Horticulture Specialist II

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

403(b) Retirement Account with match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is seeking a Horticulture Specialist II to manage landscaping and living exhibits on-site in Denver, ensuring high standards of plant health and guest experience.

You will collaborate with animal care and arboriculture teams to design plant displays, and assist with irrigation, pest management, and seasonal projects. The role demands teamwork, reliability, and adaptability in a dynamic zoo environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in horticulture or related field, or equivalent experience.
• One year of paid full-time professional experience in forestry or arboriculture.
• Two years of experience may substitute for the degree; zoo/museum horticulture experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and implement horticultural care for the zoo's landscapes and exhibits.
• Collaborate with animal care teams to plant within animal exhibits.
• Collaborate with Arboriculture team to maintain tree and shrub collections.
• Participate in snow removal operations and be available weekends/holidays on-call.
• Support DZCA events and operations, including Zoo Lights.
• Maintain professional relationships with zoo staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Skills

Computer skills

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

A.S. in horticulture

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.

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 Specialist II advances DZCA’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 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

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

Safety and Compliance

• Follow and uphold all department and zoo-wide policies and protocols.
• Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA’s Occupational Health, Safety, and Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Follow all directives set by department leaders.

Collaboration

• Collaboratively design and implement all plant displays in the area of responsibility.
• 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 in an on-call status for snow removal.
• Participate in support for DZCA Events, including Zoo Lights.
• Maintain professional working relationships with zoo team members and contractors.
• Participate in and/or support zoo-wide committees and work groups.

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

• A.S. in horticulture or related fields, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• One (1) year of paid full-time professional experience in forestry or arboriculture.
• Two years of professional experience may be substituted in place of an Associate's degree; experience with public horticulture at a zoo, museum, or botanical garden is a plus, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are preferred.
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-tasking and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Heavy Equipment Operation basics are needed; however, training can be provided.

Schedule Availability

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

Licenses/Certifications

To support our operations, candidates

Work Location

On-site

Compensation

Range for this position is $24.20 to $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: November 15. 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. www.denverzoo.org