zookeeper

guest service agent

philanthropy manager

first responder

security officer

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

I had high hopes coming here to work with how friendly the management and coworkers were to start. But as time went on, not a single day would go by where management isn’t constantly berating your performance no matter how hard you work to meet their standards. They’ll find new standards to berate you over. The people across all departments are underpaid and almost every employee I’ve talked with hates this place but desperately need the money. Your coworkers are likely caught up in some gossip web and no matter how cooperative and approachable you attempt to make yourself appear, you will be talked about behind your back too. It is easy to get worn out and jaded here. The animals are by far the best part, but save yourself the trouble and just get a zoo pass to keep this place magical in your heart. Working here makes me hate this place.

Everyone I worked with had great personalities and were easy to get a long with. Management genuinely cares about how you are doing every-single day. Coworkers are willing to help you with tasks, and many are very well educated on animals and their habitats; you can learn a lot. Everyone that works here is passionate about animals and conservation for them, which starts with educating the zoo guests. Most customers come to have a good time at the zoo with their friends and family; and usually leave with a smile on their face. Occasionally guests can become upset but it doesn't take to much to get them to calm down. Rarely management needs to be called to assist in dealing with a guests (which they are more than willing to do). You can set your own hours, but they can change based on the needs of the zoo management.

The selection process focused HEAVILY on finding a cultural fit.  I was selected and worked two months.  NO ONBOARDING.  I was told I performed all job tasks above expectations.  I was separated after two months for “not being a cultural fit.”  No warning, no feedback, no specific items outlined to even attempt to work on and adapt.  Colorado is an at will state and should be.  They CMZ has the right to separate at any time for any reason, and should have that ability.

Very low diversity and no initiative to change.  Only onePT person of color.  The pay is low, the benefits are expensive, the workplace is unsafe with a TRIR of OVER 7.0, and it you don’t fit the “culture” expect to be cancelled. 

A typical day at work usually starts with making sure all scheduled employees are in and get to their stations on time. Then I typically work a station if needed, or handle any issues as they arise. I learned a lot about handling teams of employees and resolving customer concerns. My boss was supportive and gave me room to grow with a few helpful tips along the way. My co-workers were like my family, and we rarely had any issues and nothing interfered with our delivery of excellent customer service. The hardest part of the job was helping certain employees refocus their energies if they were not a good fit with our vision. The most enjoyable part of the job was being able to connect people to wildlife and wild places that created memories that would last a lifetime.

Working in retail can be a headache anywhere you go, but the high turnover rate with SSA at CMZoo is crazy. This is very little opportunity for advancement, though they claim to be an "inside hire first" place. Your suggestions are not listened to or valued no matter how long you have worked there. Yes they are flexible with hours, but I say it's not worth it. I have been there for 5 years and been constantly pushing for an advancement in the company for about 2 and a half years. Things are constantly changing, which is nice if you aren't looking to stay at a job like this for more than a year or two. The professionalism is non-existent, until there is a corporate manager on site, which is a rare occurrence. Save yourself the headache and don't work for SSA. 

My job consisted of a lot of physical labor, including cleaning and disinfecting enclosures, moving items, creating enrichment, participating in training, and working on varying projects both independently and with other keepers. I also was able to see the vet clinic and participate in some triage care and checkups. I learned so much from this internship and absolutely loved everyone I worked with and the work environment. I also met so many amazing people that I still keep in contact with! Other than some of the physical work, I think the hardest part of the job was dealing with serious medical or behavioral issues with some of the animals.

This organization will not pay you well, will make you work harder than you have ever worked, and avoid confrontation. They pride themselves on being this wonderful place and make their employees believe that they are lucky to be there and then work them to death. They also aren't interested in training you and expect perfection from day one. People also tend to stay at the zoo forever and so advancement is hard to achieve here. Expect to work Saturdays, evenings, early mornings, forever and when you do advance, expect only a little increase in pay. The only pro is seeing animals. 

This job was the best job I had and I only worked there for a short time I was let go due to COVID but I left with no hard feelings everyone there was incredibly nice and the atmosphere was like a big family on your orientation day they take you around and teach you about everything and take you to all of the important places that are needed to run the zoo if you Do not have the ability to walk long distances or or up steep hills then I would ask and see if they could find a way to help you move around the park easier on any given day be ready to walk 2-12 miles  because I usually stayed in the 7 or 8 mile mark but it can vary

I loved working at the zoo. I was part-time KA. Aside from some communication issues (people not checking emails or answering important radio calls), the staff were all lovely and dedicated. Friendly managers, adaptive schedules for part-timers. 
Not really many opportunities for advancement, but they do often hire internally when full-time positions open up. 
One of the top ranking zoos in the US, treat volunteers really well, like staff. 


I worked for Service Systems Associates at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for a while. The company and benefits were great. I had the opportunity to advance my career within the company. The only bad thing I can say about the company is the way the management conducts themselves. I was often spoken to inappropriately by my manager. Relations between upper management and lower level employees often became inappropriate. By the end of my employment the environment had become hostile.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Zookeeper 6 salaries reported	$22.42 per hour
Guest service agent 3 salaries reported	$16.00 per hour
Philanthropy manager 1 salary reported	$25.00 per hour
First responder 1 salary reported	$17.00 per hour
Security officer 8 salaries reported	$21.48 per hour

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