Senior Manager, Botanical Systems and Operations

About the Role  

Reporting to the Director of the Botanical Gardens, the Senior Manager of Botanical Systems and Operations is responsible for 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. The position serves as the Botanical Gardens’ primary authority for water production and distribution, irrigation, environmental and climate-controlled growing environments, safety and regulatory compliance, and horticultural infrastructure.  

This role leads the planning, operation, and continuous improvement of critical systems including wells, reservoirs, pumps, water features, irrigation networks, conservatories, nurseries, greenhouses, GIS mapping, and technical infrastructure. The Senior Manager ensures systems are reliable, efficient, and compliant, while actively guiding water conservation, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure renewal in alignment with institutional priorities.  

The Senior Manager works closely with landscape and horticultural managers, curators, Operations and Facilities leadership, and external vendors to ensure that systems are efficient, resilient, compliant and aligned with best practices and institutional standards. 

S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible leadership approach. 

Essential Duties  

Leadership & Management 

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.  

Coordinate 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.  

Water Production, Distribution & SCADA  

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.  

Irrigation Systems  

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.  

Conservatories, Nurseries & Greenhouses  

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.  

Coordinate closely with nursery and curatorial staff to align infrastructure performance with botanical priorities.  

Lead troubleshooting and emergency response for climate or environmental system failures.  

Plant Health Support, Pesticides & Compliance  

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.  

Coordinate pesticide permits, applicator training, documentation, and inspections.  

Maintain active knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry standards related to chemical use and safety.  

Safety, Equipment & Emergency Response  

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.  

Infrastructure, Construction & Technical Systems  

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.  

Collaborate with project managers and Facilities on institutional capital and facility projects.  

Planning, Budgeting & Sustainability  

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.  

Collaboration & Representation  

Consult 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.  

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

Other Functions  

Troubleshoot unforeseen operational issues and respond effectively to emerging challenges.  

May perform other related duties as assigned 

Candidate Requirements and Experience  

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

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. 

Working Conditions   

Must have visual acuity and ability to communicate to quickly identify and address safety and security concerns.  

Must be able to access and traverse across a large campus on paved and unpaved roads and work in all weather conditions. 

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.  

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. 

Compensation & Benefits 

We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including: 

Pay Range: $130,000.00- $140,000.00. Commensurate with experience.

Medical, Dental, Vision  

403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match 

Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays 

Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants 

Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions 

Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds