Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education and community engagement. Guided by our mission to Inspire Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations, we are committed to creating meaningful experiences that connect people with nature while advancing the highest standard of animal wellbeing, conservation, and operational excellence.
At DZCA, we honor our animals, guests, employees, volunteers and community by conducting ourselves with integrity, professionalism, and respect. Our work is guided by our Core Actions: Safety, Care and Connect, and inspired by our Core Values of being Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative. These principles shape every interaction, decision, and experience across our organization.
The Security Coordinator - Evening/Night Shift provides leadership support and coordination of security operations during evening and overnight hours. This role supports a team of Security Specialists and Officers by ensuring shift coverage, providing training and guidance, and coordinating with other departments and external responders. In the absence of management, this position serves as the on-site lead for incidents, emergency response, and interdepartmental collaboration, including during evening events. This role is also essential in maintaining safety, operational continuity, and guest/staff support during non-business hours.
While shift schedules are subject to change based on operational needs, this position is typically scheduled to work between 12 PM to 12 AM. Scheduled days off are determined by operational requirements and are reviewed regularly to ensure adequate staffing coverage.
Our team is made up of passionate and dedicated professionals committed to protecting people, supporting animal care, and creating safe, memorable experiences for every guest. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact through teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional service in a collaborative and mission driven environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership Support
- Reporting to the Security Manager I, this person serves as the shift supervisor for the Swing and Overnight operations, directing and coordinating the tasks of Security Specialists (II/III) to ensure appropriate staffing, operational continuity, and effective shift performance.
- Oversee daily security operations, including fixed posts, mobile patrols, and Security Command Center functions, while ensuring critical information is communicated to Security leadership during shift transitions.
- Coordinate personnel, equipment, and operational resources to support routine security functions, special events, contractor/vendor access, deliveries, and other after-hour activities.
- Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and customer service-oriented culture by leading through example, promoting professionalism, accountability, and positive guest interactions.
- Provide real-time performance feedback and guidance to team members, document performance observations, and identify training and professional development opportunities.
- Assist Security leadership with employee relation matters by documenting incidents, gathering information, and supporting the resolution of complaints or performance concerns involving Security personnel.
- In the absence of Security leadership, serve as the primary security representative during evening and overnight operations, coordinating with DZCA departments, contractors, vendors and external public safety agencies as needed.
- Collaborate closely with overnight operational partners, including Wildlife Care, Grounds, Facilities Maintenance, Event Teams, Guest Operations, Vendors, to maintain a safe, secure, and well-coordinated campus environment.
Security Operations
- Support shift coverage by performing duties of Security Officer II/III or Specialist as needed.
- Respond to calls and incidents; implement emergency procedures and support coordination with public safety responders.
- Administer first aid in accordance with departmental training and procedures, coordinate with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and facilitate an effective response to medical emergencies.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for the DZCA by aiding and ensuring a welcoming environment for guests and staff.
- Conduct preliminary incident investigations by gathering facts, interviewing involved parties, collecting evidence, and preparing clear, accurate, and comprehensive incident reports.
- Assist with issuance, tracking and distribution of employee identification badges and facility keys in accordance with established security procedures.
- Support campus safety operations by assisting with snow and ice removal and other activities that promote safe conditions for guests, employees, volunteers and vendors/contractors.
Emergency Response
- Serve as an on-scene lead during emergencies in the absence of department leadership providing operational direction until relieved by a supervisor or higher authority.
- Assume the role of Incident Commander, when appropriate, and establish or integrate into Unified Command with fire, law enforcement, EMS, and other responding agencies in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
- Respond to emergencies by fulfilling assigned Incident Command System (ICS) roles, coordinating resources, maintaining situational awareness, and supporting safe and effective resolution of incidents.
Staff Training
- Provide shift-based instruction on policies, procedures, systems use, First Aid/CPR/AED, and de-escalation techniques, and operational best practices.
- Mentor and develop Security Officer III team members by enhancing their instructional, leadership, and field training capabilities.
- Lead and coordinate on-the-job training (OJT) for newly hired Security Specialists II, ensuring successful integration into departmental operations and performance expectations.
- Monitor, evaluate, and document trainee progress; provide constructive feedback to trainees and supervisors, and recommend additional training or development as needed.
- Maintain accurate and organized training records to support compliance, certification requirements, and employee development.
- Identify opportunities to enhance training programs, standard operating procedures, and instructional materials through continuous evaluation and feedback.
Shift Coordination & Administration
- Maintain and adjust shift schedules; review time-off requests, ensure post coverage, and monitor break compliance.
- Review timecards; track leave requests and attendance for assigned team members.
- Contribute to the refinement of departmental procedures, plans, and training content.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as designated by department leaders, 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.
- Staff Coordination: Guide, support, and coordinate the daily work of Security Specialists (Level I) and Security Officers (Levels II and III); provide on-the-job training, shift oversight, and peer leadership while supporting departmental standards and objectives.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:
- Completion of a high school degree or equivalent is required.
- Two or more years of experience required in civilian or military security, safety, loss prevention, or law enforcement, interacting effectively with emotional guests and employees to provide resolutions, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills. Experience working in a high-volume, customer-focused venue or attraction, and/or working in a non-profit, is preferred. Previous supervisory experience is required.
- Preference for candidates to have experience with ICS/NIMS, emergency management, crisis response, de-escalation, or large-venue incident command.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with CCTV, electronic access control systems, incident documentation platforms, and visitor management systems is also required.
- Strong ability to coordinate and lead day-to-day shift operations, including assigning posts, managing shift coverage, and acting as the point of contact for swing and overnight security needs.
- Skilled in decision-making and situational assessment in active environments; demonstrates sound judgment and calm under pressure during incidents and emergencies.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with guests, staff, volunteers, contractors, and public safety officials in a professional and welcoming manner.
- Knowledge of standard security procedures, including patrols, access control, incident investigation, and emergency response protocols.
- Ability to give constructive feedback and support staff while fostering a culture of teamwork, professionalism, safety, and guest service during swing and overnight operations.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams; adaptable to changing priorities and operational needs.
- Capable of handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Preferred experience includes coaching or training others and working collaboratively with departments in direct or matrixed relationships.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and one or more additional languages is considered an asset and enhances the ability to serve our diverse community.
Position Conditions
- Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s vehicle operation standards.
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination, comprehensive background investigation, and drug and alcohol screening.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a City and County of Denver Security Guard License within the required timeframe following employment.
- Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds as part of the essential functions of the position.
- Schedule Availability: Ability to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with occasional overtime shifts.
- Ability to patrol and traverse an 80-acre campus for extended periods, including standing and walking for up to eight (8) hours per shift while working in varying outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow and wind.
- Required to obtain and maintain certification in Stop the Bleed, First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant) within 3 months of hire. All required training and certification are provided and maintained by Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
Compensation
The range for this position is $29.81 - $36.52 (hourly).
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits:
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking and so much more.
Application Process and Timelines
Application Deadline: August 5, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. 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/)
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.
