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, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
Conservation Learning Coordinator advances DZCA's mission and goals by coordinating programs that build foundational connections to nature for young children and their caregivers, developing interest and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthening their ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action.
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 Coordination
- Partner with Conservation Learning Manager to coordinate the development and day-to-day implementation of educational programming for children, families, and caregivers, with an emphasis on connecting diverse communities to nature, science learning, and developmentally appropriate conservation for early childhood.
- Coordinate in-community and at zoo nature play programs, preschool partnerships, family engagement, and a new RV-based community outreach initiative through regular facilitation of programs, preparation of materials, supporting training of staff and volunteers, and modeling excellence in engagement and learning methodologies.
- Develop programs using DZCA program design process.
- Ensure programs are implemented in alignment with departmental and organizational goals and priorities and associated grant/donor terms.
- Support leadership in growing relationships with learning centers and organizations that serve diverse populations, especially those traditionally under connected with nature- and conservation-based learning experiences.
Program Communication, Tracking & Reporting
- Communicate clearly with all partners, families, program participants, in collaboration with the logistics coordinator, to ensure that program and partnership expectations and guidelines are being met.
- Communicate with program staff and volunteers to prepare them for their roles in program implementation, including support of program-specific training.
- Support cross-divisional communications re: programs for the purposes of promotion, planning, fundraising and resource coordination.
- Support evaluation, tracking, impact reporting, and storytelling around Conservation Learning programs.
Team Leadership
- Supervise variable part time staff and daily work of the Conservation Learning Specialist within the Child & Family Discovery team.
- Support departmental and team hiring processes, leading when appropriate.
- Contribute to and supports team and departmental goals, vision, and priorities.
- Model and uplift positive team culture through communication and support of activities designed to welcome, include, and recognize all team members.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Cross-supports camp and school programming within the Conservation Learning Department.
- Handling of small ambassador animals in support of programmatic goals, and in adherence to all DZCA training and protocols.
- Frequent driving of outreach vehicles (Class C RV and vans) throughout the Denver-metro area.
- Other assistance, as designated by the Conservation Learning Manager, 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.
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Support Conservation Learning Manager in development and adherence to the annual budget for program area.
- Supervises variable part-time staff and daily work of the Conservation Learning Specialist within the Child & Family Discovery team.
- The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
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This position will interact with staff members across the organization, volunteers, members of external organizations and the public, and will represent DZCA in a professional and positive manner.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Completion or in pursuit of a or high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Requires minimum of 2-years experience in environmental education in a nonprofit zoo, museum, or science institution, focusing on early childhood and elementary education; experience working in a nonprofit and with diverse communities is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Requires demonstrated academic and practical understanding of current best practices in education, with particular focus in nature play, inquiry, development of empathy, conservation optimism, and culturally responsive teaching.
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Requires demonstrated knowledge and dynamic skills in program facilitation, program or logistics coordination, and some exposure to program development and staff supervision. Preference given to candidates who have done so successfully in an informal environmental education setting.
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Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
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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.
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Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
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Ability to communicate and facilitate programs in English and Spanish is preferred.
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: Regular Tuesday-Saturday schedule, with the requirement to work one Sunday a month and flex schedule accordingly; occasional evening support.
- Work Location: On campus and in community locations.
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
- And so much more!
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $24.20 - $29.64 (hourly).
Application Process and Timelines
Application deadline: February 23, 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.
