Grounds & Live Exhibits Manager

Grounds & Live Exhibits ManagerUS-CA-OaklandJob ID: 2026-1506Type: Regular Full-Time# of Openings: 1Category: FacilitiesOakland Museum of CAOverview  OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) MISSIONWe inspire understanding and empathy with stories and experiences of California’s art, history, and natural environment to build more equitable and connected communities. OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA (OMCA) VISIONWe envision a just and vibrant future where our communities value and honor one another and the world around us.

POSITION SUMMARY The Grounds & Live Exhibits Manager is responsible for the maintenance and care of the California native plant garden and animal exhibits on the museum grounds. The museum grounds include planter beds on each level, lawn,  and the exterior areas of the main campus as well as two off-site facilities. This position will develop management procedures and prioritize work to ensure the plants and animals have healthy environments.

They will also be responsible for the function/operation of systems supporting these habitats. This position is responsible for training staff and ensuring continuous operation and  support of living exhibits.Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe following reflects OMCA’s definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESSupport the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, and institutional relevancy for the futureContribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancementContribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectivesParticipate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagementAll positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESLive Exhibit CareGarden & Grounds CareIs responsible for California native plant garden health and habitat. Monitor and manage maintenance needs for plants including pruning, weeding, and mulching.Seasonally maintain and adjust the irrigation system. Carry out or coordinate repairs and improvements to the irrigation system as needed.Monitor and manage garden turf maintenance.

Collaborate with museum staff to ensure the lawn is healthy and presentable.Monitor and manage weed growth throughout grounds and hardscape at the museum’s main campus and two offsite facilitiesEnsure the proper care and maintenance of all groundskeeping equipment, including lawn mowers, trimmers, and hand tools.Animal CareIs responsible for critical animal life support systems, including two 50,000 gallon outdoor fish ponds, a 1,000 gallon aquarium, and two reptile/invertebrate tanks.

Ensure systems are operating in compliance with facilities procedures. Repair, upgrade, and replace life support systems and components as needed.Maintain and clean animal life support systems (filter, pumps, sterilizers, etc.) to facilitate efficient operationFeed organisms within a carefully scheduled safe window of nutrient applicationMonitor behavioral and external signs of stress or illnessRegularly test water conditions to ensure animal enclosures are within safe parameters.

Monitor and correct water quality parameters (salinity, ph, temperature) in all of the live exhibit systems as neededRespond to animal care health needs with veterinarian consultationCollaborate and cross-train with museum staff and contractors  for maintenance and troubleshooting (facilities department, production staff and engineer contractors)Train staff in basic emergency res