Guest Engagement Educator - Variable Part-Time

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, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

Guest Engagement Educators play a key role in supporting our mission by delivering public programming in Animal Experience areas, conservation-focused educational sessions, and interpretive talks and presentations. This position creates engaging experiences for diverse audiences and groups of all sizes visiting the zoo.

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 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).

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 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 professionally and positively.

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 the 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.
• Set priorities in alignment with Inspire Awe:
  • Safety first, always
  • Care demonstrated through exceptional guest service.
  • Connect with each guest utilizing ROADMAP in all programs and GIG strategies with guests.
• Acts as a good steward of DZCA’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This role will consist of substantial daily public interaction. Staff will work throughout both outdoor and indoor locations. They will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization.
• Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA’s Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, and health regulations, procedures, and goals.

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. 
• Bilingual in Spanish/English (preferred), 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.

Position Conditions 

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and 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 of advance notice.
• Work Location: On campus, this position requires extended periods outdoors in all weather types, including heat, snow, rain, and wind, and will often include moving through various terrain types within a program at the zoo.
  

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $19.00.

A pay differential will be paid for Spanish-speaking fluency with verified ability: 5%

Wild Perks

As a variable part-time team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:

• A Family Plus Denver Zoo 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: August 27th, 2025. 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.

www.denverzoo.org