Curator of Horticulture

From shaping landscapes, to guiding plant collections, to overseeing the care of trees, gardens, and conservatory spaces, our Curator of Horticulture leads the vision behind every growing space! If your ideal role blends hands-on horticulture with strategic leadership, this is the opportunity for you. Gain the chance to direct and inspire a skilled horticulture team while managing the care, design, and sustainability of the Zoo's 93-acre campus, the diverse exotic plant collection housed in the 5,000-square-foot Hilbert Conservatory, and the 3 acres of beautifully maintained formal gardens.

The ideal candidate is committed to the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. To be successful in this role, a broad knowledge and continued interest in advancements in the Horticultural/Botanical field is essential. This is a 40-hour-per-week position with the possibility of varying shifts. This position is directly responsible for the health and welfare of animal collections housed in the Hilbert Conservatory.

What You'll Do

• Maintains direct responsibility and accountability for the health and welfare of assigned plant and animal collections, collaborating with staff veterinarians and the Vice President of Veterinary Services on animal health matters and attending all veterinary rounds within their areas of responsibility.
• Maintain safety standards, especially regarding safe use of substances used in horticulture, to assure compliance with zoo, state, and federal codes and regulations. Instructs staff in and enforces safety standards in the department.
• Supervises the maintenance of plants within animal exhibits following the program developed with other Curators.
• Supervises the acquisition and renewal of plant permits and licenses and adherence to all appropriate regulations.
• Ensure that all equipment, life support systems, and other facilities are properly used and maintained through staff training, supervision, communication and coordination with the Facilities Department.
• Provides for and supervises a staff training program to develop a thorough understanding and knowledge of plant care techniques.
• Prepare written and oral reports as needed and contribute to zoo publications.
• Demonstrates continued interest in and knowledge of advancements in the Horticultural/Botanical field.
• Assess job requirements related to staff, equipment, and supplies, and monitor work activity to maintain proper staffing.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in horticulture, forestry, or a related field is required.
• Strong supervisory and administrative experience with at least (5) five years' horticulture experience of which (4) four years should be in a supervisory capacity.
• Ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and supportive work environment while navigating challenges professionally and building strong working relationships across departments.
• Knowledge of horticultural and grounds maintenance practices and techniques.
• Must be temperamentally suited to working around animals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural chemicals and toxic plants.
• Broad base of knowledge concerning exotic plant care.
• Must have supervisory ability, be team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.
• A strong understanding of irrigation systems and troubleshooting is preferred.

Why Join Us?

Join a mission-driven team where your horticulture skills will help make a global impact. As a unique institution encompassed as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, the Indianapolis Zoo offers an inspiring environment for innovation, education, and conservation.

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and salary requirements to be considered.

Apply today and help us amplify the voice of conservation.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.