Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

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 Emergency Preparedness Coordinator advances DZCA's mission and goals by assisting with planning and implementing emergency management plans and programs. This role will act as a role model in the development of a culture of safety at the DZCA and, among other tasks, be responsible for conducting risk assessments, updating plans, delivering training, planning exercises, and maintaining emergency equipment.

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!

• Assist the Director of Safety and Security and the Security Manager II in researching, evaluating, and reporting on threats and hazards which may present risk to the organization.
• Conduct regular risk and vulnerability assessments for campus operations as well as special events. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop comprehensive assessments.
• Compile travel risk assessments and present travel safety briefings to staff planning travel to international destinations, such as conservation projects, research trips, or executive travel.

• Working with the Director of Safety and Security and the Security Manager II and other DZCA stakeholders, coordinate, update, and maintain the organization’s Emergency Management documents, including, but not limited to:
  • Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
  • Emergency Response Manual (ERM)
  • Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
  • Security Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to emergency response and recovery
• Respond to emergency situations, manage incidents, and provide timely and accurate reports and updates to senior leadership.
• Coordinate response efforts with DZCA departments and public safety agencies.
• Communicate with affected stakeholders using the emergency notification system.
• Conduct and assist in investigations; compile after-action reports following incidents and exercises to identify areas for improvement, resource needs, training gaps, and other key findings.
• Coordinate logistics for the DZCA’s Crisis Management Team (CMT), including scheduling meetings, writing agendas, recording meeting minutes, organizing follow-up items, and liaising with public safety agencies.
• Cultivate partnerships with external entities, including, but not limited to the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver Office of Emergency Management, Denver 9-1-1, the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Colorado Information and Analysis Center, the Department of Homeland Security, and other local, state, and federal agencies or partner organizations.
• Communicate emergency preparedness efforts to senior leadership and others both orally and in written reports.

• Create and provide training and testing to staff on emergency plans, including mitigation, response, and recovery.
• As a member of the Exercise Planning Team (EPT), collaborate with the DZCA’s Conservation Sciences Department and Occupational Health and Safety Team to design, review, coordinate, evaluate, and participate in emergency drills and exercises.
• Maintain detailed records of all training and exercises.

• Act as administrator of the emergency notification system (ENS); oversee contract renewal process with third‑party software provider to ensure uninterrupted coverage, update contact lists, maintain message templates,…