Volunteer Park Conservatory Education Program Supervisor

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.

#One Seattle

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.

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…