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 Conservation Engagement department has an opportunity for a part-time Seasonal Guest Engagement Presenter position to advance the mission of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance by cultivating moments of awe for guests in presenting dynamic presentations and demonstrations as well as creating opportunities for guests to take conservation action for wildlife. Application deadline: April 7, 2026. Please apply through our careers page, under the about section of our web page. www.denverzoo.org
The Seasonal Guest Engagement Presenter cultivates moments of awe for guests, presents large dynamic demonstrations on a microphone, and connects guests with opportunities to take conservation action for wildlife in their everyday lives. This role also serves as a valuable learning opportunity for early‑career professionals interested in presentations combining interpretation for animal care and guest engagement. Seasonal Presenters support high‑energy daily interpretive programs, delivering both large- and small-scale demonstrations, and collaborating with Animal Care partners. They support animal encounter experiences and lead fun, dynamic engagement opportunities for guests of all ages and backgrounds, building foundational skills in live presentation, conservation storytelling, and audience connection. Communication skills are at the forefront of this role, and staff receive meaningful practice and coaching that help strengthen confidence and proficiency in public engagement.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Priority 1- Program Facilitation
- Deliver daily, dynamic, large-scale amphitheater demonstrations on microphone to groups of 200+ guests.
- Deliver dynamic, small-scale demonstrations on microphones to smaller groups of guests.
- Facilitate new and existing onsite programs, demonstrations, animal talks, and engagement initiatives.
- Support conservation-focused interpretation and hands-on learning for onsite zoo guests.
- Represent Denver Zoo to the community in a professional and positive manner.
- Participate in and provide support for department-wide Engagement and Entertainment activities and programs as requested.
- Provide program support for other zoo departments as required.
- Maintain professional relationships with intradepartmental partners in Animal Care.
Priority 2- Program and Resource Maintenance and Improvements
- Maintain and clean materials and tools as requested.
- Provide timely feedback on program resources, supporting program updates as requested.
- Participate in and receive regular coaching and feedback – providing timely feedback on program logistics and guest feedback.
- Review program plans and bilingual program plans, as requested.
Priority 3 – Guest Engagement Data, Safety, and Continuous Improvement
- Collect observational feedback and guest engagement data to support evaluation of program effectiveness and visitor experience.
- Monitor guest flow and safety conditions during programs and interactive experiences, escalating concerns to supervisors when needed.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by sharing insights, guest questions, and emerging trends with the Interpretation and Engagement team.
- Participate in training refreshers, skill‑building sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Support the creation of a positive, inclusive guest environment by modeling Denver Zoo’s Core Actions and Values across all interactions.
Other Duties/Responsibilities: Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources. The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
This position will interact heavily with the general visitors/public, in addition to specialists, coordinators and managers at all levels and staff members across the organization.
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 as part of regular work week 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 heavy 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 or 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 as part of a regular schedule and evening availability for night events. Schedules will be provided with 3 weeks or more advance notice.
Licenses/Certifications: None
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.
