Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 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. The Guest Engagement Seasonal Educator advances the mission of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance by delivering Guest Engagement public programming in Animal Experience areas, Conservation-based educational programs, and interpretive talks and presentations. Application deadline: April 7, 2026. Please apply through our careers page, under the about section of our web page. www.denverzoo.org
This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences and various group sizes visiting Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. The Educator role is station-based and 1-1 or 1-small groups of guests in smaller capacity.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Priority 1- 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).
Priority 2- Communication
- Provide excellent communication; communicate in clear language and adjust use of language to participants’ level of understanding.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all other Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance staff members; proactively communicate with department and program leaders about program needs and concerns; regularly check and communicate about varied and changing schedules.
- Represent Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance to the community in a professional and positive manner.
Priority 3- 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 & Responsibilities
Other assistance, as designated by Engagement team leadership, 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.
Availability to work weekends and evenings required.
Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s sustainability policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Budgetary/Fiscal Responsibilities: Acts as a good steward of DZCA’s resources.
Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
Contact with Others: This role will consist of substantial daily public interaction. Staff will work throughout Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance both outdoor and indoor locations. They will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization.
Work Location: On Campus, this position requires extended periods of time outdoors in all-weather types including heat, snow, rain, and wind and will often include moving through various terrain types within a program.
JOB REQUIREMENTS/EXPERIENCE
Education: Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree
Experience: Experience in providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences. Exposure to working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred; outstanding group management skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Bilingual in Spanish/English bonus, a pay differential will be paid for candidates with verified Spanish speaking fluency.
- 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.
- Comfort and confidence in presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
- Affinity for animals and nature.
- Comfortable in nature; experience engaging multigenerational audiences in natural spaces preferred.
- Ability to work by oneself and in a team setting.
- Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn. Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate DZCA’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.
- Ability to pass a background check, pre-employment drug & 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.
Licenses/Certifications: None
Benefits
- This is a seasonal position and as such is not eligible for benefits; however sick time is accrued.
Application Process and Timelines
- Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Position will begin in May 2026.
Compensation
The hourly rate for this position is $19.30 (hourly).
Benefits
- This is a seasonal position and as such is not eligible for benefits; however sick time is accrued.
Application Process and Timelines
- Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. This is a seasonal position that is budgeted for May 2026 through the end of Summer 2026.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
Ability to speak, understand, and communicate in English effectively, in person and in writing. Ability to hear adequately in person and by phone, in personal and group settings, occasionally with a moderate to loud noise level.
Ability to work with, and process information from, a variety of individuals and media (e.g., computers, projected images, printed materials), and sitting and/or standing up to 9 hours per day.
Mobility necessary to access various offices and a wide variety of meeting and zoo settings. Mobility necessary to perform a variety of tasks that involve standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, occasionally climbing stairs or using an elevator, possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials, and the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Ability to reach for, move and/or lift up to 25 pounds and the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Requires working outside in weather conditions that may be inclement and/or exposed to fumes, airborne particles and/or chemicals. This position may have contact with animals and/or exposure to zoonotic diseases.
Application Process & Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by April 7, 2026. 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.
