Greenhouse Supervisor

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

The Greenhouse Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the successful maintenance, production and care of Nashville Zoo’s plant collections in a controlled greenhouse environment. This position contributes to the organization’s mission by maximizing plant health, ensuring proper horticulture stewardship, and maintaining efficient operations, sustainability standards, and safety compliances.

• →Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.
• →Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• →Plan, schedule and oversee daily greenhouse operations.
• →Monitoring and supporting plant collection health and quality.
• →Managing irrigation and fertilization schedules.
• →Controlling pests and diseases.
• →Maintaining environmental systems (temperature/ humidity).
• →Conducting propagations (seed sowing, cuttings).
• →Managing stock/ inventory of greenhouse.
• →Monitor plant cycles, growth stages and production timelines.
• →Ensure proper spacing, pruning, transplanting and harvesting practices.
• →Operate and troubleshoot greenhouse control systems.
• →Coordinate repairs with Facilities staff.
• →Hire, train, supervise and evaluate greenhouse staff.
• →Ensure proper use of tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• →Foster a safe, efficient and educational work environment.

• →Must be able to learn and remember tasks and processes, maintain focus and complete tasks independently.
• →Responsible for making timely decisions in the context of a workflow and be able to professionally communicate with staff and guests.
• →Must have the ability to complete tasks with speed in situations that ensure safety of staff, animals and guests.
• →Required to remain alert and engaged while working. Also required to operate equipment and vehicles in a safe manner.
• →This role involves working both indoors in temperature-controlled settings and outdoors year-round in typical Tennessee weather, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
• →Must be comfortable navigating uneven terrain and working in environments with exposure to dust, allergens, and changing weather conditions.
• →Requires the ability to safely move across slippery surfaces, operate in confined or tight spaces, and handle hazardous or toxic materials following safety protocols.
• →Regular lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds is required.
• →Ability to stand, bend, walk and perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time.

• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, growth requirements, and propagation.
• Hands‑on experience with greenhouse production systems.
• Ability to diagnose plant stress, pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Knowledge of irrigation methods and water quality management.
• Understanding of fertilization programs and nutrient formulations.
• Ability to operate and maintain greenhouse environmental control systems.
• Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to train, supervise, and motivate staff.
• Clear communication of expectations and procedures.
• Time management and scheduling skills.
• Inventory management (plants, supplies, chemicals, tools).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of chemical safety and pesticide regulations.
• Attention to detail in labeling, tracking, and compliance records.
• Ability to operate equipment such as skid-steer loader and telehandler forklift.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field is preferred.
• Training in horticulture, plant science, greenhouse management or agriculture is required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience is required.

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.