Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division
Zoological Park
Job Classification Title
Zoo Curator (NS)
Position Number
65044218
Grade
NC16
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.
Description of Work
Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire an experienced horticulturist to serve as the Curator of Arbor. The Curator of Arbor at the North Carolina Zoo is responsible for the scientific curation, healthcare, and aesthetic display of the tree and woody plant collections that support animal habitats, visitor experiences, and conservation goals. They plan long-term landscape growth, supervise field staff, and maintain precise records of all tree specimens. Their work supports the horticulture department mission to advance public awareness of the importance of plants and their role in nature and contributes to the goal of creating living pictures of wild places that respectfully represent animal habitats.
Key Responsibilities
• Direct long-term tree management, supervise arbor staff, and maintain curation records for woody plant specimens.
• Develop and execute policies for acquiring, mapping, labeling, and cataloging tree species.
• Monitor tree health conditions, test soils, and direct pruning, fertilization, or pest control treatments across the Zoo’s properties.
• Acts as the Noth Carolina Zoo’s Arboriculture representative for contracts, public relations, and education.
• Preserve the existing Zoo canopy, promote genetic diversity and assist with project tree selection.
• Inspect the Zoo’s trees for potential hazards to people and property.
• Coordinate the team response to reduce the identified tree risk or removal of the specimen.
• Foster a team culture of professional development, continual learning and excellence in tree care.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
Recruitment Range: $57,983 - $72,250
To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.
Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in tree care, urban forestry, or botanical collection management.
3 to 5 years of supervisory experience in arboriculture, horticulture or related industry
Demonstrated thorough working knowledge of tree maintenance practices used in landscape installation and grounds maintenance.
Demonstrated experience with Arbor equipment used for tree maintenance such as chainsaws, lifts, chippers, dump trucks, front-end loader, skid-steers and/or…