Guest Engagement Zoo Educator - Variable Part-Time

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Family DZCA Membership

Exclusive Discounts

Sick Time Accrual

403(b) Retirement Account

Job summary

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) seeks a part-time Guest Engagement Zoo Educator to deliver public programs in Animal Experience areas and to support conservation education. You’ll engage diverse audiences, facilitate talks, and assist with interpretive presentations across multiple spaces within the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.

The role emphasizes guest interaction, program facilitation, and collaboration with staff to ensure a safe, educational, and engaging experience for visitors

Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree.
• Experience in providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences; strong group management ability.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate mission-aligned learning through dynamic pre-written programs for zoo guests and diverse audiences.
• Speak with guests, educate, and maintain safety in animal immersive spaces; lead and engage in conservation-based learning spaces.
• Prepare, maintain, inventory and clean program materials and supplies; collect and enter attendance data.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Multigenerational audiences

Group management

Bilingual Spanish/English (bonus)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Comfortable in nature; experience engaging multigenerational audiences in natural spaces preferred.

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.

The Guest Engagement Zoo Educators advances DZCA's mission and goals by delivering Guest Engagement public programming in Animal Experience areas, Conservation-based educational programs, and interpretive talks and presentations. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences and various group sizes visiting Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.

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 & 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 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.

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 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.
• Acts as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• 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.

Position Conditions

• 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.
• Ability to pass a background check, pre-employment drug & alcohol screen.

Compensation

• The hourly rate for this position is $19.30 (hourly).

Wild Perks

As a variable part-time 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: October 5, 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.

www.denverzoo.org