Arbor Specialist - Forestry

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (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 Arbor Specialist supports our mission by maintaining a vibrant and healthy tree canopy across the zoo’s campus through expert tree care, which includes pruning, spraying, injecting, and felling. This role also involves long-term planning for tree canopy development and requires close collaboration with animal care teams to integrate tree planting programs within exhibits. Additionally, the Arbor Specialist supports the browse program by identifying and harvesting suitable species for animal nutrition. The Arbor Specialist will work with the Arbor Coordinator to implement campus-wide planting strategies, mentor horticulture interns, and provide operational support during snow removal events. This position requires a balance of technical expertise, teamwork, and flexibility in a dynamic environment.

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 Arboriculture

• Assist and implement all tree work on the Zoo campus, including pruning, spraying, injecting, felling, and stump-grinding of trees.
• Help ensure a vibrant and healthy tree canopy on campus through thoughtful planning and maintenance of the current and future tree community.
• Assist with evaluation of tree health to ensure long-term health, succession planning, as well as guest and animal safety.

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

• Work closely with animal care and animal health teams to implement tree-planting programs within animal exhibits.
• Participate in the Zoo’s browse program: feeding animals through identification and harvesting of appropriate species for distribution through the Nutrition Center.
• Collaborate with the Arbor Coordinator to implement comprehensive planting strategies across the entire campus.
• Participate in snow removal operations and are available to work needed weekends and holidays on an on-call basis for snow removal.
• As a part of the Horticulture Team, the Arbor Team is expected to work with Horticulture Coordinators from time to time on tasks such as mulching, planting, weeding, and participating in group projects as needed.
• Work with horticulture interns to develop their skills and provide learning opportunities to put their skills into practical application
• Engage in the development of long-term canopy design and future planning as directed by supervisors.
• 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 the Arbor Coordinator 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 DZCA resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• B.S. in arboriculture, forestry, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least (1) year of paid full-time experience in forestry or arboriculture, with 3 years of relevant experience substituting for a formal degree. Climbing experience is desirable but not required. Additional experience, specialized skills, or lived experience may also substitute for formal education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of arboricult