Thank you for your interest in the Denver Zoo!

Denver Zoo is a respected leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental education and public service.

Learn about the different types of work that occur at the zoo, however, for available positions look below!


Currently, the following positions are available:

• Education Outreach Specialist
• Summer Safari 2010 Day Camp Instructor Captain
• Summer Safari 2010 Day Camp Instructor
• Temporary Cashiers
• Conservation Biology Coordinator

• Denver Zoo Employment Application
• Motor Vehicle Form
• Background Check Form

• Horticulture Internship - Closed
• Animal Care Internship - Closed
• Registrar Internship - Closed
• Exhibit Planning and Construction Internship - Closed
  
  

EDUCATION OUTREACH SPECIALIST   
Department:                  Education and Volunteer Services
Reports to:                   Outreach Coordinator               

Summary:
This position is responsible for the presentation of Outreach programming, including school programs, community programs and festivals, special events, and other miscellaneous programs.  The position entails additional responsibilities related to the successful functioning of Outreach programming.

Essential Functions:

• Present exceptional, engaging, and dynamic programs featuring live animals to audiences in Colorado and neighboring states.  Long distance trips require overnight stays.
• In conjunction with team members, develop, coordinate, implement and evaluate all aspects of Education Outreach programs, including classes, assemblies, after-school programs, environmental service-learning, adult and senior programs, booth and community programs custom and new programs.
• Work collaboratively with the Outreach Manager, Outreach Coordinator and other Education staff regarding program goals, objectives and development.
• Assist in the development of marketing strategies & materials for Outreach programming.
• Provide logistical support (including scheduling) to the program as needed.
• Maintain records related to Outreach programming.
• Assist in the development & evaluation of instructional materials as curriculum support.
• Handle Education Department animals and fulfill all training requirements as required.
• Assist in the care and husbandry of Education Department animals as needed.
• Assist with animal training, including desensitizing, conditioning, and maintaining the health and well-being of a diverse collection of program animals.
• Drive Denver Zoo vehicles.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain excellent communications with Outreach Manager, Outreach Coordinator, Outreach support staff, Education Animal Staff, volunteers & interns involved in programming and other zoo staff.
• Represent the Denver Zoo to the community in a professional and positive manner.
• Make media appearances as requested.
• Submit timely reports to supervisor.
• Support a variety of Education programs as needed, including, but not limited to, teacher workshops, volunteer training and on-site zoo programs.
• Record keeping associated with various of the above tasks and responsibilities

Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in biology, zoology, environmental/science education or a related field.
• Two or more years of directly related experience in the development/implementation of environmental education programs.
• Two or more years of experience in the animal handling, care, and training of exotic animals.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening, holiday, and weekend hours is required.
• Enjoy working with children and the community.
• Excellent oral presentation, communication, organization, writing and word processing skills.
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.
• Ability to function well individually and as a team member.
• Strong diplomatic and customer service skills.
• Strong interest in wildlife conservation.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License (or ability to obtain one), a clear driving record, and clear background check.
• General office and computer skills.
• Experience working with diverse audiences, including young children through senior adults.
• Ability to work dexterously with hands and arms and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.

Work Environment

This position requires a substantial amount of contact with staff, volunteers, members and the general public.  The employee works in a busy environment with multiple simultaneous tasks.

Duration and Compensation

• This is a full time 40-hour per week position. 
• Compensation: high $20K’s with excellent benefits.
• Please note-this position is grant funded and will be re-evaluated annually for possible renewal.

To apply,please send your resume indicating your interest in the Education Outreach Specialist position by February 19, 2010 to:

Denver Zoological Foundation
Attn:  Leslye Bilyeu
Human Resources
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO  80205
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
FAX 303-376-6717
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Summer Safari 2010 Day Camp Instructor Captain

The Denver Zoo is looking for creative, fun-loving, energetic individuals to assist in implementing Summer Safari Day Camp as part of a team of talented and experienced staff and volunteers. 

