Emergency Preparedness Manager presso Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

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.

The Emergency Preparedness Manager is a key strategic leader within the Security Department, responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive emergency management programs and procedures. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role fosters a culture of safety and preparedness across the organization. As a campus-wide collaborator, the Emergency Preparedness Manager leads risk assessments, emergency planning, training, and coordination with internal departments and external agencies. While not a direct supervisory role, this position operates at a strategic level, influencing cross-functional initiatives and ensuring operational continuity through proactive planning and response readiness.

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

Emergency Planning & Risk Readiness

• Lead the development, maintenance, and refinement of the Zoo’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and hazard-specific protocols.
• Conduct regular risk and vulnerability assessments for campus operations and special events.
• Collaborate with departments and leadership to identify risks, close gaps, and align emergency plans with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate post-incident debriefs and after-action reviews to drive continuous improvement.

Training & Exercises

• Design and deliver emergency preparedness training, tabletop exercises, and full-scale drills in partnership with Public Safety, Conservation Sciences, and Occupational Health & Safety teams.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training standards (e.g., ICS, CPR/AED) and maintain accurate records.
• Build internal capacity by supporting the training of shift-level staff and other responders.

Incident Support & Response Coordination

• Provide real-time support during emergencies, assisting Shift Supervisors and Security leadership with coordination, communication, and documentation.
• Manage and maintain emergency alert systems, including mass notification and weather monitoring platforms.
• Oversee the readiness of emergency signage, kits, and resources across the campus.

Systems & Equipment Management

• Serve as administrator for emergency notification and weather monitoring systems; manage vendor relationships, renewals, and staff training.
• Maintain and inspect emergency response kits, first aid supplies, and the First Aid Room to ensure operational readiness.
• Track equipment lifecycle, coordinate repairs or replacements, and manage inventory restocking.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal emergency preparedness standards (e.g., FEMA, OSHA, AZA).
• Maintain planning documents, training logs, drill records, and annual preparedness reports.
• Serve as a point of contact during audits or reviews related to emergency planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & External Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with local emergency services and public safety agencies (e.g., Denver Police, Fire, OEM, DHS).
• Represent the Security Department in cross-departmental meetings and planning committees.
• Promote a Zoo-wide culture of safety through awareness campaigns and preparedness communications.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of the best practices and trends in emergency management, risk management, and private security.
• As needed, fills in for Security Specialist or Security Officer positions to ensure campus coverage.
• Other assistance, as designated by department leaders, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA reserves the right to add to, modify, or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Serves as an integral member of the Security Department’s leadership team, providing guidance and support to staff, volunteers, and guests, especially in the absence of department directors and managers. Offers direction and coordination during emergency responses, acting as a campus-wide resource and leader in incident management. While not a direct supervisor, this role influences team performance and promotes adherence to safety protocols through collaboration and expertise.
• Assist in the development of budgets for emergency preparedness programs. Assist in identifying and securing grant funding for security and emergency preparedness initiatives. Acts as a good steward of DZCA resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• 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

• 2-year degree in emergency management, public administration, or related field preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Post-secondary training in emergency management is strongly preferred. 

Those with AEM, CEM, MEP/HSEEP, or similar certifications are strongly encouraged to apply. 

• Three or more years of experience required in emergency management, private security, public safety, military, or related discipline. Experience developing and updating plans, procedures, training, and drills/exercises required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are required. 
• Knowledge of creating comprehensive emergency operation plans, response procedures, and recovery procedures.
• Working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) is required. Experience using ICS in a campus setting is preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience with rapidly evaluating situations, making quick decisions, and reacting calmly in emergencies.
• Knowledge of technical practices, including emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, crisis communications, risk assessment, intelligence, surveillance, and/or behavioral assessment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, managers, executives, contractors, or public safety personnel. 
• Experience interpreting local, county, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Requires superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and the 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. 
• Must have good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy. 
• Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of programs who is comfortable working and collaborating with a broad cross-section of people in direct and matrixed relationships to drive programs to meet strategic goals.

Licenses/Certifications: 

• Required to obtain and maintain Instructor Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant) within 3 months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• Successful completion of ICS 100, 200, and 300, as well as NIMS 700 and 800 required within the past 24 months or within 120 days of hire.
• HSEEP Certification is required within twelve (12) months of hire. 

Position Conditions

• To support our security 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 physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to obtain a Denver Security License.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to move (80 acres) and/or stand up to 8 hours daily in adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain, snow, or extreme heat.
• Required to obtain and maintain certification in Stop the Bleed, First Aid, CPR, and AED (Adult/Child/Infant) within 3 months of hire and maintain throughout employment. (Provided and maintained through the organization).
• Schedule Availability: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including one weekend (Saturday/Sunday) day per week. Occasional holidays & evenings as needed. Ability to participate in a rotating on-call schedule.  The Security Department is a 24/7/365 operation that requires flexibility in engaging all team members across multiple shifts.
• Work Location: On campus. 

Compensation
The range for this position is $6,852 - $8,669 (monthly). Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family-Plus 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: October 23, 2025. 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