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 to secure a better world for animals through human understanding.
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.
The Conservation Learning Facilitator implements education programs, both at the Zoo and in the community, and engages with Zoo guests. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences (including students in grades preschool through high school, families, and community groups) in both English and Spanish.
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 Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Priority 1- Program Facilitation
- Facilitate, in English and Spanish, nature play opportunities and programs for young children (ages 2-5) and their families – playing alongside children and modeling unstructured play and exploration in outdoor natural spaces.
- Facilitate conservation and science-based learning experiences for elementary and middle school students during school field trips or through community outreach.
- Facilitate children’s day camp programs during select fall, winter and spring breaks from school, with the opportunity to apply for full time seasonal summer camp facilitation.
- Facilitate engagement and learning by implementing pre-written lesson plans, often in collaborative teaching environments with other Conservation Learning staff.
Priority 2- Program Support
- Prepare, set up, break down, maintain, inventory and clean program materials and supplies. Load and unload materials and supplies for community outreach programs.
- Handle biofacts (animal specimens) for program facilitation.
- Occasionally drive DZCA vehicles to support outreach to the community.
- If required for facilitation scope, participate in training in and handling of small invertebrates, reptiles, and other ambassador animals.
Priority 3 - Communication
- Provide excellent communication in English and Spanish; communicate in clear language and adjust use of language to participants’ level of understanding.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all DZCA staff members; proactively communicate with department and program leaders about program needs and concerns; regularly check and communicate about varied and changing schedules.
- Represent DZCA to the community in a professional and positive manner.
Priority 4- Self-Development
- Willingness to gain insight into one’s identity, values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and to enhance one’s competencies where possible.
- Enthusiasm for building skills in program facilitation, proactive engagement strategies, developmentally appropriate teaching, facilitating empathy for wildlife, and conservation-based learning.
Other Duties/Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as designated by the Conservation Learning Coordinators or Managers, 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.
- Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA’s Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
- Act in accordance with DZCA's Core Behaviors: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all interactions with staff, guest, volunteers, and vendors.
- Attend required meetings and training; comply with all zoo policies and perform other supportive duties as needed.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Bilingual in Spanish/English required.
- Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Experience and comfort working with children of various ages and implementing programs or experiences according to written plans; working in a nonprofit, school, or camp setting are preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
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Affinity for animals and nature; Comfortable in nature; experience engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
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Knowledge of informal teaching strategies to connect with children, families, and the community; instructs with enthusiasm and passion to inspire discovery and learning in others.
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Experience working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred, outstanding group management skills.
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Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work by oneself and as part of a team.
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Ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
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Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn.
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Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate DZCA’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.
Position Conditions
Compensation
Hourly rate for this position is $18.29.
A pay differential will be paid for positions requiring Spanish speaking fluency.
Benefits
This is a variable part-time position and as such is not eligible for benefits at this time; however sick time is accrued.
Application Process and Timelines
Application deadline: November 11, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA 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 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
