Browse and Forage Coordinator

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Zoological Park Job Classification Title Grounds Supervisor II (S) Position Number 65044364 Grade NC08 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 energized and collaborative Browse and Forage Coordinator. The Browse and Forage Coordinator is the subject matter expert and program leader responsible for the development, implementation, and daily management of the North Carolina Zoo's Browse and Forage Program, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and nutritionally appropriate supply of browse and forage for the Zoo's animal collection. The Browse and Forage Coordinator supports the North Carolina Zoo's mission through education, research, professional engagement, and the advancement of innovative browse and forage management practices. Key Responsibilities • Lead the North Carolina Zoo's Browse and Forage Program, overseeing the harvesting, procurement, preservation, storage, quality control, and distribution of browse, hay, and forage to support the health and welfare of the Zoo's animal collection. • Supervise, train, and mentor browse staff, interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees, fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement while ensuring high-quality browse operations. • Work closely with the Clinical Nutritionist, Veterinary Services, Horticulture, and Animal Care staff to develop and maintain a browse program that supports animal nutrition, behavioral enrichment, and long-term sustainability. • Coordinate year-round browse production and availability by managing browse gardens, harvesting operations, preservation methods, approved plant inventories, and relationships with commercial vendors and community partners. • Manage browse program resources, including budgets, equipment, vehicles, inventories, and vendor relationships, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and program effectiveness. • Maintain safe and compliant operations by developing standard operating procedures, providing staff training, and ensuring compliance with Zoo policies and applicable safety and regulatory standards. • Provide hands-on leadership in daily browse operations, assisting with harvesting, preservation, and delivery as needed to ensure reliable support for the Zoo's animal nutrition program. 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:   $39,244 - $58,962   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: • Experience managing a browse, forage, horticulture, agricultural, forestry, or similar plant-based production program. • Knowledge and experience with browse identification, plant toxicology, sustainable harvesting practices, forage preservation techniques, and plant production systems. • Familiarity with animal nutrition principles and the role of browse and forage in supporting animal health, welfare, behavioral enrichment, and natural feeding behaviors. Position/Physical Requirements • Work schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm • Must be able to work weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts. • Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider. • This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events. • Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program. • Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. • Must be able to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, walking long distances over uneven terrain, climbing, bending, reaching, and working outdoors in all weather conditions. • Must be able to safely operate and train others in the use of vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, pole saws, tractors, and other browse harvesting and landscaping equipment. • Must possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to supervise staff, coordinate multiple projects, and maintain accurate records. • Working knowledge of plant identification, browse harvesting, horticulture, forestry, agriculture, or animal nutrition is preferred, with the ability to accurately identify approved browse species and recognize toxic plants. • Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Veterinary Services, Clinical Nutrition, Animal Care, Horticulture, and external partners to support the Browse and Forage Program. • Must be able to conduct browse operations in compliance with AZA accreditation standards, USDA regulations, OSHA requirements, and North Carolina Zoo policies. • Must be able to work safely at heights using ladders and elevated work platforms and safely tow trailers and operate four-wheel-drive vehicles over unimproved terrain.   ***SIGN-ON BONUS BEING OFFERED***  A sign-on bonus of $1000 is being offered for eligible candidates.  See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy   *Payout contingent on funding availability*   This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205 Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Associate's degree in horticultural or related degree from an appropriately accredited institution AND up to three years of experience in the development and implementation of landscape plans and grounds maintenance; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience Division Description The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests.  The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world.  This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship. Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org   Click here to learn about employee perks and benef