Paid seasonal positions are available for Denver Zoo’s Summer Safari Day Camp.  Applicants must be available Monday through Friday, May 17 - August 11, plus some weekend & evening dates in April & May.  Positions are 40 hours/week, with hours varying between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Compensation is $12.00/hour.  Mandatory new staff orientation training will be on Saturday April 17th.

Responsibilities

Participating in the Summer Safari team as a classroom instructor, including:

• Implementing pre-written lesson plans and leading zoo tours     
• Facilitating camper instruction, activities, and volunteer participation
• Delivering creative, interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences
• Providing responsible care and leadership for camp participants
• Setting up and taking down tables, chairs, and other classroom supplies/equipment
• Distributing and cleaning up snacks and lunches
• Attending mandatory weekly staff meetings
• Following check-in/check-out protocol, including checking identification

Acting in a leadership role within your classroom, including:

• Assisting with the mentoring and training of Summer Safari Instructors
• Setting the daily activity schedule for your assigned curriculum
• Coordinating adult and teen volunteers
• Presenting animal demonstrations for Summer Safari campers
• Requesting/preparing needed materials
• Directing daily check-in and out, including interacting with parents and caregivers in a positive, helpful manner
• Referring all special requests and issues to Summer Safari supervisors

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Summer Safari or similar day camp setting
• Experience working with children.  Seeking applicants with a background and interest in children ages 4 to 11 (Pre-K through 5th grade). 
• Background in education, child development, environmental education, biology, or related fields.  Studies in ECE or Elementary Education AND Biology are preferred.
• Working towards or have earned a college degree (preferably in one of the above fields)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with a partner.
• Ability to perform duties that involve long periods of standing, walking, and activities in hot weather.

Desired Qualities

• Interest in teaching children and environmental education
• Ability to participate as an energetic, positive team member
• Ability to successfully complete multiple tasks within given deadlines
• First Aid/CPR training a definite plus.

DEADLINE:  Friday, February 26

Denver Zoo / Summer Safari Positions
Attention: Leslye Bilyeu, Human Resources
2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO   80205-4899
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Fax-303-376-6717
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer       

Summer Safari 2010 Day Camp Instructor

The Denver Zoo is looking for creative, fun-loving, energetic individuals to assist in implementing Summer Safari Day Camp as part of a team of talented and experienced staff and volunteers.

Paid seasonal positions are available for Denver Zoo’s Summer Safari Day Camp.  Applicants must be available Monday through Friday, May 17 - August 11.  Positions are 40 hours/week, with hours varying between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Starting compensation is $10.50/hour.  Mandatory new staff orientation training will be on Saturday April 17th.

Responsibilities

Participating in the Summer Safari team as a classroom instructor, including:

• Implementing pre-written lesson plans and leading zoo tours
• Facilitating camper instruction and daily activities
• Delivering creative, interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences
• Providing responsible care and leadership for camp participants

Preparing for and cleaning up after camp activities, including:

• Setting up and taking down tables, chairs, and other classroom supplies/equipment
• Making copies and preparing materials for craft activities, as needed
• Distributing and cleaning up snacks and lunches
• Attending mandatory weekly staff meetings

Assisting with daily registration, check-in and check-out, including:

• Maintaining weekly rosters and name badges
• Following check-in/check-out protocol, including checking identification
• Interacting with parents and caregivers in a positive, helpful manner
• Referring all special requests and issues to Summer Safari Administration

Qualifications

• Experience working with children.  Seeking applicants with a background and interest in children ages 4 to 11 (Pre-K through 5th grade).
• Background in education, child development, environmental education, biology, or related fields.  Studies in ECE or Elementary Education AND Biology are preferred.
• Working towards or have earned a college degree (preferably in one of the above fields)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with a partner.
• Ability to perform duties that involve long periods of standing, walking, and activities in hot weather.

Desired Qualities

• Interest in teaching children and environmental education
• Ability to participate as an energetic, positive team member
• Ability to successfully complete multiple tasks within given deadlines
• First Aid/CPR training a definite plus.

