Campus Arborist / Horticulturist Manager of Grounds

The National Western Center (NWC) is a reimagined 250-acre campus in Denver, Colorado with a vision to be the global destination for food and agricultural discovery. It is the new home of the National Western Stock Show and Colorado State University’s Spur campus. But the future National Western Center isn’t just new buildings. It’s a destination unto itself. It’s a mission-oriented place that will be lively and active all year round — with new events and experiences around every corner.

The opportunity:

The NWC is in search of a Campus Arborist/Horticulturist Manager of Grounds that can be ready on day one to be able to jump in on multiple fronts. Campus Arborist/Horticulturist Manager of Grounds at the National Western Center is responsible for the care, maintenance, and preservation of the trees and woody plants across the campus grounds. This role involves assessing the health of trees, pruning, planting, and ensuring proper care and risk management of all tree species on-site. Under the supervision of the Facility and Support Service Manager the Campus Arborist and Horticulturist Manager of Grounds will collaborate with the grounds team and other departments to enhance the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of the National Western Center’s landscape.

This is a multifaceted job with a broad spectrum of opportunities for professional development. You’ll join a small, nimble, collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial team as we accelerate growth of a new events hub and innovation campus in Denver, Colorado. Help us make the reimagined National Western Center campus among the most desirable event spaces in the Denver market!

 What you will do:

 Key Responsibilities

• Tree Maintenance: Perform routine inspections, pruning, and maintenance of trees to promote health, safety, and longevity.
• Tree Planting: Lead the planting of new trees and shrubs, ensuring proper species selection and planting techniques.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct regular tree risk assessments to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions to mitigate safety risks.
• Health Monitoring: Diagnose tree diseases, pests, and other issues, and apply treatments or recommend solutions to improve tree health.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of tree care activities, including planting, pruning, health assessments, and pest treatments.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Campus partners and Campus Facility Manager and develop and maintain a sustainable and diverse tree canopy throughout the center.
• Compliance: Ensure all tree care activities comply with local regulations, industry standards, and safety protocols.
• Sustainability: Assist in implementing sustainability practices related to tree care, including water conservation, soil health, and the use of eco-friendly pest management.
• Education & Outreach: Educate the public and staff about tree care, the value of trees, and environmental stewardship.
• Emergency Response: Respond to storm damage or other emergencies that may affect trees or tree structures on the property.
• Oversight and management: Work with contractors and staff to ensure work is completed in a timely and effective manner.
• Community and governmental engagement: Ensure active engagement with city agencies and community groups, addressing issues like graffiti and trash outside property boundaries.

 What will you bring along:

•  Education: Bachelor’s degree in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Certifications:
• ISA Certified Arborist (required or in process)
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (preferred)
• Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in arboriculture or a related field, with a strong focus on tree care and maintenance.
• Proven ability to perform pruning, tree planting, and tree health assessments.
• Experience with operating equipment such as chainsaws, and stump grinders is a plus.
• Experience in snow removal, including the use of additional equipment for effective snow breakdown and clearing.
• Knowledge & Skills:
• Strong understanding of tree biology, pest management, and disease control.
• Familiarity with local tree species and growing conditions in the Denver area.
• Ability to assess and mitigate tree-related risks in a variety of environments.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Physical stamina and strength to perform tasks in varying weather conditions and outdoor environments.
• Bilingual preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform strenuous physical work outdoors.
• Comfort with heights and working in elevated positions, including using ladders.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and wind.

This job may be a great fit if:

• You embrace the startup nature of the organization, and no job is below you.
• You are detail and results oriented.
• You are an entrepreneurial self-starter.
• You are a skilled problem solver who takes the initiative and can communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• You act with respect, competency, and integrity.
• You work well as a part of a team.
• You excel at functioning in high pressure situations while maintaining a calm, professional manner.
• You are a collaborator by nature and seek to find ways to compromise.
• You demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• You have great time management and prioritization skills.
• You are results oriented and exercise sound judgment in your work.
• You have a track record of being dependable.
• You are excited about the opportunity to grow with the organization.
• You are all-in on the mission of the National Western Center.

 What we can offer you:

Work location and hours:

This position can be performed through a mix of on-site and remote work in Denver, Colorado.

 Compensation range:

The starting salary is $75,000 - $80,000

 We offer family-friendly benefits and flexible work hours to our employees.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401k plan with a 4.00% company match
• Support for community involvement

 Get to know us:

National Western Center is a reimagined 250-acre campus with new indoor and outdoor event venues, and more on the way! The brand-new Stockyards Event Center is a multipurpose space with two arenas, ample parking and views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. An outdoor plaza connects it to 20 acres of hardscaped yards for outdoor concerts, festivals, large equipment trade shows, sporting events, drive-in movies and more.  The center is just two miles from downtown Denver and adjacent to the RiNo Art District, with easy access from Denver International Airport via I-70. Home to CSU Spur and the National Western Stock Show, the National Western Center is an emerging urban hub for food and agriculture discovery. 

In 2018, the campus partners created the National Western Center Authority, a nonprofit organization responsible for operating, maintaining, programming, and promoting the National Western Center. The Authority is the primary entity responsible for ensuring the National Western Center achieves its mission. It is also responsible for developing a community investment fund benefiting the residents of the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods in which the campus is located. The Authority’s work is well underway in preparation for buildings being completed and the larger campus opening to the public. The Authority is guided by a 13-member board of directors. The Authority is doing business as (DBA) the National Western Center.  

Our mission is to convene the world at the National Western Center to lead, inspire, create, educate, and entertain in the pursuit of global food solutions. Join us!

We are dedicated to building a diverse community, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.