Conservation Learning Specialist - Child & Family Discovery

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

The Conservation Learning Specialist - Child & Family Discovery supports the mission of DZCA through the facilitation and support of programs that build foundational connections to nature, develop interest and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthen the ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action. This position develops and facilitates programs for diverse audiences, including students in grades preschool through high school, families, and community groups. 

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 Facilitation

• Facilitate science and conservation learning through dynamic implementation of pre-written programs, including:
  • Nature play opportunities and programs for young children (ages 2-5) and their families.
  • Learning experiences for K-12 students during school field trips or through community outreach.
  • Day camp programs, including instruction and operational support.
• Apply best practices in conservation education facilitation; adapt curricula and program plans to changing circumstances; flex facilitation style to best meet the needs of participants.
• Handle live animals and biofacts; use and problem-solve technology, and drive DZCA vehicles in support of programs.  

Program Support and Development

• Partner with Program Coordinators to execute program logistics: create, prepare, set up, break down, maintain, inventory, and clean program materials and supplies. Load and unload materials and supplies for community outreach programs.
• As assigned, develop and update programs using the organizational program design process.
• Collect, enter, and report program data, including attendance.
• Model best practices for staff and volunteers and assist in the development or training of staff and volunteers as assigned.

Communication

• Provide excellent program communication; communicate in clear language and adjust the use of language to participants’ level of understanding.  
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all DZCA staff members; proactively communicate with department and program leaders about program needs and concerns; regularly check and communicate about varied and changing schedules. 
• Demonstrates and advocates for a positive and inclusive team culture.

Self-Development

• Willingness to gain insight into one’s identity, values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and to enhance one’s competencies where possible.
• Enthusiasm for building skills in program facilitation, program development, proactive engagement strategies, developmentally appropriate teaching, facilitating empathy for wildlife, and conservation-based learning.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Conservation Learning Coordinators or Managers, 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.
• While this position does not include formal supervisory responsibilities, it plays a key role in modeling best practices and may provide training, mentorship, and support to seasonal and part-time educators, as well as volunteers, in alignment with program goals.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This position will interact with staff members across the organization, volunteers, members of external organizations, and the public, and will represent DZCA professionally and positively.  

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 
• Requires a minimum of 1 year of experience in environmental education in a nonprofit zoo or museum of science institution. 
• Experience and comfort working with children of various ages and with diverse communities is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Requires demonstrated knowledge and dynamic skills in program facilitation and informal learning strategies; comfort in nature; experience engaging children in natural spaces preferred.  Preference is given to candidates who have done so successfully in an informal biological or conservation education setting. 
• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoo’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate and facilitate programs in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Requires the ability to drive outreach vehicles, including vans and a small Class C RV, after provided training.
• Ability to communicate and facilitate programs in English and Spanish is preferred, with a pay differential for verified fluency.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• To support our operational policies, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Schedule Availability:  The schedule follows a Wednesday–Sunday workweek, including weekends as regular workdays and occasional flexibility for seasonal operational or evening support.
• Work Location: Primarily in-person, with programming delivered both on campus and at community locations.

Compensation

The range for this position is $20.32 - $23.88 (hourly). 

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family-Plus 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: April 24th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately.  DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to 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 

Salary : $20 - $24