Curator of Horticulture

DENVER ZOO; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental coverage

403(b) Retirement Account with match

Generous paid time off

Family DZCA Membership with discounted

Discounts and free parking

Job summary

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is seeking a Curator of Horticulture to guide the living plant collections, lead a team of horticulturists and arborists, and coordinate with city partners to maintain optimal plant health and guest experiences.

The role directs planning, budgeting, design, and research to align with the zoo’s mission and sustainability goals, working behind the scenes and in public exhibits.

Qualifications

• Requires a B.S. in horticulture, landscape design, forestry, environmental science, or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in horticulture at a zoo, arboretum, or similar facility.
• Strong budget management and staff development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement a zoo-wide plant plan engaging guests and sustaining habitats.
• Direct and manage all horticulture programs including arboriculture and plant design/production.
• Oversee budgets, design plant layouts, and coordinate with grounds and animal teams.

Skills

Leadership

Budget planning

Staff development

Communication

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Reading/writing plans

Education

B.S. in horticulture or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

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.

DZCAhonors 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 Curator of Horticulture is an integral member of the Wildlife Care and Ecology leadership team, setting strategic direction and goals for the living plants collections on the DZCA campus, and leading a team of horticulturists and arborists to ensure optimal plant health, sustainability and guest experience.The scope of the role provides goals and oversight of activities both behind the scenes with work in greenhouses and production, as well as in front-of-house with plant collections in beds, planters and animal exhibits, and serves as the primaryrepresentative of the horticulture team. This positionis a primary liaison for our partners in the City of Denver Parks and Rec and Forestry department. The position will alsofacilitatecooperative work with our WildlifeHealth and Conservation team partners, including our Director of Nutrition and Director of Field Conservation.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and implement a zoo wide plan for the plant community that is engaging to our guests, helps provide excellent habitats for our animals, ensures sustainable collections, and meets our strategic direction and mission.
• Develop, direct, and maintain all programs, functions, and activities of a horticulture program, inclusive of the arboriculture, and plant design and production.
• Set and maintain guidelines and standards for plant care and the general appearance of the zoo grounds.
• Appropriately allocate resources in accordance to policies and annual budget.
• Participate in planning all landscape and horticulture-related elements of existing, new, and renovated animal exhibits by providing consultation and input at design development workshops.
• Develop and direct conceptual plans; develops plant lists; lay out and design planting areas.
• Maintain records on all permanent plantings in the zoo’s collection.
• Prepare and manage the annual operation budget and assist in the initiation and prioritization of capital projects related to the plant community.
• Implement innovative solutions and techniques for the plant community.
• Work closely with the grounds team leadership to ensure an effective snow removal response is in place and can be activated as appropriate.
• Work with the animal staff to develop and document an animal nutrition and/or enrichment supplementation program, utilizing plants and plant parts.
• Provide oversight of horticulture partnerships with our Browse Coordinator to ensure production, acquisition, and distribution.
• Plan and implement applied botanical and horticultural research projects as appropriate.
• Plan and implement programs that offer horticulture and grounds maintenance opportunities for Denver Zoo volunteers.
• Set priorities in alignment with Inspire Awe:
  • Safety first, always
  • Care demonstrated through exceptional guest service
  • Connect with each guest utilizing ROADMAP’s guest engagement strategies and program development process
• Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Act in accordance with Denver Zoo’s Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all interactions with staff, guests, volunteers, and vendors.

Leadership:

• Directly supervise the Associate Curator of Horticulture. Indirectly provide supervision for the horticulture coordinators and specialists, as well as interns, volunteers and other staff as assigned.
• Build and maintain a healthy team by:
• Recognizing outstanding performance by area team members and providing timely feedback regarding levels of performance within the team.
• Responding to grievances within or involving assigned area. Initiates and recommends coaching and disciplinary action for employees as necessary.
• Creating and maintaining a positive learning environment for the team. Develops and ensures implementation of on the job training and professional development programs that encourage professional growth of employees.
• Actively participating in the zoo’s Director team, providing collaboration, input and assistance on institutional initiatives and support to other team members.
• Ensure that the team understands and supports the zoo’s mission and strategic priorities. Emphasizes a commitment to Inspiring Awe in our guests and being a good partner with other programs and departments.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by manager, 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 the DZCA's resources.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• B.S. in horticulture, landscape design, forestry, environmental science, or related fields.
• 5 years leadership/managerial experience in a horticulture program at a zoo or aquarium, botanic garden, arboretum, or other public horticulture facility.
• Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License within three months of hiring.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills and ability to lead diverse team in a collaborative approach of the impact the plant community has on our guests within a zoo.
• Demonstrated ability in and working knowledge of management, budget planning, staff development and supervision.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to read audiences and adjust communication as necessary.
• Strong oral presentation skills, public interaction, and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of current horticulture, arboriculture, and irrigation practices with the ability to develop animal exhibit landscapes, plant collections, and attractively landscape grounds that serve to further the zoo’s overall mission and that effectively support short- and long-range zoo goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement horticultural management plans sufficient to insure plant health care goals and objectives are met.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a conservation program relative to efficient water use.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely and cooperatively with others, both within and outside the organization.
• Experience and high level of comfort with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Proficiency in both written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to produce and maintain written records, ability to produce and interpret 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.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• TB Test
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a clean driving record

Compensation

Range for this position is $95,634.00 to $119,542.00 (annually)

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:

• Comprehensivemedical, vision, and dentalcoverage
• 403(b) Retirement Accountwith employer match
• Generouspaid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• AFamily DZCA Membershipwith discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts,plusfree parking
• Andso much more!

Application Process and Timelines

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026.Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.