Seasonal Guest Engagement Presenter

Denver Zoological Foundation; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A Family DCZA Membership

Exclusive Discounts

403(b) Retirement Account

Job summary

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is seeking a Seasonal Guest Engagement Presenter to deliver high-energy demonstrations and engage guests in conservation actions. The role offers opportunities to develop public speaking and interpretation skills while working closely with Animal Care partners to enrich guest experiences.

This seasonal position runs from November 2026 through April 2027 with New Staff Orientation on select start dates.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering outstanding customer service to diverse audiences.
• Exposure to working with multigenerational groups or students in professional settings is preferred.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to speak clearly in noisy environments.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily, large-scale amphitheater demonstrations to 200+ guests on microphone.
• Lead smaller on-mic demonstrations for smaller groups.
• Facilitate onsite programs, talks, and engagement initiatives.
• Support conservation-focused interpretation and hands-on learning for guests.
• Represent the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance professionally in the community.
• Provide program support across departments as needed.
• Maintain positive relationships with internal partners and staff.

Skills

Customer service

Multigenerational audiences

Public speaking

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Teamwork

Flexible/adaptable

Education

High school diploma or currently pursuing

Job description

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 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.

This is a seasonal position budgeted from November 2026 through April 2027. All new staff are required to attend New Staff Orientation, with available start dates of November 23 or December 7, 2026. Candidates must be available to attend orientation on one of these dates to be considered for the position.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree
• 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 is a plus
• 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.
• 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.

Compensation

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

• A pay differential will be paid for candidates with verified Spanish speaking fluency.

As a seasonal team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:

• A Family DCZA Membership – Bring your crew and explore!
• Exclusive Discounts – Save on concessions and retail.
• 403(b) Retirement Account – Plan for your future.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.