Conservation Learning Coordinator: Camps and Special Programs

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 Coordinator advances Denver Zoo’s mission and goals through the coordination of camp, scout, and other programs that build foundational connections to nature for children, developing interest and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthening their ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action.

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

Program Coordination

• Partner with Conservation Learning Manager to coordinate the development and day-to-day implementation of educational day camp and special programming for children, scouts and community groups, with an emphasis on connections to wildlife and nature, science learning, and developmentally appropriate conservation action.
• Coordinate a large day camp program for over 2,400 children each summer including seasonal staff hiring, training and team building, upholding policies and procedures, parent/caregiver communication, and modeling excellence in engagement and learning methodologies.
• Coordinate and facilitate seasonal school break camps and scout programs, employing creative strategies to expand audiences.
• Oversee the development of curriculum and experiences using the DZCA program design process, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
• Ensure programs are implemented in alignment with departmental and organizational goals and priorities and associated grant/donor terms.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively across departments to coordinate program spaces, staffing, safety, animal experiences, etc.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children by ensuring compliance with DZCA policies, staff-to-participant ratios, emergency procedures, mandatory reporting requirements, participant accommodations, and established standards for youth programs.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively across departments to coordinate program spaces, staffing, safety, animal experiences, etc.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children by ensuring compliance with DZCA policies, staff-to-participant ratios, emergency procedures, mandatory reporting requirements, participant accommodations, and established standards for youth programs.

Team Leadership

• Support the supervision, coaching, scheduling, and evaluation of seasonal and variable part-time employees supporting child and family programs, in collaboration with the Conservation Learning Manager, program coordinators, and Operations Coordinator.
• Support departmental and team hiring processes, leading when appropriate.
• Model and uplift positive team culture through communication and support of activities designed to welcome, include, and recognize all team members.

Program Communication, Tracking and Reporting

• Communicate clearly, empathetically, and in a welcoming manner with partners, families, caregivers, and program participants, collaborating with the Operations Coordinator to ensure program and partnership expectations are met.
• Communicate with program staff and volunteers to prepare their roles in program implementation, including support of program-specific training.
• Support cross-divisional communications: programs for the purposes of promotion, planning, fundraising and resource coordination.
• Support evaluation, tracking, impact reporting, and storytelling around Conservation Learning programs

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in an environmental education in a nonprofit zoo, museum or science institution; focusing on education in a camp or equivalent setting; experience leading camp staff, working with scout groups, and facilitating programming with diverse communities is strongly preferred or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Requires demonstrated academic and practical understanding of current best practices in education, with particular focus in play, inquiry, development of empathy, conservation optimism, and culturally responsive teaching that meets the varying developmental, behavioral, language, and learning needs of participants.
• Requires demonstrated knowledge and dynamic skills in program facilitation, program or logistics coordination, and some exposure to program development and staff supervision. Preference given to candidates who have done so successfully in an informal environmental 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.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Schedule Availability: Regular Monday-Friday schedule, with the requirement to work occasional weekends or evenings for scout or special programs.

Compensation

Hourly range for this position is $24.20 to $29.64.

A Truly Wild Workplace With Competitive Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family 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: August 7, 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.