This position is only available to candidates pursuing a degree from a Community College in Metro Denver or Metro State University
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA)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.
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, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.
Denver Zoo will host this internship in collaboration withDenver Mountain Parks (DMP)and theDenver Mountain Parks Foundation (DMPF). As a part of Denver Parks and Recreation, Denver Mountain Parks contains more than 14,000 acres of parklands outside the City and County of Denver. Denver Mountain Parks strives to make these spaces easily accessible to residents and visitors, while protecting critical wildlife habitat, watersheds, and scenic views. Denver Mountain Parks Foundation partners with Denver Parks and Recreation to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to restore the historical integrity, relevance, quality, and appreciation for Denver’s Mountain Parks System. The DMPF also works to ensure that Denver Mountain Parks persist as a recreational, educational, and open space resource for the citizens of Denver and its visitors.
TheDenver Mountain Parks Foundation Conservation Internwill help both DZCA and Denver Mountain Parks with field research, data organization and analysis, community engagement, collaborative conservation, and science communication. During the academic year—Spring semester (January–May 2026) and Fall semester (September–December 2026)—the intern will work 10 hours per week. These hours will increase to 40 hours per week during DZCA’s summer field season (May–September 2026). The intern will spend the vast majority (80â90%) of their time on DMP projects, focusing on tasks such as: 1) collecting and reviewing plant and bird data to understand grassland restoration efforts at Daniels Park; 2) helping move and collect plant production data from grazing exclosures to understand how many bison Daniels Park and Genesee Park can support; 3) building rock dams for erosion mitigation and helping guide volunteer groups in constructing the dams; and 4) supporting projects at Mt. Blue Sky focused on human–wildlife coexistence and wildlife health. The student will also gain exposure to a broader array of DZCA’s conservation projects across Colorado, including the Colorado Pika Project, Boreal Toad Recovery Project, and Colorado Corridors Project.
Interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and career goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Priority 1 - Participate in field work that entails hiking (occasionally above 10,000 feet) and moving structures at field sites 8-12 hours a day for 1-5 days/week.
- Collect plant community data to evaluate how herbicides mitigate introduced, invasive plants at Daniels Park
- Collect data to determine which plant species survive in active prairie dog colonies
- Participate in bird surveys and data review to understand how birds respond to Gambel oak removal
- Help move and collect plant production data from grazing exclosures to understand how many bison Daniels Park and Genesee Park can support
- Build rock dams for erosion mitigation and help to guide volunteer groups in constructing these dams
- Support projects at Mt. Blue Sky focused on human–wildlife coexistence and wildlife health
- Help maintain the Medicine Wheel Garden at Daniels Park through weeding and watering
- Participate in additional opportunities, including the Colorado Pika Project, Boreal Toad Recovery Project, and Colorado Corridors Project
Priority 2 - Help organize and review data from DZCA conservation projects on Denver Mountain Parks property, in addition to other Colorado-based projects
Priority 3 - Communicate about projects through tabling events, programs in the field, and formal presentations with DZCA visitors and staff, volunteers, Summit Lake visitors, Denver Mountain Parks, and the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation.
Other Duties/Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as assigned to the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation Conservation Intern, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
- Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver Mountain Parks, and Denver Mountain Parks Foundation.
- This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to Denver Mountain Parks, Denver Mountain Parks Foundation, members of other external organizations, and the public.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Education: In pursuit of a college degree from a Community College in Metro Denver or Metro State University required.
- We aim to provide the intern with the skills necessary to work in the field of conservation. Thus, the intern should be interested in pursuing a career in conservation biology, ecology, restoration, or similar field.
- 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 background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Schedule Availability: This is a dynamic position that may require working long hours, evenings, and weekends.
Compensation
Hourly rate: $19.30
Wild Perks
As a seasonal/temporary team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:
- A Family DZCA 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 and Timelines
Resumes, cover letters, and completed applications must be submitted by February 9, 2026. 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
