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.
Join Our Team as a Temporary Events Captain – Summer 2026. Help bring unforgettable moments to life at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance!
Are you passionate about creating experiences that connect people, spark joy, and inspire action? As a Temporary Events Captain, you'll be part of a high-energy team that designs and delivers large-scale, entertainment-driven events for our community and guests. You’ll play a vital role in bringing to life seasonal experiences like Wild Fall, Zoo Lights, Glowing Wild, and our Summer Activations—all while supporting the Zoo’s mission and institutional goals.
You’ll support the Engagement and Entertainment team by helping to plan, coordinate, and implement major on-campus events. Your focus during this 16-week, temporary assignment (up to 40 hours/week) will be on Summer Activations, including:
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Assisting with the setup and teardown of event-specific décor and assets
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Coordinating with contractors, vendors, and staff
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Supporting live performances and production logistics
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Working evening and weekend events to ensure an exceptional guest experience
This position is budgeted through August 2026 and is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with one of Denver’s most beloved institutions.
The ideal candidate is:
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Experienced in large-scale event operations or logistics
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Energetic and adaptable in a fast-paced, guest-focused setting
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Safety-conscious, detail-oriented, and collaborative
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Excited about working evenings, weekends, and outdoors
This is more than just a temporary gig—it’s a chance to help create moments of awe, wonder, and connection for thousands of guests each week.
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
Execution of Event Operations
- Collaborate with Entertainment Managers, Coordinators, Guest Experiences Leads, and the institutional events team to support the development and execution of events aligned with DZCA’s strategic goals.
- Assist with revising and implementing production schedules, and help maintain detailed procedures, timelines, and calendars to guide event planning and delivery.
- Support purchasing processes and assist with asset tracking and management.
- Build and maintain relationships with external contractors to coordinate installation and strike schedules.
- Oversee day-of-event logistics, including site setup, strike, and run-of-show operations to ensure seamless execution.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
- Partner with the Guest Experience Teams to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, and memorable guest experience throughout all event phases.
- Contribute to the development of event layouts that optimize traffic flow and elevate the visitor experience.
- Provide responsive and informed guest support by utilizing available DZCA resources.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with team members and staff via two-way radio, phone, and email.
- Foster a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment for guests of all ages across all event areas.
General Operations Support
- Provide operational support for various events, programs, and daily activities as directed by the Entertainment Manager.
- Develop knowledge of the zoo campus and animal collection to engage with guests and enhance training practices for event and daily operations.
- Uphold DZCA’s Occupational Health and Sustainability Policies by following all safety, environmental, and health procedures and standards.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as designated by Entertainment leadership, 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.
- Demonstrate best practices in collaboration and delivering exceptional guest service to set the standard for division staff.
- Acts 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 have a high level of interaction 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 of or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent.
- One year of experience in similar events or entertainment management roles, particularly with a focus on event logistics, working in a nonprofit, and high-volume guest-focused venue, is preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Familiarity with event production, including scheduling, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site execution.
- Proven ability to deliver excellent guest service in a high-traffic, public-facing environment.
- Confident communicator with dynamic public speaking skills and the ability to engage guests, peers, and leadership across multiple platforms (email, phone, radio).
- Able to make sound, safety-conscious decisions in fast-paced and crowded settings.
- Familiarity with audio-visual equipment and baseline technical troubleshooting
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, with working knowledge of purchasing and asset tracking systems.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Adaptable team player who thrives in dynamic environments and remains calm under pressure.
Position Conditions
- To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to walk (80 acres) and/or stand up to 8 hours daily in adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain, snow, or heat.
- Schedule Availability: Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Work Location: On campus.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $20.32 - $23.88 (hourly).
Wild Perks
As a temporary team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:
- A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership – Bring your crew and explore!
- Exclusive Discounts – Save on concessions and retail.
- Sick Time Accrual – Because your well-being matters.
- 403(b) Retirement Account – Plan for your future.
Application Process and Timelines
Application deadline: April 23, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 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
