Horticulture Manager

Horticulture Manager

Butterfly Pavilion

Denver Metro

Organization type:
Nonprofit

Type of role:
Full-time

Job Category:
Other

Salary: $58,000 - $60,000

Title:

Horticulture Manager

Location:

Westminster

Position

Reports To:

Senior Director of Horticulture

Direct Reports:
Gardener

About Butterfly Pavilion:

At Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom. As the leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection, Butterfly Pavilion works to foster an appreciation of these critical animals by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation.

Whether it is providing unique, firsthand learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.

Looking forward, we are committed to providing the most enriching experience for our audience, being recognized as a scientific authority, and being a leading educational resource on invertebrates.

Our Core Values are a large part of who we are as an organization:

• Make Science Cool
• Love What You Do
• Go Above and Beyond
• Lead Change
• Know Your Stuff
• Be Positive
• Welcome All

These aren't just words, but words to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

FLSA Status & Classification:
Exempt | Full-Time

Work Schedule:

Onsite | Tuesday-Saturday | 40 hours per week

• Must be willing to work early hours (4 am) to accomplish tasks before opening and one weekend day/week

The Horticulture Manager leads the care, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of Butterfly Pavilion's indoor and outdoor plant collections, displays, and landscapes, including a 7,000 square foot tropical conservatory and over 10 acres of outdoor landscape.

This role is responsible for maintaining plant health and aesthetic excellence across the organization's living collections while ensuring compliance with applicable organizational, local, and federal requirements. The Horticulture Manager oversees horticulture operations, project planning, plant health monitoring, and recordkeeping, while providing day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management for horticulture staff, interns, and volunteers.

This position works cross-functionally with internal teams to support Butterfly Pavilion's mission, guest experience, animal care priorities, and conservation efforts.

• Oversee the care and maintenance of Butterfly Pavilion's diverse plant collections, including tropical plants, annuals, grasses, perennials, bulbs, woody plants, and wetland plantings.
• Lead the installation of plantings on site, maintenance, and seasonal care of on-site plantings, gardens, and nature trails.
• Maintain all foliage and plant stock within Wings of the Tropics and other exhibits to support plant health, visual presentation, and exhibit goals.
• Evaluate and diagnose plant stock health issues and treat them as appropriate.
• Collect and evaluate phenology, pest management and other pertinent health records for Butterfly Pavilion's plant collections.
• Partner with the Curatorial team to support USDA and AZA compliance requirements, animal health priorities, and habitat needs.
• Recommend plant additions and collection enhancements aligned with Butterfly Pavilion's mission, exhibit goals, and operational requirements.
• Contribute horticulture expertise and content for interpretative materials, educational programming, tours, workshops, and classes.
• Develop and maintain the off-site greenhouse propagation program to support exhibit displays, forage and browse needs, and conservation initiatives.

• Support departmental and organizational goal setting through participation in leadership planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, risk considerations, and communication approaches for horticulture initiatives.
• Coordinate horticulture projects and operational needs with internal teams and external partners.
• Communicate operational priorities, updates, and relevant organizational information to direct reports.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of horticulture programs and assets.

• Lead day-to-day horticulture operations, including task prioritization, work assignment, and project execution.
• Supervise, coach, and develop direct reports through clear expectations, regular feedback, performance management, and professional development support.
• Foster a…