Position Description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation: Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion: Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities. #OneSeattle

About Volunteer Park Conservatory: The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a historic, Victorian-style greenhouse and botanical garden located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood. Inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, the conservatory covers 6,800 sq ft and is divided into five distinct display houses. The central Palm House includes orchid displays, cactus and succulent rooms, ferns, bromeliads, and a seasonal display area.

Today, the conservatory serves as a living botanical museum showcasing subtropical and tropical environments while serving as an educational space and cultural hub, blending horticultural displays with art, science and culture. The Conservatory host tours, classes, exhibits, community events and educational programs.  

The Volunteer Park Conservatory Education Program Supervisor leads public education programming, special events, and living plant collections at the Volunteer Park Conservatory. This supervisory position directs education horticultural staff in delivering interpretive programs, tours, and culturally responsive community events while overseeing the design, care, and presentation of tropical and subtropical plant displays. The role develops work plans, manages budgets, coordinates greenhouse operations, and ensures safe, high-quality visitor experiences. Working closely with division leadership, community partners, and volunteers, the Supervisor advances the Conservatory’s mission as a living botanical museum and vibrant public education space.

Job Responsibilities

The Volunteer Park Conservatory Education Program Supervisor is responsible for providing vision, leadership, and oversight for:

• Public educational programming and community events.
• Design and stewardship of living plant displays.
• Oversight of greenhouse and facility operations.
• Supervision and development of horticultural staff.
• Collaboration with public-private partners and volunteer programs.

This first-line supervisory position plans, prioritizes, and oversees the work of Senior Gardeners and Gardeners assigned to the Conservatory. The role ensures that horticultural displays, public programming, and events meet high standards of plant care, design excellence, safety, and community relevance.

The position reports to the Horticulture and Specialty Garden Manager in the Natural Resources Unit and works collaboratively with the Parks and Environment Division, facility maintenance teams, community partners, and the Friends of the Conservatory.

Examples of duties include:

• Assign daily work, establish priorities, and monitor workflow for staff.
• Inspect plant displays, projects, and contracted work to ensure conformance with horticultural standards, design intent, and safety requirements. 
• Maintain personnel, program, and technical records. Prepare related reports, correspondence, and documentation related to operations and educational programming.
• Coordinate with horticultural societies and community partners to design and schedule specialty displays, exhibits, and events.
• Develop and deliver educational programs or events that engage Seattle’s diverse communities, connecting plant collections with ethnobotany, food traditions, art, music, and cultural heritage.
• Manage budget and expenditures and prepares recommendations and justification for supplies, services, utilities, and equipment.
• Collaborate with the Friends of Conservatory to expand and enhance classes, environmental educational programs, and public events.
• Ensure the facilities of Conservatory and glasshouses are maintained in accordance with preventive maintenance schedules and safety regulations.
• Supervise, mentor, evaluate and support professional development of horticulture staff and temporary employees.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level and responsibility as assigned.

Qualifications Requires three years of experience in the development and presentation of educational or interpretive programs, preferably in a zoo or museum and the ability to supervise the work of others and a baccalaureate degree in Education, Natural Science, or related field (or a combination of education, training and experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities: 

• Three years of experience developing and delivering educational programming with a horticultural, ethnobotanical, or environmental focus.
• Extensive knowledge of tropical and subtropical plants.
• Ability to conduct educational presentations to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of biological sciences and related interpretive program development principles.
• Five years of conservatory or greenhouse horticultural experience, including experience in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practice.
• One-year supervisory experience in a horticultural or environmental educational setting.
• Two years of experience with the functional operation and management of a conservatory or other greenhouses including their electrical facilities and other equipment.
• Two years of experience designing, developing and delivering educational or environmental programs and events.  
• Knowledge of City, State, and Federal rules and regulations governing the safe operation of greenhouses and familiarity with the Volunteer Park Conservatory’s architecture, and historic landmark status.
• Experience working with community-based organizations and diverse cultural groups.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• A valid Washington State Driver's License or evidence of equal mobility.
• A valid First Aid/CPR card, and/or a defensive driving course certificate may be required within six months of employment.

Additional Information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $46.43 to $54.09 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader). A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:

• Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.