Emergency Preparedness Manager

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

The Emergency Preparedness Manager is a key strategic leader within the Security Department, responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive emergency management programs and procedures. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role fosters a culture of safety and preparedness across the organization. As a campus-wide collaborator, the Emergency Preparedness Manager leads risk assessments, emergency planning, training, and coordination with internal departments and external agencies. While not a direct supervisory role, this position operates at a strategic level, influencing cross-functional initiatives and ensuring operational continuity through proactive planning and response readiness.

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

Emergency Planning & Risk Readiness

• Lead the development, maintenance, and refinement of the Zoo’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and hazard-specific protocols.
• Conduct regular risk and vulnerability assessments for campus operations and special events.
• Collaborate with departments and leadership to identify risks, close gaps, and align emergency plans with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate post-incident debriefs and after-action reviews to drive continuous improvement.

Training & Exercises

• Design and deliver emergency preparedness training, tabletop exercises, and full-scale drills in partnership with Public Safety, Conservation Sciences, and Occupational Health & Safety teams.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training standards (e.g., ICS, CPR/AED) and maintain accurate records.
• Build internal capacity by supporting the training of shift-level staff and other responders.

Incident Support & Response Coordination

• Provide real-time support during emergencies, assisting Shift Supervisors and Security leadership with coordination, communication, and documentation.
• Manage and maintain emergency alert systems, including mass notification and weather monitoring platforms.
• Oversee the readiness of emergency signage, kits, and resources across the campus.

Systems & Equipment Management

• Serve as administrator for emergency notification and weather monitoring systems; manage vendor relationships, renewals, and staff training.
• Maintain and inspect emergency response kits, first aid supplies, and the First Aid Room to ensure operational readiness.
• Track equipment lifecycle, coordinate repairs or replacements, and manage inventory restocking.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal emergency preparedness standards (e.g., FEMA, OSHA, AZA).
• Maintain planning documents, training logs, drill records, and annual preparedness reports.
• Serve as a point of contact during audits or reviews related to emergency planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & External Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with local emergency services and public safety agencies (e.g., Denver Police, Fire, OEM, DHS).
• Represent the Security Department in cross-departmental meetings and planning committees.
• Promote a Zoo-wide culture of safety through awareness campaigns and preparedness communications.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of the best practices and trends in emergency management, risk management, and private security.
• As needed, fills in for Security Specialist or Security Officer positions to ensure campus coverage.
• Other assistance, as designated by department leaders, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA reserves the right to add to, modify, or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Serves as an integral member of the Security Department’s leadership team, providing guidance and support to staff, volunteers, and guests, especially in the absence of