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 Interpretation Programs Specialist connects guests with Denver Zoo’s mission, conservation identity through the delivery of engaging, audience-centered interpretive experiences across campus. Specialists facilitate programs across a range of formats/sizes, including large and small-group demonstrations and presentations, exhibit-based interpretation, participatory experiences, and pilot programming. This role adapts facilitation in real time to guest needs, models high-quality interpretive practice for staff and volunteers, supports the testing and refinement of programs, maintains the materials, equipment, and resources needed for consistent daily programmatic implementation.
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
Presentation and Facilitation of Guest Engagement Programs
- Deliver dynamic, large-scale amphitheater demonstrations using a microphone for multigenerational audiences of 200+ guests, including occasional after-hours or evening programs.
- Lead engaging, small-group interpretive experiences across a variety of formats, with or without amplification, based on program needs.
- Deliver and facilitate both new and existing onsite interpretive and interactive programs, across a variety of formats, including exhibit-based interpretation, participatory programming, pop-up or roaming experiences, seasonal activations, station-based programming, play-based experiences, and pilot programs.
- Adapt facilitation style, pacing, content, and level of participation in real time based on audience response, guest behavior, program conditions, and/or intended experience outcome.
- Support special events, one-time activations, and emerging programming needs with flexibility, creativity, and a guest-centered approach
- Facilitate immersive and interactive animal experiences, ensuring guest engagement and safety for both animals and visitors.
- May handle live animals and biofacts (animal specimens). Training will be provided, and animal contact is not guaranteed.
- Professionally represent the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance within the community and onsite.
- Support other zoo teams with program-related assistance as needed.
Modeling for Peer Staff and Volunteers
- Showcase facilitation techniques and best practices in guest interaction, conservation messaging, customer service, and safety practices for peer and interdepartmental staff and volunteers to observe and learn from.
- Adapts curricula/program plans in real time to meet audience needs, altering when necessary; flexibility to modify facilitation style, or method to best meet the needs of participants.
- Lead by example in delivering dynamic presentations and animal experiences for interdepartmental staff.
- Demonstrates and advocates for positive team culture within department and with peers across the zoo.
- Participate in and receive regular coaching and feedback
- Provide timely feedback on program logistics and guest feedback.
Program and Resource Maintenance and Improvements
- Maintain Guest Engagement program materials and tools as requested.
- Upkeep and organization of signage relating to demonstrations, talks, and other programs.
- Support the testing and refinement of new and existing programs by providing timely feedback on guest participation, audience response, program flow, logistics, resources, operational feasibility
- Aids in support of interdepartmental initiatives, as assigned.
- Review program plans and bilingual program plans, as requested.
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 or high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Requires public speaking skills, adaptability to different presentation or demonstration conditions; ability to communicate effectively in noisy or crowded situations.
- Requires daily adaptability in schedules and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Delivery of engaging, responsive, audience-centered thematic presentations and demonstrations.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are preferred.
- Spanish language bilingual is a plus, pay differential available.
- Schedule Availability: Availability to work weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as part of regular work week and evenings (as scheduled) is required.
Compensation
The hourly range for this position is $20.85 to $24.50.
- A pay differential will be paid for candidates with verified Spanish speaking fluency.
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
- And so much more!
Application Process and Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by November 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.
