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 Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Guest Engagement Specialist connects guests with our mission, and conservation identity through the delivery of onsite public programs, including dynamic, large-group demonstrations and presentations on microphones. The Guest Engagement Specialist will facilitate interpretive and educational onsite programs, act as a model and support for part-time staff and volunteers, and maintain relevant program materials, equipment, and resources.
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
Presentation and Facilitation of Guest Engagement Programs
- Deliver dynamic, large-scale amphitheater demonstrations using a microphone for multigenerational audiences of 200+ guests, including occasional after-hours or evening programs.
- Lead engaging, small-scale demonstrations using a microphone for smaller guest groups.
- Deliver and facilitate both new and existing onsite Guest Engagement Programs, including station-based and play programming.
- Provide conservation-focused interpretation and hands-on learning experiences for zoo guests.
- Facilitate immersive and interactive animal experiences, ensuring guest engagement and safety for both animals and visitors.
- May handle live animals and biofacts (animal specimens). Training will be provided, and animal contact is not guaranteed.
- Professionally represent the organization within the community and onsite.
- Support other zoo teams with program-related assistance as needed.
Modeling for Peer Staff and Volunteers
- Showcase facilitation techniques and best practices in guest interaction, conservation messaging, customer service, and safety practices for peer and interdepartmental staff and volunteers to observe and learn from.
- Adapt curricula/program plans to circumstances, altering when necessary; flexibility to modify facilitation style or method to best meet the needs of participants.
- Lead by example in delivering dynamic presentations and animal experiences for interdepartmental staff.
- Demonstrate and advocate for a positive team culture within the department and with peers across the zoo.
- Participate in and receive regular coaching and feedback
- Provide timely feedback on program logistics and guest feedback.
Program and Resource Maintenance and Improvements
- Maintain Guest Engagement program materials and tools as requested.
- Upkeep and organization of signage relating to demonstrations, talks, and other programs.
- Provide timely feedback on program resources and support program development as requested.
- Aids in support of interdepartmental initiatives, as assigned.
- Review program plans and bilingual program plans, as requested.
Other Duties/Responsibilities
- Participate in and provide support for Guest Engagement and Guest Experience division activities including special events, Free Days, professional development opportunities, programmatic needs, and departmental strategic planning.â¯
- Serve on committees and projects as requested.â¯
- Represent DZCA to the community professionally and positively.â¯
- Comply with all zoo policies and perform other supportive duties as needed.â¯
- Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources.
- This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.
- Other assistance, as designated by the Guest Engagement leadership team, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Experience in public educational programming, large public presentations, and working in a nonprofit are preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills. Exposure to programming for diverse audiences in an informal learning environment such as but not limited to, a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, historical site, and/or botanic garden. Exposure to training and coaching staff and/or volunteers.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Requires public speaking skills, adaptability to different presentation or demonstration conditions; ability to communicate effectively in noisy or crowded situations.
- Requires daily adaptability in schedules and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to deliver high-energy thematic presentations and demonstrations.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are preferred.
- Spanish bilingual skills are a plus, with a pay differential for verified fluency.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Schedule Availability: Availability to work weekends and evenings. Expectation to work a 5-day non-traditional work week (including Saturday or Sunday), time off planned with notice.â¯â¯
- Work Location: On campus.
Compensation
The range for this position is $20.32 - $23.88 (hourly).
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family-Plus DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts plus free parking
- And so much more!
Application Process and Timelines
Application Deadline: April 7th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to 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
