Browse Coordinator

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo 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, United, Curious, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Browse Coordinator provides oversight and coordination of the Zoo’s browse program, supporting excellence in care through the use of browse for animal nutrition and enrichment as part of the Nutrition team. This highly collaborative role will liaise with Zoo’s Horticulture team and external parties for browse procurement from varying sources across the Denver metropolitan area and Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. This role will also be responsible for plant identification, inventory organization, and handling and disbursement of browse throughout the Zoo working closely with the Animal Care teams, as well as supporting broader Nutrition Center operations.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1 - Collaboration and Outreach

• Build strong partnerships within the Zoo and with external organizations and individuals for the identification of browse sources across the Denver metropolitan area and Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
• Coordinate harvest of onsite browse with the Zoo’s Horticulture team in a manner appropriate for animal consumption.
• Under the direction of the Nutritionist and Nutrition Center Manager, collaborate with Animal Care managers for the prioritization and disbursement of browse to the Animal Care teams.
• Collaborate with the Nutritionist, Nutrition Manager, Veterinary team, Horticulture team, and Animal Care managers on the safety and appropriateness of different browse species for the animals residing at the Zoo.
• Assist Nutrition team with diet preparation and Nutrition Center operations.

Priority 2 - Browse Procurement and Organization

• Coordinate harvest and transport to the Zoo of offsite browse in a manner appropriate for animal consumption.
• Responsible for maintaining the Nutrition Center’s browse program library, including maintaining updated harvest and inventory records.
• Organize browse inventory and species-appropriate storage, ensuring quality control following Hazard Identification Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.
• Ensure safety and quality control of offsite browse sources, include plant identification and vetting for any history of pesticide use.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by the Nutrition Center Manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• The Browse Coordinator does not directly supervise other staff but will be expected to provide leadership and oversight to teams of other staff, interns, or volunteers that may assist with the browse program.
• Act as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position is highly collaborative and 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

• Completion of a 4-year degree in horticulture, botany, environmental science, biology, nutrition, or related field (preferred), or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. A minimum of 5 years of related work experience will be considered in lieu of not possessing a 4-year degree.
• Experience working in a nonprofit and/or in horticulture, botany, environmental science, nutrition, or a related field highly desirable, or any equivalent combination of professional experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are preferred.
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoo’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• TB test.
• Clear driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday with some weekend or evening availability based on browse availability and procurement.
• Work Location: On campus with frequent travel offsite in the regional vicinity. Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions that may occur in the high plains or alpine environments of Colorado.

Compensation

Range for this position is $22.83 - $27.97 (hourly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

Application Process and Timelines

Application Deadline: April 4th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org