Job Description

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

The Wild Fall Improvisational Performer works with the Engagement and Entertainment team to facilitate learning through the implementation of conservation-based improvisational experiences and engagement with guests during Wild Fall. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences (including but not limited to students/children in grades preschool through high school, families, and community groups) and various group sizes. This temporary position will work directly on zoo grounds with the general public. Staff in this role will be entertaining guests through improvised activities inspired by our conservation field program work. This position will be focused on entertainment learning through hands-on experiences, activity delivery, and enthusiastic interaction with guests. This position has a final date of 10/31/26.

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

Active Guest Engagement

• Facilitate on-ground atmosphere and enhancement for guests through dynamic presentation of improvised materials. Duties will include personal and public performances, welcoming and speaking with Zoo guests, and encouraging guests to discover the Wonder elements of Wild Fall.
• Primary function for this role will be to act in one of 4 “stock character” roles, being the:
  • Cryptozoologist
  • Secret Agent
  • Zoo Psychic
  • Park Ranger
• Lead guests to discover habitat-based interpretation focused on wonderous creatures, and increase conservation awareness among guests. This role will consist of substantial daily public interaction. Staff will work throughout the campus at both outdoor and indoor locations.

Program Support

• Create experiential atmosphere through character improvisation and individual performance.
• Prepare, maintain, and clean up daily performance materials and supplies

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion of or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in public engagement, including theater with a strong focus on improvisation. Substantial experience in long-form improvisation required.
• Exposure to working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred; outstanding group management skills.
• Experience providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences.
• Must be a highly-skilled and confident improvisational actor.
• Comfort and confidence in presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
• Affinity for animals and nature.
• Comfortable and experienced engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
• Ability to work by oneself and in a team setting.
• Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn.

Compensation

Hourly rate for this position: $40/hour

A pay differential will be paid for staff with bilingual fluency in Spanish/English.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• This position requires working up to 35 hours per week.
  • On-site guest work regularly from 9/25/26 - 10/31/26
  • Rehearsal schedules through August and September
• Flexibility to support programs as scheduled, including a mix of weekday, weekend, and evening assignments with notice.
• A certain number of minimum days of rehearsal will be required and established based on group availability between 8/11/25 and 9/26/25, largely scheduled on Monday and Thursday evenings

Wild Perks

As a temporary 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

Review of applications will begin immediately. Candidates will be contacted about possible auditions. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before 10/31/2026.

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