Grasslands Field Technician

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.

This early-career conservationist plays a key role in supporting field conservation projects across Colorado’s grasslands. The majority of their time will be spent conducting field research for DZCA’s grassland conservation and restoration initiatives, primarily on Denver Mountain Park property within metro Denver. Beyond fieldwork, the Technician will help review and process data, guide volunteers in restoration actions, help share the story of DZCA’s conservation efforts, and gain hands-on experience. This role offers opportunities to build new skills, engage with diverse thought leaders and institutions, and establish a foundation for a career in conservation, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.

This is a seasonal position with a variable schedule: approximately 20-40 hours per week in May, 40 hours per week from June through September, and 20-30 hours per week in October. 

Based in Denver, this role requires frequent travel to grassland field sites 30-60 minutes from DZCA, with occasional overnight trips that may require camping. Travel for fieldwork will happen with a DZCA vehicle. The office-based work will be a mix of remote and in-person on campus, with expectations set by the supervisor.

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!

To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter sharing your interest in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement grassland restoration by building Zeedyk rock structures, identifying and collecting grassland plant species, taking soil cores, surveying dung beetles, mapping soil erosion and invasive species with GPS and GIS, reseeding native grasses, and helping maintain a native plant garden.
• Implement research and volunteer engagement activities in support of Colorado wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration projects.  
• Collect detailed and accurate ecological data on Colorado grasslands in hot, exposed, and physically demanding conditions. 
• Lead groups of volunteers and students in the field while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.
• Assist with inventorying and preparing field equipment and planning fieldwork.
• Professionally represent DZCA to diverse conservation partners including universities, land management agencies, tribal communities, K-12 schools, non-profits, and private land owners.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with data organization and quality control, including classifying camera trap photos.
• Help to share the story of DZCA’s local field conservation. This includes updating the team, participating in outreach events, creating content, and giving presentations for internal and external audiences.  
• Represent partnerships and projects to volunteers, colleagues, and the broader community professionally and positively. 
• Other assistance, as designated by the Grasslands Restoration Coordinator 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.
• Operate within the program budget, and report program revenue and expenditures according to zoo policies. Act as a good steward of DZCA’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
• This position will interact with staff members at all levels across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations, media, volunteers, and the public.  

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion of a high school degree or equivalent required, coursework in a biological science or conservation-related discipline preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 
• Experience with plant identification in Colorado and sustained physical exertion in hot or cold weather required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• A highly organized self-starter with excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, changing environment and the ability to work as part of a team. 
• Interest in pursuing a career in conservation, land stewardship, or a related field and passion for DZCA’s mission to save wildlife and grasslands, particularly in Colorado. 
• Ability to drive to and work in exposed, grassland field sites, work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions and hike up to 8 miles a day over variable terrain in inclement weather.
• Experience and enthusiasm with engaging or educating members of the public or volunteers.
• Some experience with plant data collection and the scientific process.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience being responsible for the safety of others is preferred.
• Experience navigating using GPS is preferred.
• Experience hauling trailers is a plus.
• Comfort around large animals, especially bison, is a plus.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate DZCA philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism.

Position Conditions 

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• This position requires the ability to work in outdoor conditions and hot weather for up to 10 hours a day.
• The technician must be prepared to hike up to 8 miles over varied terrain—including steep slopes, unstable rocks, dense vegetation, wetlands, and burned forests—occasionally camp overnight on single- or multi-day trips, and operate DZCA vehicles in diverse conditions such as early mornings, late nights, mountainous or off-road environments, and unfavorable weather.

• Schedule Availability: Willingness to work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions, including occasional overnight and multiday trips. 

• Licenses/Certifications: Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License on hire with a clean driving record. Experience with wilderness medicine is a plus; applicants must be willing to get trained for Wilderness First Responder certification.  

• Work Location: This position is based in Denver, but field work will require time spent in Colorado grasslands. Office-based work will be a hybrid of remote and in-person at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance as determined by the supervisor.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00 (hourly).

Benefits

This is a seasonal position and as such is not eligible for benefits at this time; however sick time is accrued.

Application Process and Timelines

We’d love to hear from you! To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter sharing your interest in the position. Application deadline: March 20th, 2025. 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

Salary : $20 - $21