Conservation Scientist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 Conservation Learning Facilitator and Bi-lingual Conservation Learning Facilitator advances Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s mission and goals by delivering engaging educational programs both on Zoo grounds and within the community. This position creates meaningful learning experiences for diverse audiences, including preschool through high school students, families, community groups, and Zoo guests. 

Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends. This is a variable part-time position with a maximum of 19 hours per week; however, scheduled hours may fluctuate and are not guaranteed each week. Weekly schedules will vary based on operational needs.

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: 

Facilitate Educational Programs 

• Facilitate engaging conservation, science, and nature-based learning experiences for diverse audiences using established curricula and program plans.  

• Create safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments that foster learning, exploration, and connections with nature.  

• Facilitate children’s day camp programs during select fall, winter, and spring school breaks, with the opportunity to apply for full-time seasonal summer camp positions. 

• Develop a specialization in either school-age programming or early childhood and nature-play programming.  

Deliver School-Age Programs 

Kindergarten–12th grade, with a primary focus on grades 5–12 

• Facilitate conservation- and science-based learning experiences for elementary, middle, and high school students during Zoo field trips and community outreach programs.  

• Manage group dynamics and adapt facilitation approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners.  

• Promote inquiry, developmentally appropriate critical thinking, and meaningful connections to wildlife and conservation.  

Facilitate Early Childhood and Nature-Play Programs 

• Facilitate nature-play experiences for young children ages 2–7 and their families by playing alongside children and modeling unstructured exploration in outdoor, natural spaces.  

• Model child-led, play-based learning that encourages curiosity, discovery, and connection with nature.  

• Foster positive family engagement and meaningful intergenerational learning experiences.  

Support Program Operations 

• Prepare, set up, break down, maintain, inventory, and clean program materials and supplies.  

• Load and unload materials and supplies for community outreach programs.  

• Handle biofacts and animal specimens used during program facilitation.  

• Participate in training related to handling small invertebrates, reptiles, and other ambassador animals, as required by the position’s facilitation responsibilities.  

• Drive DZCA vehicles for outreach and community-based programs, as needed.  

Communicate and Collaborate 

• Communicate clearly and effectively, adapting language and delivery to participants’ ages and levels of understanding.  

• Collaborate professionally with Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance team members.  

• Proactively communicate program needs, scheduling updates, and concerns to department and program leaders.  

• Monitor and respond to varied and changing program schedules.  

• Represent DZCA positively and professionally within the community.  

Develop Professional Skills 

• Build self-awareness by reflecting on personal identity, values, strengths, growth areas, interests, and professional goals.  

• Strengthen skills in program facilitation, proactive engagement, developmentally appropriate teaching, empathy-building for wildlife, and conservation-based learning. 

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. 

• Experience and comfort working with children of various ages and implementing programs or experiences according to written plans; working in a nonprofit, school, or camp setting is preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/orspecial skills. 

• Affinity for animals and nature; Comfortable in nature; experience engaging children in natural spaces preferred. 

• 6 months of relevant experience preferred, inluding internship and other relevant experience.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Basic computer skills including are required.  

• Knowledge of informal teaching strategies to connect with children, families, and the community; instructs with enthusiasm and passion to inspire discovery and learning in others. 

• Experience working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting is preferred, outstanding group management skills. 

• Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to fast-paced, multi-tasking, and changing environments, and the ability to work by oneself and as part of a team. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations. 

• Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn. 

• Schedule Availability: Recurring, weekly availability on at least 2 of the following days: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday and as designated by department need. 

Position Conditions:

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. 
• To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Compensation: 

Hourly range for this position is $19.30.

For Bilingual: A pay differential will be paid for positions requiring Spanish speaking fluency.

Wild Perks:

As a Variable Part-time team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:

• A Family DZCA 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: 

Application Deadline: August 19, 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