Job Description

Department
BZ-MAINTENANCE

Position: Supervisor of Horticulture City Zoos and NY Aquarium
Reports to: Manager of Horticulture, City Zoos and NY Aquarium
Position Managed: Seasonal Groundskeepers
Location: Central Park Zoo / Prospect Park Zoo / Queens Zoo / NY Aquarium
Department: City Zoos & NY Aquarium Horticulture
Scope: Multi Site / Based in Central Park Zoo
Position Type: Full Time
Updated: October 2025
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary
To ensure the aesthetic quality, health, and long-term care of the living plant collections across the City Zoos and the New York Aquarium. The Supervisor of Horticulture applies sound horticultural practices to enhance animal exhibits and improve the overall visitor experience throughout the zoo & aquarium grounds.
Principal Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Manager and Assistant Manager of Horticulture, oversee all groundskeeping and landscaping activities necessary to maintain zoo grounds and animal exhibits in accordance with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) standards
• Operate and properly maintain all tools, vehicles, and power equipment, ensuring that seasonal staff are trained and follow proper maintenance procedures.
• Receive and verify horticultural deliveries as scheduled by the Manager.
• Train and guide staff in best horticultural and safety practices to promote consistent, high quality work standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment for all team members and visitors.
• Operate equipment and machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, weed whackers, and hedge trimmers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for communicating with seasonal staff, ensuring clear understanding of work expectations, safety procedures, and project goals.

Qualification Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of horticultural practices, including care of herbaceous, woody, and tropical plants.
• Ability and commitment to perform physical duties efficiently and productively, including outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships across departments and locations.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including some weekends and after-hours shifts, as needed for emergency response or special projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency (verbal and written) preferred.
• Valid NY, NJ, CT Drivers License preferred.

Physical Demands
The physical demands include but are not limited to, work indoor and outdoor in all weather conditions. the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person's membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS's employment policies.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate's individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
#LI-SC1
Opportunity Type
Full-Time
Salary Range
$62,000 - $65,000
Date Posted
03-Nov-2025

Skills Required