Horticulture Specialist

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

TheHorticulture Specialist advances Denver Zoo's mission and goals by providing horticultural care for the plant community as part of the living campus; the areas include animal exhibits and guest areas. This includes monitoring, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, watering, collaborative design, and record keeping necessary to optimize the health and vigor of the living landscape.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1 - Zoo Horticulture

• Monitor and implement the horticultural care of the zoo's landscapes, exhibits, and specialty collections to the highest standard.


• Help create a great guest experience through the plant community and interactions with guests.


• Contribute to the zoo's plant database


• Execute Integrated Pest Management Program


• Monitor irrigation systems, perform minor repairs, and coordinate with the Irrigation team on repairs needed beyond scope of skill level.

Priority 2 - Collaboration

• Collaboratively design and implement all plant displays in responsible area.


• Work closely with animal care and animal health teams to implement planting programs within animal exhibits.


• Collaborate with the Arboriculture team to maintain the tree and shrub collection(s).


• Work with horticulture volunteers to contribute to a meaningful volunteer experience.


• Work with horticulture interns to develop their skills and provide learning opportunities to put their skills into practical application.


• Participate in snow removal operations and is available to work needed weekends and holidays as an on-call status for snow removal.


• Participate in support for Denver Zoo Events including Zoo Lights.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Horticulture leadership, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.


• Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo's resources.


• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.


• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• B.S. horticulture or related fields. 1-year professional experience in horticulture.


• 3 years' work experience in horticulture will be considered in lieu of a B.S. Degree., or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Experience with Iris BG or other collections management databases a plus. Experience with public horticulture at a zoo, museum, or botanical garden a plus


• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are preferred.


• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.


• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoo's philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.

Compensation

Range for this position is $22.83-$27.97 hourly.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.


• Clear driving record


• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.


• Heavy Equipment Operation basics needed, however, training can be provided.


• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday, some weekends and evenings as needed.


• Work Location: On campus

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: June 5th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org

Salary : $23 - $28