Director of Operations

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 anicgardens.org.

Along With The Mission Of Bringing Plants To People, Our Core Values Are a Fundamental Driver Of The Gardens Culture. They Are:

We are devoted to an institutional, environmental and human sustainability.

We champion inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility for all we encounter, and also support programmatic, ecological and plant diversity.

We make connections with all people using a lens of inclusion, equity and responsiveness.

We believe ever-evolving public gardens change the world and lead to positive transformation of human spirit and knowledge.

Denver Botanic Gardens Is Currently Seeking a Full Time Director Of Operations In Our Operations Department! Read Below To See If The Requirements Might Be a Good Fit For You:

Applications will be accepted through October 30, 2026 or until a candidate is found

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of the Gardens’ facilities and operational infrastructure, including capital planning, construction, maintenance, housekeeping, irrigation, safety, security, and sustainability. This position safeguards and enhances the Gardens’ physical assets, drives operational excellence, and establishes consistently high standards for maintenance, efficiency, safety, and design. Through proactive leadership and effective resource management, the Director ensures a safe, clean, visually exceptional, and welcoming environment for visitors and employees.

• Directs the planning, development, management, and oversight of Operations department budgets to ensure effective financial stewardship.
• Provides comprehensive leadership for Operations staffing, including recruitment, training, supervision, performance management, coaching, recognition, corrective action, cross-training, and team development.
• Directs all Operations functions, including HVAC, carpentry, facility and grounds maintenance, housekeeping, security, irrigation, water features, and supporting systems.
• Ensures Gardens’ facilities are operated safely, efficiently, and reliably while delivering an exceptional experience for visitors and employees.
• Establishes priorities for capital repairs and equipment replacement and leads approved projects from planning through completion.
• Provides executive oversight for construction projects, Capital Improvement Projects and Funding (CIP/CIF), and City and County of Denver construction initiatives.
• Develops a relationship with the City and County of Denver to ensure communication channels for CIP, permitting, Hazardous Waste and annual building inspections.
• Reviews and interprets construction documents and ensures projects adhere to approved plans, specifications, and industry standards.
• Leads ISO certification and recertification efforts and ensures compliance with Environmental Management System policies and requirements, as required by the City and County of Denver.
• Develops, implements, and continuously improves…