Grounds & Live Exhibits Manager

Overview OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) MISSION We inspire understanding and empathy with stories and experiences of California’s art, history, and natural environment to build more equitable and connected communities. OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) VISION We envision a just and vibrant future where our communities value and honor one another and the world around us. POSITION SUMMARY  The Grounds & Live Exhibits Manager is responsible for the maintenance and care of the California native plant garden and animal exhibits on the museum grounds. The museum grounds include planter beds on each level, lawn,  and the exterior areas of the main campus as well as two off-site facilities. This position will develop management procedures and prioritize work to ensure the plants and animals have healthy environments. They will also be responsible for the function/operation of systems supporting these habitats. This position is responsible for training staff and ensuring continuous operation and  support of living exhibits. Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following reflects OMCA’s definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.  INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Support the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, and institutional relevancy for the future Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Live Exhibit Care Garden & Grounds Care Is responsible for California native plant garden health and habitat. Monitor and manage maintenance needs for plants including pruning, weeding, and mulching. Seasonally maintain and adjust the irrigation system. Carry out or coordinate repairs and improvements to the irrigation system as needed. Monitor and manage garden turf maintenance. Collaborate with museum staff to ensure the lawn is healthy and presentable. Monitor and manage weed growth throughout grounds and hardscape at the museum’s main campus and two offsite facilities Ensure the proper care and maintenance of all groundskeeping equipment, including lawn mowers, trimmers, and hand tools. Animal Care Is responsible for critical animal life support systems, including two 50,000 gallon outdoor fish ponds, a 1,000 gallon aquarium, and two reptile/invertebrate tanks.  Ensure systems are operating in compliance with facilities procedures. Repair, upgrade, and replace life support systems and components as needed. Maintain and clean animal life support systems (filter, pumps, sterilizers, etc.) to facilitate efficient operation Feed organisms within a carefully scheduled safe window of nutrient application Monitor behavioral and external signs of stress or illness Regularly test water conditions to ensure animal enclosures are within safe parameters. Monitor and correct water quality parameters (salinity, ph, temperature) in all of the live exhibit systems as needed Respond to animal care health needs with veterinarian consultation Collaborate and cross-train with museum staff and contractors  for maintenance and troubleshooting (facilities department, production staff and engineer contractors) Train staff in basic emergency response for live exhibits.  Be on call 24/7 for any emergencies requiring specific expertise or training. Administration Inspect and assess the condition of the grounds, including lawn, garden, irrigation systems, and other outdoor features, and develop plans for improvement. Supervise and coordinate the work of the Gardener, including training, and providing performance feedback. Coordinate contractor work as needed. Source, budget, purchase and organize animal care and plant care supply inventory to meet the responsibilities listed above Ensure healthy rotation of live animals and plants.  Procure additional animals and plants in compliance with local laws and goals for the organization. Keep current records of chemical inventory in accordance with industry standard work safety practices and regulatory requirements. Maintain necessary documentation,  permits, and records for collection and display of protected plants and animals. Manage the budget for maintenance and care of the animal enclosures, native plant garden, and grounds  including forecasting expenses, sourcing materials, and evaluating cost-saving opportunities. Develop and update animal care and garden operation and maintenance guides Develop and manage garden waste removal compost system Research, develop and implement live exhibit enclosures, habitats and life support systems with design staff, onsite engineers, and natural science curator  Manage and execute animal enclosure, garden, and grounds projects Educate museum guests and staff regarding appropriate conduct around live exhibits.  Advocate for safer and user friendly messaging and materials to benefit both live plants and animals and the visitor. Develop relationships with vendors, academic consultants and government agencies to ensure animal enclosures and California native plants  are healthy, accurate and engaging. Collaborate with the museum volunteer team to implement garden volunteer sessions with OMCA volunteers and external groups. Maintain a hi