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, United, Curious, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Summertime Improvisational Performer works with the Engagement and Entertainment team to facilitate learning through the implementation of improvisational experiences and engagement with guests during DZCA's 130th Celebration. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences (including but not limited to students/children in grades preschool through high school, families, and community groups) and various group sizes. This temporary position will work directly on zoo grounds with the general public. Staff in this role will be entertaining guests through improvised activities inspired by our conservation work. This position will be focused on entertainment learning through hands-on experiences, activity delivery, and enthusiastic interaction with guests. This position has a final date of 9/12/26.
The two roles we are filling with this performer are as follows:
Celebration Squad Ambassador
This role leads a team of DZCA Staff around the campus creating surprise and delight moments for our guests in order to celebrate DZCA's 130th Anniversary. This performer will proactively identify and reward guests with unexpected giveaways throughout the day, facilitate interactive games and guest engagement opportunities, and deliver high value emotional experiences, prioritizing "money can't buy" moments for our guests. This is a high energy, celebration-focused role, where performers must be ready to approach and interact with guests of all ages and demographics to get them excited about their time at DZCA, while also motivating DZCA staff to focus on high-quality guest engagement experiences.
Celebration Squad team members are dispatched across campus. These team members will be tasked with creating memories for those who least expect it. Team members might hand guests a family membership, a souvenir, attraction passes, or gift certificates for the DZCA Store - all free. DZCA Ambassadors would play games with guests to win prizes.
This role runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily, from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with a scheduled clocked-out break from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The Celebration Squad will also run during summer evening extended hours (Fridays and Saturdays through the summer).
Outpost Ranger (official name to come)
This role will work directly with an interpreter from our Guest Engagement staff to foster interactive discovery elements with our guests on the new Colorado Conservation Trail. This role will focus on several core tenets, including: Connect Guests to Local Conservation Impact, Encourage Exploration & Movement Across Campus, Deliver Interactive Family-Friendly Learning, and Blending Play With Purpose. The performer will meet guests at the start of the Trail (the "Trailhead" and "Conservation Ranger Station"), focusing on drawing guests in and getting them excited to explore the area and learn about Colorado Conservation. The goal is to capture guest attention and draw them into the Station, where a Guest Engagement staff member will help teach about the various parts of the Colorado Conservation Trail.
This role is heavily focused on guest interaction and entertainment but will be working very closely with Engagement and education based materials.
This role runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
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
Active Guest Engagement
- Facilitate on-ground atmosphere and enhancement for guests through dynamic presentation of improvised materials. Duties will include personal and public performances, welcoming and speaking with Zoo guests, and encouraging guests to discover the Wonder elements of DZCA.
- Primary function for this role will be to act in two stock roles, namely: acting as our summer Celebration Captain to surprise and delight guests across the Zoo campus; and acting as a guest engagement and entertainment facilitator at our Wild Colorado Outpost.
- Lead guests to discover habitat-based interpretation focused on wonderous experiences, and increase conservation awareness among guests. This role will consist of substantial daily public interaction. Staff will work throughout the campus at outdoor locations.
Program Support
- Create experiential atmosphere through character improvisation and individual performance.
- Prepare, maintain, and clean up daily performance materials and supplies
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Completion of or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Experience in public engagement, including theater with a focus on improvisation. Substantial experience in long-form improvisation required.
- Exposure to working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred; outstanding group management skills.
- Experience providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences.
- Must be a highly-skilled and confident improvisational actor.
- Comfort and confidence in presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
- Affinity for animals and nature.
- Comfortable and experienced engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
- Ability to work by oneself and in a team setting.
- Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn.
Compensation
Hourly rate for this position: $40/hour.
A pay differential will be paid for staff with bilingual fluency in Spanish/English.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- This position requires working up to 20 hours per week.
- On-site guest work regularly from 5/25/26 - 9/12/26.
- Flexibility to support programs as scheduled, including a mix of weekday, weekend, and evening assignments with notice.
Wild Perks
As a seasonal/temporary team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:
- A Family DZCA 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: Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. Candidates will be contacted about possible auditions. DZCA 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 (http://www.denverzoo.org/)
Required
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3 year(s): Long-Form Improvisational Performance
Preferred
Required
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Storytelling
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Creativity
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Active Listening
Preferred
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Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
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Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
