Browse and Forage Coordinator at State of North Carolina in Randolph County, NC

Job description

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 specifi