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, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Guest Operations Lead advances Denver Zoo’s Mission by contributing to the daily coordination, development, and operation of Denver Zoo by providing a safe and engaging experience for our guests at our attractions and throughout the park. Additionally, this position assists the Guest Operations Manager with oversight of staff day to day and in hiring, training and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate for this role would bridge their know how for operations as well as how to lead staff, work in cross function teams, and inspire a top-class guest experience.

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

Priority 1 - Oversight of Daily Operations

• Working in tandem with the Guest Operations Managers, overseeing daily campus operations in relation to Guests. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Ensuring campus readiness and safety, providing support to front-line staff, and assisting in working through Guest issues
  • Assisting in producing/maintaining accurate documentation
  • Ensure all location checklists are done prior to opening and any issues have been either resolved or reported
  • Ensure all rides and facilities operate properly from both a staff and equipment perspective

Priority 2 - Mentoring and Leading Staff

• Overseeing day-to-day development of Guest Operations team members. Working to support the short-term and long-term growth of all individuals
• Providing support for staff questions and needs by using resources as available and provided by Denver Zoo
• Effectively communicate with team members and other Zoo staff by using platforms including: two-way radio, phone, and email

Priority 3 - Program Development

• As directed by the Guest Operations Manager, providing support as needed for various Denver Zoo activities, programs, and events
• Gain knowledge of the zoo and our animal collection in order to provide info and engage with guests and integrate into training and best practices for an operating day

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• In absence of the Guest Operations Manager, address and resolve guest concerns
• Assist in coordinating Guest Operations snow removal process – assist in snow and ice removal by shoveling and dispensing ice melt and sand
• Assist in Guest Operations and Experience roles as needed to help support the division, including Events and Experiences, Guest Services, and Security teams with a variety of products
• Other assistance, as designated by the Guest Operations Manager, 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.
• Assisting in overseeing the Guest Operations team throughout day-to-day operations.
• Acts 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 managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public. 

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of 2-year degree in preferred, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Requires minimum of 1-years’ experience in Guest Operations; supervisory experience; experience working in a nonprofit is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary.
• Requires excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy are preferred.
• Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of people who is comfortable motivating, collaborating, and working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships.
• Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate the Denver Zoo’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willing and available to work diverse schedules, including weekdays, weekend days, and evenings.
• Ability to walk (80 acres) and/or stand up to 7 hours at a time in all weather conditions.

Compensation

Range for this position is $18.29-$21.01 (hourly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave. 

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: May 10th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role. 

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org