Bilingual Spanish Conservation Learning Facilitator - Variable Part-time

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

The Conservation Learning Facilitator implements education programs, both at the Zoo and in the community, and engages with Zoo guests. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences (including students in grades preschool through high school, families, and community groups). 

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 and Responsibilities

Program Facilitation 

• Facilitate nature play opportunities and programs for young children (ages 2-5) and their families – playing alongside children and modeling unstructured play and exploration in outdoor natural spaces. 

• Facilitate conservation and science-based learning experiences for elementary and middle school students during school field trips or through community outreach. 

• Facilitate program experiences with a developing specialization in either onsite school program support or community-based and on-trail nature play programming. 

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

• Facilitate engagement and learning by implementing pre-written lesson plans, often in collaborative teaching environments with other Conservation Learning staff.

Program Support

• 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 (animal specimens) for program facilitation.

• If required for facilitation scope, participate in training in the handling of small invertebrates, reptiles, and other ambassador animals.

• May be required to drive zoo vehicles for outreach and community-based programs.

Communication

• Provide excellent communication; communicate in clear language and adjust use of language to participants’ level of understanding. 

• Communicate effectively and professionally with all Denver Zoo staff members; proactively communicate with department and program leaders about program needs and concerns; regularly check and communicate about varied and changing schedules.

• Represent DZCA to the community professionally and positively.

Self-Development

• Willingness to gain insight into one’s identity, values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions, and to enhance one’s competencies where possible.

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

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Conservation Learning Coordinators or Managers, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.

• Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Demonstrate DZCA's Core Behaviors—Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative—in all interactions with staff, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Attend required meetings and training; comply with all zoo policies and perform other supportive duties as needed.

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/or special skills