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 Latin America Conservation Program Director advances DZCA’s mission and goals by leading our field conservation program in Latin America, driving strategic conservation efforts with in-country partners to maximize impact and reach while aligning the program with DZCA’s mission and Field Conservation strategy. This position's program leadership includes fostering productive in-country partnerships, leading and collaborating on scientific research and conservation impact priorities, program budget development and stewardship, and leading cross-functional collaboration with DZCA, aligning and integrating field work with DZCA priorities and personnel.

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 Strategy and Leadership

• Direct the Latin America Field Conservation Program, leading the creative vision and program strategy to achieve conservation impact through Science, Community, and Action.
• Align program goals with the strategic vision for DZCA’s Field Conservation team, particularly within Peru and the broader the Latin America region.
• Lead partnership efforts with the Peru-based in-country contractor team, develop and maintain robust mutually productive Latin America-based partnerships, foster collaboration and sustainable regional networks of expertise.
• Ensure project alignment with partners' goals and best conservation practices.
• Develop, track, and manage program budgets and contracts to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Reseach & Project Management

• Lead DZCA’s conservation projects in Latin America, aligning work with DZCA strategy and priority species and landscapes.
• Develop and implement internationally appropriate research initiatives, ensuring scientific integrity and best practices.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation protocols to track project success.
• Oversee data management and ensure timely, rigorous analysis.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including international travel, in collaboration with the Human Resources department and Director of Occupational Health and Safety.

Internal and External Engagement

• Serve as the primary Program point of contact for internal and external partners and audiences.
• Share program progress, results, and developments through DZCA communication channels, professional conferences, and/or publications.
• Collaborate with the DZCA Philanthropy team to support fundraising by securing grants and engaging with donors.
• Ensure integration of Latin America program work with DZCA programs, personnel, and exhibits.
• Participate in Latin America-aligned professional conservation organizations and initiatives as appropriate.
• Provide subject matter expertise for Latin America Field Conservation topics as appropriate.
• Participate in zoo-wide committees, task forces, and initiatives.

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

• 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:

• Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in a conservation-related discipline or in a related field (i.e., biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management), or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leading or supporting field conservation projects; Preference for candidates who have worked in Latin America
• Experience working within zoo-based conservation organizations and with local conservation organizations is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness First Aid certifications preferred; applicants should be willing to get trained to Wilderness First Responder certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:     

• Expertise in international conservation project management, strategic planning, and achieving conservation success.
• Expertise in scientific research methods and study design with record of scientific publication.
• Critical thinker with superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate conservation goals effectively to lay and expert audiences and to represent DZCA in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Must be a developer of programs who is comfortable working and collaborating with a broad cross-section of people of different cultures in direct and matrixed relationships to drive programs to meet strategic goals.
• Expertise in teaching, conducting public outreach programs, and leading groups and community members in the field.
• Experience setting, managing, and adhering to budgets.
• Experience with formal evaluation of conservation impacts (such as Conservation Standards or similar planning tools), adaptive management, and project monitoring.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations and work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions.
• Committed to forward-thinking justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
• History of fundraising success through grants and/or individual donors preferred.
• Spanish language fluency is preferred.

Position Conditions:

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday, with the ability to work occasional irregular hours including international travel.
• Work Location: This position is based on campus in Denver with regular travel for field work to Latin America.

Compensation:

Range for this position is $68,070 to $85,088 (annually)

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

Application Deadline: November 16, 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