Rocky Mountain Field Technician

Overview

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are committed 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 with integrity through our Core Actions — Inspire Awe:
Safety, Care, Connect — and by embracing our Core Values:
Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

This early-career conservationist role supports field conservation projects across the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The majority of time will be spent conducting field research for DZCA’s local conservation and community science initiatives. Beyond fieldwork, the Technician will develop volunteer resources, help share DZCA’s conservation story, and gain hands-on experience. The position offers opportunities to build new skills, engage with thought leaders and institutions, and establish a foundation for a career in conservation, ecology, natural resources, or related fields.

This is a seasonal position with a variable schedule: approximately 20-40 hours per week in May, 40 hours per week from June through September, and 20-30 hours per week in October. Based in Denver, the role requires frequent travel to mountain field sites several hours from DZCA, including multiday overnight camping trips. All fieldwork will be conducted in a DZCA vehicle.

Office-based work will be a mix of remote and in-person on campus, with expectations set by the supervisor.

Our team is composed of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you are excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter sharing your interest in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement research and community engagement activities in support of Colorado wildlife conservation projects.
• Conduct rigorous fieldwork 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 fieldwork and 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 DZCA’s local field conservation. This includes updating the team, participating in outreach events, creating content, and giving presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Represent partnerships and projects to volunteers, colleagues, and the broader community professionally and positively.
• Other assistance, as designated by the Colorado Conservation Coordinator, 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.
• Operate within the program budget, and report program revenue and expenditures according to zoo policies. Act as a good steward of DZCA’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This position will interact with staff members at all levels across the organization, in addition to 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 with sustained physical exertion at high altitudes (10,000+ ft) required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest in pursuing a career in a conservation-related field and passion for DZCA’s mission to save wildlife, particularly in Colorado.
• Ability to drive to and work in…