Colorado Conservation Specialist

Denver Zoo 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.

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 Values of: Welcoming, Curious, Courageous, Transformative and United in all that we do

The Colorado Conservation Specialist will advance Denver Zoo’s mission by implementing Colorado-based field wildlife conservation programs through community engagement and scientific research. The specialist will support several projects, with the primary focus of this position being Denver Zoo’s conservation projects in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado. 

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 

• Implement research and community engagement activities in support of Colorado wildlife conservation projects.  
• Conduct rigorous field work in the Colorado Rockies. Lead groups of volunteers in the field while ensuring the safety of all participants.
• Work with field team to recruit, train, and manage community science volunteers. 
• Assist with purchasing, inventorying, and preparing field equipment and planning field work & other events. 
• Create and improve documents & resources to support field research and conservation actions by staff, partners, and volunteers. This includes volunteer resources, data collection protocols, safety & navigation resources, volunteer communications, etc.  
• Collaborate with partnering institutions—including Rocky Mountain Wild, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Denver Mountain Parks—to help implement, develop, and ensure the success of projects in meeting shared goals.  
• Contribute to the strategic planning and evaluation of local projects to ensure alignment with Denver Zoo strategy, partners’ shared goals, and best practices for field research, effective community science, and inclusive community engagement. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct quality control of data, prepare data for analysis, and assist with analysis. 
• Assist with the development and presentation of reports and grant proposals. Help to share the story of Denver Zoo’s field conservation efforts. This includes updating the team, conducting interviews, and creating content / giving presentations for internal and external audiences. 
• Represent partnerships and projects to volunteers, colleagues, and the broader community in a professional and positive manner. 
• Other assistance, as designated by the Colorado Field Conservation Project Manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Input to annual program budget development, operate within program budget, and report program revenue and expenditures according to zoo policies. Act as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations, media, volunteers and the public.  

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or conservation-related discipline preferred or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 
• Some experience collecting data and conducting research in the field. Experience collaborating with and understanding partners with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 
• Enthusiastic to support community science volunteers. 
• Comfortable hiking for extended periods at high altitudes.
• Some experience navigating and using GPS in the backcountry.   
• Experience developing public awareness materials, such as brochures, newsletters, and websites preferred. 
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information to a lay audience.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic knowledge of the wildlife and plants of Colorado preferred.
• Comfort with all-terrain driving and/or 4WD experience is a plus. 
• 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.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoo’s philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism. 

Position Conditions 

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Clear driving record
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• The specialist will be required to hike at altitude on variable terrain for up to 12 miles. Field work can involve hiking on or through steep slopes, unsteady rocks, dense vegetation, wetlands, and burned forests. Field work will generally be between 8,000 and 12,000ft. in elevation, but will at times reach above 14,000ft. Occasionally, this will also involve carrying heavy field equipment.  Tent camping for single and multi-day trips will occasionally be required.
• Schedule Availability: Willingness to work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions, including occasional overnights, especially during the summer field season. 
• Licensure and Certifications: Experience with wilderness medicine a plus; applicants must be willing  to get trained to Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Work Location: This position is based in Denver, but field work will require time spent in the mountains across Colorado, including occasional overnights especially during field season months. Office-based work will be a hybrid of remote and in-person work at Denver Zoo as determined by the supervisor. 

Compensation 

Range for this position is $19.67-$23.12 (hourly). 

Benefits 

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.