Senior Manager of Botanical Systems and Operations

About the role

The Senior Manager of Botanical Systems and Operations oversees the strategic and hands-on oversight, performance, and resilience of garden-wide operational systems that directly support horticulture, living collections, public safety, and long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Cook up 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.

Responsibilities

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.

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.
• Maintain accurate and 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.

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

• Ensure optimal growing conditions for plant collections, exhibits, and production areas.
• Cook closely with nursery and curatorial staff to align infrastructure performance with botanical priorities.
• Lead troubleshooting and emergency response for climate or environmental system failures.

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.
• Cook with pesticide permits, applicator training, documentation, and inspections.
• Maintain active knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry standards related to chemical use and safety.

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.

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

Requirements

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

• Guide water conservation efforts and lead infrastructure-based sustainability initiatives for the Gardens.
• Continuously evaluate systems and practices to improve efficiency, resilience, maintainability, and responsible resource use.

Collaborate 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.

• Cook with local and regional agencies and peer institutions regarding water, infrastructure, and resource management.

Troubleshoot unforeseen operational issues and respond effectively to emerging challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, Environmental Engineering or 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.
• Demonstrated expertise overseeing water production and distribution systems, including wells, booster pumps, reservoirs, and irrigation infrastructure.
• Substantial experience managing large-scale irrigation systems, including system design, maintenance, performance monitoring, and emergency response.
• Proven experience overseeing conservatories, nurseries, and greenhouses, including climate and environmental control systems.
• Proven experience supervising five or more employees, including managers and supervisors.
• Experience supporting capital projects and overseeing consultants and subcontractors.
• Demonstrated experience with budget planning, resource management, and project execution.
• Commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration, and professional development.
• Preferred: Documented experience with landscape construction and infrastructure oversight. Knowledge of Southern California horticultural practices, climate considerations, and green industry standards. Fluency in Spanish.