DEADLINE:  Friday, February 26

Applicants should send cover letter and resume to:

Denver Zoo / Summer Safari Positions
Attention: Leslye Bilyeu, Human Resources
2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO   80205-4899
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Fax-303-376-6717
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Temporary Cashiers

We are seeking Temporary Cashiers.  Schedules and hours may vary depending on staffing and weather conditions.  We are open 7 days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and applicants must be able to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.  Hourly wage is $9.50.  Qualified candidates will have basic computer skills and the ability to count money.  If you have excellent customer service skills, reliable, and enjoy working with the public, please email or fax (no phone calls) your resume to:

Denver Zoo
Human Resources Department
Attn:  Leslye Bilyeu
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO  80205
FAX:  303/376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Equal Opportunity Employer

Tropical Ecologist to serve as Conservation Biology Coordinator

Position Title: Conservation Biology Coordinator
Department: Conservation Biology
Reports to: Richard Reading, Director of Conservation Biology

Overview: 
The Denver Zoological Foundation is seeking to fill a senior level position as Conservation Biology Coordinator to assist the Director of Conservation Biology in fulfilling the organization’s conservation mission.  Competitive applicants will have 5+ years of experience in conservation biology practice in tropics, ideally Asia; a Ph.D. in a conservation-related discipline; and a proven fund raising ability.  The position will entail research, fund raising, administrative tasks, teaching at the University of Denver, advising graduate students, developing conservation skills among Denver Zoo staff and collaborators, and promoting our work. 

Summary: 
The main objective of this position includes performing and overseeing research, conservation efforts, and fund raising activities that pertain to the Denver Zoological Foundation’s role in the preservation of global biodiversity, particular work being conducted in the tropics. 

Essential Functions:

• Performs research and develops a major programmatic initiative in conservation biology in tropical Asia.  Conducts original research within, or with strong implications for, the broad field of conservation biology.  Organizes research projects to assure a good experimental design that generates objective results.  Interprets results and uses statistical skills to analyze data.  Translates the results of that research into practical conservation biology and management practices.  Work within established guidelines for the priorities of the Department (Approx. 30%).
• Helps the Director oversee graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, Research Associates, interns, and other researchers funded by the Denver Zoo working on conservation and research projects as determined by the Director.  Evaluates project proposals by researchers seeking cooperation with the Denver Zoological Foundation and evaluates / writes project reports.  (Approx. 10%)
• Assists in fund raising.  Writes grant proposals and develops innovative, alternative fund-raising mechanisms to help the Department increase its resource base and realize its conservation mission.  The Denver Zoological Foundation generously provides an annual budget for conservation, and we are responsible for raising expenses above that allocation.  (Approx. 10%).
• Helps manage the Department when requested by the Director.  Works with the Director and other staff to allocate funds and time to projects and activities of the Department.  Together the Departmental Team plans monetary and time budgets for the Department and for individual research projects.  Advises / helps zoo staff from other departments who are interested in designing and executing conservation and research projects.  (Approx. 20%).
• Helps write: (1) an annual budget for the Conservation Department, (2) a summary of conservation activities for Annual Report of the Denver Zoo, (3) a summary of conservation activities at the Denver Zoological Foundation for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s (AZA) Department of Conservation and Science, and (4) brief monthly reports to inform the Denver Zoo’s Board of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of developments in conservation and research activities.  Works with the Board of Trustees.  Can cooperate with broader AZA initiatives as appropriate.  Performs other administrative tasks as requested.  (Approx. 5%).
• Teaches or helps teach 1 course or 1-2 graduate seminars as requested.  (Approx. 10%).
• Promotes our Department and its work, as well as other conservation issues to the Board of Trustees, the CEO and COO, other zoo staff, other scientists, and the general public, through reports, meetings, speeches, published literature, and photography.  Disseminates information to the broader scientific and conservation communities (through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scientific presentations, book chapters, and books) and to the interested public (through popular articles and popular talks).  Helps create a vision for conservation to address problems in efficient and effective ways.  Conducts peer critiques reviews of projects and scientific publications written by others.  (Approx. 10%).
• Cooperates with other Denver Zoo staff to ensure that our education programs, graphics, and other programs are scientifically accurate and sensitive to conservation.  (Approx. 5%).

