Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) 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.
DZCA 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, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Horticulture Coordinator advances DZCA's mission and goals by developing, coordinating, and providing routine upkeep of the plant community as part of the living campus according to the highest horticultural standards. The areas include animal exhibits and guest areas. This includes managing staff tasks, 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
Horticulture Leadership
- Provide leadership to the horticulture specialists in the implementation of the plant programming across the entire campus.
- Daily task management and work alongside the Horticulture Specialists.
- Collaboratively design, coordinate, and implement all plant displays in your area of responsibility in alignment with overall goals for the planted campus.
- Provide oversight and execute the Integrated Pest Management Program in coordination with Assistant Curator.
- Work closely with Assistant Curator and Volunteer Programs staff to maintain a smooth and efficiently run volunteer program for the department. Identify volunteer needs and provide training and instruction for assignments.
Collaboration
- In collaboration with the Curator and Assistant Curator, design planted areas across the campus in alignment with institutional strategy and mission.
- Coordinate, monitor and implement the maintenance programs of the Zoo’s landscape and exhibits according to the highest horticultural standards, including soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilization, and IPM.
- Work closely with Assistant Curator, Curator, and animal care teams and animal health teams to design, implement and maintain the plant community within animal exhibits.
- Monitor irrigation systems in specified area(s), performs minor repairs, and coordinates with and the Irrigation team of repairs needed beyond scope of skill level.
- Collaborate with the arboriculture team and Assistant Curator and Curator to maintain the tree and shrub collection(s) within area of responsibility.
- Participate in snow removal operations and is available to work needed weekends and holidays in an on-call status for snow removal.
- Take part in the Horticulture department’s role in the Zoo’s browse program.
Administration
- Work closely with the Assistant Curator and Production Coordinator on the documentation of the Zoo’s botanic collection.
Other Duties/Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as designated by the Assistant Curator to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
- Acts as a good steward of DZCA's resources.
- The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
- 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
- Completion or in pursuit of 4-year degree in horticulture or related field. A Minimum of 5 years work experience in horticulture will be considered in lieu of not possessing a B.S. degree.
- Requires minimum of 3-years’ experience in related field; supervisory experience; experience working in a nonprofit and with horticulture is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
- Strong leadership and experience prioritizing tasks and supervising staff.
- Experience and high level of comfort with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
- Proficiency in both written and oral communication skills; ability to produce and maintain digital records, plans and simple landscape drawings. Ability to read, interpret, and apply organizational policy and procedures and other written guidelines to work functions, and to work independently.
- Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary.
- Requires excellent 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 independently and as part of a team.
- Good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy are preferred.
- Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of people who is comfortable motivating, collaborating and working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
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Obtain Pesticide Applicator license within one year of employment.
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Heavy Equipment Operation basics needed, however, training can be provided.
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Requires current negative TB test, which can be obtained upon employment
- Schedule Availability: Monday – Friday throughout the summer with some weekend work during snow season as required.
- Work Location: On campus
Compensation
Range for this position is $24.20-$29.64 hourly.
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits:
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
- And so much more!
Application Process and Timelines
Application deadline: January 21, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 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.
