Seasonal Conservation Engagement Volunteer Assistant

Denver Zoois a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding.

Denver Zoo 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 Behaviors of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

TheSeasonal Conservation Engagement Volunteer Assistant advances the mission of Denver Zoo by providing administrative and programmatic support to our Guest Experience Volunteer team. Our Guest Experience Volunteer Team supports programs including Info Carts, Lorikeet Adventure, Stingray Cove, Exhibit Interpretation, Summer Safari Camps, Nature Play and more! This position works collaboratively with our Conservation Engagement Programs team and is dedicated to supporting Denver Zoo Volunteers during the busy summer season.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily Logistics and Administrative Support: This role acts as a daily point of contact for our Guest Experience Volunteers. Daily support includes checking and adjusting schedules, program material maintenance, providing on grounds support as needed in various volunteer locations, keeping detailed records, conducting programmatic observations, and collaborating with the Conservation Engagement Programs and Adult Volunteer Teams to ensure all volunteers have what they need to be successful. 
• Communication: As the primary daily support, this role requires clear communication with guests, staff, and volunteers both in-person and electronically. This role builds and maintains professional relationships and community for volunteers and contributes to a welcoming and united approach to engagement for our guests overall.  
• Programmatic Support: This role will be familiar will all Guest Experience Volunteer programs and acts as a primary resource for mentoring and programmatic activation. In collaboration with the Conservation Engagement Programs team this role will support training in program areas, conduct reflective practice, and help volunteers grow in their roles.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent Denver Zoo in a professional and positive manner by exemplifying the institutional core values. 
• Contribute to the larger development of the volunteer program and provide feedback on the season and suggestions for changes moving forward.
• This position will interact with many different internal partners, all Denver Zoo Volunteers, and Zoo guests. 

Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish/English (preferred).
• Experience providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences.
• Exposure to working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred; outstanding group management skills.
• Experience supporting informal programs and volunteers (preferred). 
• Experience with proactive guest engagement in informal settings.
• Experience working in Volgistics (preferred).
• 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.
• Comfort and confidence in presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
• Comfort and ability to communicate and collaborate with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
• Affinity for animals and nature.
• Comfortable in nature; experience engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
• Ability to work by oneself and in a team setting.
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented.
• Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

• Ability to move through the zoo regularly to assist volunteers and provide programmatic support. Requires being outside everyday in all types of weather – including extreme summer heat.

• Schedule Availability: This position will be 32-40hr/week and will work a Thursday – Monday work week and may support evening events scheduled in advance.
• Work Location: On campus.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $18.29

Benefits

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

Application Process & Timelines:

Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately.  Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo 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