Curator of Horticulture

Role summary

Curator of Horticulture is a full-time role at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in Denver, Colorado, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-28. Experience level: 5-10.

Job title

Curator of Horticulture

Company

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

Location

Denver, Colorado, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Employment type

full-time

Category

Software Engineering

Experience level

5-10

Date posted

2026-08-28

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 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 primary representative of the horticulture team. This position is a primary liaison for our partners in the City of Denver Parks and Rec and Forestry department. The position will also facilitate cooperative work with our Wildlife Health 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 & Quali