Assistant Manager of Restoration -Natural

Assistant Manager of Restoration – Natural Areas

Location: Chatfield Farms – Denver Botanic Gardens

Employment type: Full-time

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

This position manages pesticide application and active restoration work in defined natural areas (wetlands, riparian zones, and grasslands) at Chatfield Farms, and leads on‑site restoration efforts in collaboration with the Research Department.

• Manage active restoration projects, including seed purchase, seed collections, seed treatments, site preparation, weed control, and post‑restoration management such as fire management training.
• Maintain a Commercial Operators License issued by the Colorado Department of Agriculture for pesticide application and apply pesticides in accordance with laws, regulations, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Manage pesticide inventory, document applications, and conduct on‑site pesticide training with the Associate Director of Horticulture.
• Coordinate with the Irrigation Technician to schedule work in the appropriate areas.
• Maintain wetland, riparian, grassland, and restored areas, including weed management, annual mowing, burning, reseeding, and monitoring of invasive species.
• Recruit and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers for restoration and natural areas management.
• Assist with planning and implementing program activities specific to on‑site restoration and research.
• Maintain positive working relationships with managers, co‑workers, and the public.
• Lead tours of on‑site restoration projects and present to external audiences.
• Provide assistance with snow removal as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience and/or training in restoration of natural habitats, or equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge of botany, environmental science, weed identification, seed collection, and seed storage techniques.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS mapping.
• Licensed pesticide applicator (Colorado Certified Operators Licensure) or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Strong communication and customer‑service skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and willingness to work overtime when necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to safety and to the mission of Denver Botanic Gardens.

Up to 10% travel required to remote locations or other Gardens sites.

The Gardens offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Healthcare Spending Account (HSA), a 6% company contribution retirement savings plan after one year, paid holidays, vacation, sick time, disability coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), RTD ECO pass, complimentary Gardens membership, education classes, and summer concert tickets.

For more information about Denver Botanic Gardens, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..