Colorado Nonprofit Association

Assistant Manager of Restoration -Natural Areas

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 Assistant Manager of Restoration -Natural Areas at our Chatfield Farms location! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:

Position Summary

This position manages defined natural areas (wetlands, riparian and grasslands) and all active restoration at Chatfield Farms. This position leads on-site restoration efforts and cooperates with Research Department and third-party contracts for restoration research. This position manages and motivates seasonal employees.

Requirements

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages active restoration on site to include seed purchase, seed collections, seed treatments, site preparation, weed control (including chemical, seeding (hand and mechanical), and post-restoration management including fire management training.
• Maintains licensing for pesticide application and applies pesticides in legal manner at legal rates.
• Cooperates with Horticulture Department to maintain health and branch clearance in gardens, along pathways and in frequently mowed turf areas.  
• Maintains irrigation specific to restored areas.
• Coordinates research on Chatfield Farms’ behalf with on-site research led by Research staff and third-party contractors.
• Maintains all aspects of wetland, riparian areas, grasslands that are not cut for hay, and restored areas on the site to include weed management, annual mowing, burning, reseeding.
• Recruits and supervises seasonals and other workers to accomplish objectives in restoration, and natural areas management.
• Assists with planning and implementing program activities specific to on-site restoration and research.
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, and others.
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor.
• Leads tours of on-site restoration projects and presentation to outside audiences.
• Assists with snow removal. 
• 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.
• All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic botany and environmental science, some experience in restoration of natural habitats.
• Knowledge of plant identification, weed identification, and natural resource management.
• Knowledge of seed collection, seed storage and planting techniques.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• 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.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.  
• 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 restoration ecology, environmental sciences, horticulture, or related areas. 
• Minimum of 6 years of experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Travel:

Up to 10% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly.