Job details

Director, Horticulture – Technical Services (Epic Universe)

Universal Orlando Resort believes in-person collaboration is key to our success. Many of our Team Members work in a hybrid capacity, contributing from the workplace a minimum of three days per week. Some remote opportunities are available within specific departments. There are also roles that require being on-site full time. You’ll learn more about this during the application process.

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the leadership, direction and oversite of all Horticulture operations for Epic Universe and assigned areas. Support and encourage cooperation and partnership within all departments and divisions. Responsible for initiating, prioritizing, and driving strategic plans in daily operations, development, objectives, business system, guidelines, standards, policies, procedures, and new initiatives. Responsible for staff management and performance results by setting clear expectations around SMART goals. Develops, executes, and oversees TSAT action plans, safety plans and training plans for the Horticulture team. Work in partnership with the Medical Surveillance and EHS departments, supporting all safety initiatives and regulations resort wide. Assist with the procurement of specialized third-party vendors. Ensure quality design, construction, and equipment operation while maintaining budgets and strategic scheduling. Identifies, defines, and prioritizes capital and expense budgets in close collaboration with the maintenance and operation teams for the resort and assigned areas.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees the work and activities of the Horticulture, animal control, pest control, irrigation and system maintenance group(s). Establishes the department’s overall objectives and priorities in order to meet the highest standards for safety, compliance and show quality. Encourages a focus on customer service and establishes a culture of ongoing process improvement throughout the Horticulture group(s).
Employee safety training, TSAT and EHS compliance are always the highest priority. Make sure TMs are working within compliance and are current on proper safety training and meet all safety regulations. Ensures that everyone on the team is safe by taking a proactive approach to handling safety-related issues, using PPE properly, having regular safety discussions with the team, and continuously analyzing all tasks for job safety.
Develops and oversees improvement goals, provides guidance to ensure goals are met, and communicates all goals to the team. Sets the horticulture team’s strategic direction to ensure that their priorities are in line with those of their partners. Assists with the development of policies, procedures, and training programs to improve the overall performance of the team. Responsible for tree, palm, shrub and annual usage for existing landscape rehabs and new projects; assure long term sustainability without compromise of species diversity required to effectively support area themes and brand identity.
Develop and maintain routine budgets for the Horticulture department. Manages spend to stay within assigned budget and provide maximum value. Assists with building capital and expense plans as required. Oversee the horticulture team and provide guidance to ensure that horticulture projects are completed on time and within budget. Research new technologies and techniques to provide innovative solutions that can help improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maintaining and operating all horticulture assets.
Oversee chemical compliance, green methods, IPM and safety standard for chemical best practices, manage daily ride track inspections for potential hazards IE: tree, palm, shrubs, or insect.
Initiates opportunities for special event revenue by maintaining open lines of communication within UOR, providing superior horticulture practices and standards.
Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Technical School or Associate degree in Science, Landscape and Horticulture technology, Landscape/Horticulture Construction, Landscape Design, Plant Identification or Ornamental Horticulture is required.
Bachelor’s degree is preferred in Ornamental Horticulture or Landscape Architecture is preferred.
Master’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or Design is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

10+ Years of horticulture / landscape maintenance experience in resort attraction or similar environment, or equivalent.
5+ years’ experience in management in a Horticulture environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), and FNGLA (Florida Nursery Grower Landscape Association, Pest Control Operator preferred, Master Gardener certificate preferred. Active membership and participation in statewide and/or national trade associations is required. DOT/MOT certification preferred.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.