
· Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
· The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Must Haves:
· Enthusiast, positive self-starter with a passion for public gardens and horticulture displays with a minimum of 3 years of horticulture operation experience.
· Ability to get one of the Louisiana Horticultural licenses within one year.
· Louisiana Driver’s License or ability to get one
· Must have extensive experience in grounds maintenance and upkeep, plant propagation, irrigation system maintenance and repair.
· A strong working knowledge tools and chemical usage, with the ability to translate this knowledge into workable project lists and timelines for the development and upkeep of overall standards of the facilities and park.
Nice-to-Haves:
· Horticultural or related bachelor's degree OR relevant experience.
· Managerial experience with a staff of 5-10 people.
· Experience operating heavy machinery.
· Experience managing projects and contractors.
· Understanding of basic guest services principles for public gardens.
· Basic knowledge of computer and software applications such as Microsoft Suite, Outlook, and other basic employee systems.
Physical Requirements:
· Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting.
· Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly.
· Regularly climbing ladders and operating heavy machinery.
· Sustained manual dexterity and coordination.
· Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks.
Environmental Conditions:
· Primarily outdoor environments or industrial settings.
· Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises.
· Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.