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.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (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.
The Summer Safari Camp Instructors facilitate pre-written camp programming and provide responsible care and a safe environment for camp participants. Additionally, Summer Safari Camp Captains act as lead for their classroom and instructor team, overseeing the implementation of their curricula and building and strengthening relationships between staff and volunteers. These positions advance the mission of DZCA through the support of programs that build foundational connections to nature for students, developing interest in and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthening their ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action.
All applicants must be available for mandatory training:
- Monday–Friday, May 11–15 and May 18–22; Approximately 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Weekday Virtual Training Sessions
- Saturdays, May 16 and May 23; 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Full‑Day, In‑Person Training
- Tuesday, May 26; 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Partial-Day, In-Person Training
Summer Safari runs May 27 – August 7, 2026, Monday – Friday.
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 Implementation
- Provide responsible care and leadership for camp participants; adhere to all environmental, safety, and health regulations (including first aid, CPR, and AED certification as delegated and provided by DZCA), procedures, and goals.
- Facilitate science and conservation learning through dynamic implementation of pre-written programs.
- Adapt curricula to changing circumstances when necessary; flexibility to alter teaching style or method to best meet the needs of participants.
- Prepare, maintain, and clean up program materials and supplies.
- Provide timely feedback as part of program evaluation and reporting efforts
Communication
- Provide excellent communication; communicate in clear language and adjust the use of language to participants’ level.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all other DZCA staff members, volunteers, camp participants, and their parents/caregivers. Proactively communicate with program administrators/leadership about program needs and concerns.
- Represent DZCA to the community professionally and positively, model outstanding customer service and engagement with program participants.
Program Leadership (Captains)
- Lead classroom team (instructors and volunteers) in successfully executing weekly/daily camp curriculum; build and strengthen relationships, positively incorporating volunteers. Model and guide best practices for other Summer Safari Instructors.
- Deliver incident and behavioral reports to parents/caregivers, as needed and appropriate.
- Responsible for medication needs of campers as delegated and trained by DZCA Safari Camps healthcare partner.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Support Camp Admin in adherence to all environmental, safety, and health regulations, procedures, and goals. Other assistance, as designated by the Camps Admin team, 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.
- Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources.
- This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience; candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
- Academic, work, volunteer, or internship experience with elementary – middle school-aged students/children required; or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- 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 DZCA’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.
- This position requires the ability to work in outdoor conditions and hot weather for up to 7 hours of the day.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Schedule Availability: All applicants must be available for mandatory training: Monday–Friday, May 11–15 and May 18–22; Approximately 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Weekday Virtual Training Sessions); Saturdays, May 16 and May 23; 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Full‑Day, In‑Person Training); Tuesday, May 26; 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Partial-Day, (In-Person Training)
Instructors must commit to teaching for a minimum of 5 weeks, in addition to the mandatory training. Captains must commit to the full 10 ½ week camp program, in addition to the mandatory training. Instructor and substitute teaching positions are available 16-40 hours/week, with daily hours varying between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Summer Safari runs May 27 – August 7, 2026, Monday – Friday.
- Work Location: On campus.
Compensation
Instructor: $20.50/hour; Captain: $21/hour
Wild Perks
As a seasonal 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
Application deadline: Open Until Filled. 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.
