Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) 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 Behaviors of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.â¯
Guest Engagement Educators play a key role in supporting our mission by delivering public programming in Animal Experience areas, conservation-focused educational sessions, and interpretive talks and presentations. This position creates engaging experiences for diverse audiences and groups of all sizes visiting the zoo.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Facilitation
- Facilitate mission-aligned learning through dynamic implementation of pre-written programs; welcome and speak with zoo guests, community members, and diverse audiences, support and interpret conservation-based education programs, and engage and encourage unstructured play and exploration in natural spaces.
- Facilitate pre-written, guest-facing programs in diverse program spaces throughout a full workday. Program areas may include public speaking for large and small groups, educating guests and maintaining safety in animal immersive spaces, and activating innovative conservation-based learning spaces.
- Facilitate pre-written programs activated through biofact carts, activity stations, or free-form play.
- Adapt facilitation techniques to changing circumstances or audiences.
- May handle live animals and biofacts (animal specimens).
Communication
- Provide excellent communication; communicate in clear language and adjust the use of language to participants’ level of understanding.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all staff members; proactively communicate with department and program leaders about program needs and concerns; regularly check and communicate about varied and changing schedules.
Program Support and Area/Resource Maintenance
- Prepare, maintain, inventory, and clean program materials and supplies.
- Provide feedback as part of program development and evaluation efforts.
- Collect and enter program data as needed including program attendance and demographics.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Represent DZCA professionally and positively by exemplifying our institutional core values.
- Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources.
- The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
- This role involves significant daily public interaction, as well as regular communication with managers at all levels and staff members throughout the organization.
Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Ability to create welcoming and inclusive experiences for diverse audiences of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Comfortable managing groups and proactively engaging guests in informal, dynamic settings.
- Able to use informal teaching strategies to inspire learning in children, families, and communities.
- Strong communication skills to engage effectively in busy, high-energy environments.
- Passion for animals, nature, and engaging with children outdoors.
- Organized and adaptable, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Proactive and positive attitude with a willingness to learn.
- Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred, with a pay differential for verified Spanish fluency.
- Experience in customer service and working with multigenerational groups is a plus.
- Comfortable presenting in noisy, crowded spaces and engaging with nature.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Schedule Availability: This position requires Saturday/Sunday workdays and evening availability for night events. Schedules will be provided with 3 weeks or more advance notice.
- Work Location: On campus, this position requires extended periods outdoors in all weather types including heat, snow, rain, and wind, and will often include moving through various terrain types within a program at the zoo.
Compensation
The hourly rate for this position is $19.00.
Wild Perks
As a seasonal team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:
- A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership – Bring your crew and explore!
- Exclusive Discounts – Save on concessions and retail.
- Sick Time Accrual – Because your well-being matters.
- 403(b) Retirement Account – Plan for your future.
Application Process & Timelines
Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 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