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a conservation-related discipline.
• At least 5 years experience in conducting field research or addressing issues in conservation in the tropics.  Work in tropical Asia a plus.
• Proven fund raising ability, including a history of grant writing success.
• Experience with teaching at the university level and advising graduate students a plus.
• Ability to work irregular hours and travel for extended lengths of time domestically and overseas under physically demanding conditions.
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team in different cultural contexts.

Physical Demands:
The position demands that the applicant be able to conduct field research in difficult conditions that may include and are not limited to: extremely remote and rugged locations, high altitudes, extreme temperatures and severe weather, hiking extensive distances in steep and/or rugged terrain, mountain/rock/ice climbing, carrying heavy loads (~ 50 - 60+ lbs), extended expeditions/camping, field site preparation including chopping, heavy lifting, and bending, etc, and other demands associated with biological field work in both tropical and temperate mountain, rainforest, grassland/savannah, and aquatic environments around the world.  The applicant also must have the capacity for and experience with extensive, arduous, and demanding travel.

Work Environment:
The employee works in an office located at the Denver Zoo and for field research the employee is exposed to extreme and remote environmental conditions and physical demands noted above.  The employee has a high level of contact with others in dealing with changing policies toward the conservation of biodiversity and reaching conservation goals.

Equipment Used:
The employee uses computers and a variety of technical research equipment (e.g. GPS, compass, radio-telemetry, camera-traps, two-way radios, hiking/camping/climbing equipment, machete/saws/axe, still and video cameras, 4-wheel drive vehicles, motorized boats, canoes, and etc.) necessary for field projects.  Some equipment will be heavy (~ 20 – 50 + lbs) and will require hauling over varying distances (< 1 – 10 + miles) and terrain.

Additional Information:
This is a full-time Denver Zoological Foundation position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, 403(b) retirement plan, and generous vacation package.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit cover letter and c.v. with salary history and/or salary requirements (must be included to be considered) by February 15, 2010 to:

Denver Zoological Foundation
Attn:  Leslye Bilyeu/Director of Human Resources
2300 Steele Street,
Denver, CO  80205
Fax 303-376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

For more information, contact Erin Stotz at estotz@denverzoo.org or (303) 376-6528.

• Paid internships are available during the summer in the Carnivore, Bird, and Primate Departments.
• Non-paid internships are available during the summer in Tropical Discovery and Hoofstock Departments.

Application Deadline: Closed

Registrar
Interns assist with data management activities, including the accession and de-acession of specimens, clarifying reproductive events, clarifying specimen histories, and updating taxonomy. Interns will also use the zoo's collection management software to monitor loans and prepare documents for animal transactions. Applicants must be college students seeking a museum studies or an animal related degree.

Application Deadline: Closed

Exhibit Planning and Construction
Interns gain experience in design and construction of zoo exhibits and support facilities working closely with zoo staff, design consultants and contractors. Interns are assigned to specific projects underway in the zoo's re-development program. Internships are available for college students studying architecture, landscape architecture, building construction or related fields.

Application Deadline: Closed


Applicant qualifications:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in college.
• Recent college graduates (within the last two years) may apply for an internship.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Candidates must provide proof of current negative TB test.
• Animal Care applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Additional internship information:

• Interns earn $9.00 an hour for paid internships.
• Interns may work 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. 
• Housing is not provided.
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter in .PDF, .DOC, or .RTF format only.  Other formats will not be accepted.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 
• Letters of recommendation may be submitted, but are not required.
• The cover letter must indicate the position/department for which the applicant wishes to apply.   (Animal Care applicants must indicate a specific taxonomic area.)
• Fall & winter non-paid internship opportunities will be posted as positions become available.
• If you are a Junior/Senior Veterinarian student and are interested in participating in a preceptorship, please email Dr. Knightly at fknightly@denverzoo.org for more information.
• This is a very competitive program, not all those who apply will be selected for an interview.
• Questions may be directed to ZooInternships@denverzoo.org, no phone calls please.