Rocky Mountain Field Technician

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 Rocky Mountain Field Technician is an early-career conservationist position that will advance Denver Zoo’s mission by contributing to field conservation projects in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The majority of the Technician’s time will be devoted to conducting field research for Denver Zoo’s local conservation and community science projects. In addition to fieldwork, the Technician will create volunteer resources; help us share the story of our conservation work; and have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain real-world experience, and interact with diverse thought leaders and institutions as a stepping stone in their pursuit of a career in conservation, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.

This is a permanent part-time position with a variable schedule. The Rocky Mountain Field Technician will work up to 1,500 hours per year: approximately 40 hours/week during the field season (mid-May to mid-October) and 10-20 hours/week during the rest of the year.

This position is based in Denver, but field work will require time spent in the mountains a few hours from Denver Zoo, including overnights. All field work will be conducted in a Denver Zoo vehicle. Office-based work will be a mix of remote and in-person at Denver Zoo.

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 and data collection in the Colorado Rockies.
• Lead groups of volunteers in the field (including backcountry settings) while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.
• Support the field team to recruit, train and manage community science volunteers.
• Assist with inventorying and preparing field equipment and planning field work & engagement events.
• Create and improve volunteer resources and documents. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with data organization and quality control.
• Help to share the story of Denver Zoo’s local field conservation. This includes updating the team, participating in outreach events, 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 Conservation Coordinator, 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.
• 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 staff members at all levels across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations, media, volunteers and the public.  

Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion of a high school degree or equivalent required, coursework in a biological science or conservation-related discipline preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 
• Experience exerting oneself at high altitudes (over 10,000 ft) for extended periods of time.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Interest in pursuing a career in a conservation-related field and passionate about Denver Zoo’s mission to save wildlife, particularly in Colorado.
• Ability to drive to and work in high altitude mountainous field sites and work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions.
• Experience engaging or educating members of the public or volunteers and enthusiastic to support community science volunteers.
• Some experience with data collection and the scientific process.<