Essential Duties

Leadership & Management

• Supervise staff responsible for garden-wide systems and operations, including water production, irrigation, nursery and greenhouse operations, plant health support, and the Rose Hills Conservatory for Botanical Science.

• Collaborate daily with the Garden and Grounds Superintendent to coordinate maintenance, operations, and staffing priorities.

• Coordinate training for curators, managers, technicians, and gardeners in the effective, safe, and sustainable use of systems, resources, and equipment.

• Foster a culture of shared responsibility, continuous improvement, and proactive communication.

Water Production, Distribution & SCADA

• Oversee all aspects of water production and supply, including wells, booster pumps, reservoirs, and distribution systems.

• Provide oversight for SCADA systems, ensuring reliable monitoring, control, system integrity, documentation, and vendor coordination.

• Coordinate routine maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, and major repair projects for water infrastructure.

• Manage water rights and ensure compliance with all water related regulations, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

• Represent the Gardens in water related meetings, conferences, and regional collaborations, interpreting and promoting best practices in water use and efficiency.

Irrigation Systems

• Design,operate, and continuously improve garden-wide irrigation systems to support horticultural performance and sustainability goals.

• Oversee installation, repair, programming, and performance monitoring of irrigation infrastructure and controls.

• Maintainaccurateand accessible mapping of irrigation systems, including main lines, valves, and control zones.

• Respond to and manage irrigation related emergencies, including leaks, pressure failures, and system malfunctions.

Conservatories, Nurseries & Greenhouses

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of plant conservatories, nurseries, and greenhouses, including environmental and climate control systems.

• Ensureoptimalgrowing conditions for plant collections, exhibits, and production areas.

• Coordinate closely with nursery and curatorial staff to align infrastructure performance with botanical priorities.

• Lead troubleshooting and emergencyresponsefor climate or environmental system failures.

Plant Health Support, Pesticides & Compliance

• Provide operational oversight for plant health support systems as they relate to infrastructure, irrigation, climate, and facilities.

• Ensure proper handling, application, storage, training, and recordkeeping related to pesticides and chemicals, in full compliance with state and local regulations.

• Coordinate pesticide permits, applicator training, documentation, and inspections.

• Maintain active knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry standards related to chemical use and safety.

Safety, Equipment & Emergency Response

• Oversee garden-wide safety programs, including training, certifications, and compliance related to equipment, chemicals, and operations.

• Manage policies and procedures for safe operation of garden equipment and systems.

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory reporting (e.g., equipment emissions, storage tanks, and inspections).

• Act as a Botanical lead for emergency response related to infrastructure, water systems, environmental failures, and safety incidents.

Infrastructure, Construction & Technical Systems

• Coordinate and manage light construction and infrastructure projects, including pathways, garden structures, walls, fences, footings, and system installations.

• Ensure infrastructure design and installation align with institutional standards and industry best practices.

• Oversee technical systems including GIS mapping, plant labels, directional signage, irrigation systems, pumps, water features, and garden renewal infrastructure.

• Collaborate with project managers and Facilities on institutional capital and facility projects.

Planning, Budgeting & Sustainability

• Plan and manage operational budgets related to systems, infrastructure, equipment, and garden renewal.

• Guidewaterconservation efforts and lead infrastructure-based sustainability initiatives for the Gardens.

• Continuously evaluate systems and practices to improve efficiency, resilience, maintainability, and responsible resource use.

Collaboration & Representation

• Consult with senior institutional leadership, particularly Operations and Facilities, to align priorities and resources.

• Collaborate with Filming and Special Events staff to ensure programs run smoothly while protecting gardens, systems, and collections.

• Represent the Gardens through informal teaching, interpretation, and responses to inquiries related to operations and garden systems.

• Collaborate with local and regional agencies and peer institutionsregardingwater, infrastructure, and resource management.

Other Functions

• Troubleshoot unforeseen operational issues and respond effectively toemergingchallenges.

• May perform other related duties as assigned

Candidate Requirements and Experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, EnvironmentalEngineeringor a related field (preferred).

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in botanical garden operations, landscape operations, public gardens, campuses, or comparable environments supporting living collections and complex systems.

• Demonstratedexpertiseoverseeing water production and distribution systems, including wells, booster pumps, reservoirs, and irrigation infrastructure.