About Denver Botanic Gardens: Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs. 

For more information, visit us online at www.botanicgardens.org.

Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Full Time Horticulturist in our Horticulture Department! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:

Position Summary

Under direct supervision, provides support to Horticulture department through applying appropriate horticultural techniques to a wide variety of plant materials throughout the gardens to ensure gardens are of the highest horticulture standards. Addresses issues/problems by applying prescribed rules, policies, or procedures. Provides an enriching experience to garden visitors by disseminating information. 

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Uses appropriate horticultural techniques of the highest standard to install and maintain diverse garden areas as prescribed in established organization guidelines, including routine and special projects as requested.
• Plants and maintains permanent and temporary displays. Maintenance tasks include weeding, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, pruning, and other horticultural tasks. 
• Practices integrated pest management when dealing with plant disease and insect problems.
• Participates in education programs and conducts tours when required including but not limited to evenings and weekends. 
• Contributes articles to internal and external publications. 
• Serves as a horticultural resource to management, co-workers, volunteers, members, and visitors. 
• Maintains labels and records and ensures inventories are correct. 
• Creates and defines tasks and processes for volunteers, interns, and seasonal gardeners.
• Coordinates garden expenditure and purchasing with supervisor.
• Participates in special events as needed including but not limited to Plant Sale, Fete, Concert Series, and Blossoms of Light. Duties may include assisting in set-up, teardown, planning, cleanup, etc.
• Actively participates in professional societies and other organizations to disseminate and share ideas and keep current on horticultural happenings. 
• Works with all departments to assure the highest quality experience for all Denver Botanic Gardens visitors.
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, and others.
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.
• Uses appropriate safety procedures. 
• Performs snow removal in the winter.
• Regular attendance at the worksite is required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.

Requirements

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced understanding of correct horticultural practices and experience in all aspects of routine garden maintenance, including but not limited to: planting, weed identification and control, cultural requirements of herbaceous and woody plants as well as solid plant identification knowledge. 
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems as well as horticultural equipment, tools, and machinery. 
• Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
• Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.  
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.
• Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
• Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
• Must be committed to working safely at all times.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelors degree in horticulture botany or related field form a four-year college or university and/or combination of education and equivalent experience is required. 
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in horticulture is required.
• Experience with hardscape features desired. 
• Experience with Xeric and naturalistic garden design methods desired, including knowledge of Colorado and Western ecosystems and native plants including cacti, grasses, forbs, trees and shrubs.
• Ability to obtain Colorado Pesticide Applicators License.
• Position requires a valid CO driver’s license

Denver Botanic Gardens has an incredible benefits package for eligible employees!

Our major benefits include a choice of Medical Plans, a Dental and Vision Plan and Life Insurance Plan. We have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA).

The Gardens offers a generous Retirement Savings Plan with Company contribution of 6% after one year of service for eligible participants.

The Gardens also offers paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and access to personal lines of insurance. Additional benefits include short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and an RTD ECO pass.

For eligible employees, The Gardens employment also includes a complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens Membership, access to Gardens education classes and summer concert tickets.  

Come work for a place that offers you SO much more than just a paycheck!