• Job Description

  Req#: REGIO001620

  Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission: Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

  Denver Zoo 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 Asia Conservation Director will lead Denver Zoo's mission and goals through strong program-level leadership in the management and development of a comprehensive portfolio of field conservation projects based in Asia. With the Director of International Field Conservation, they will develop, implement and oversee Denver Zoo’s engagement in Asia and play a vital role in expanding and diversifying Denver Zoo’s presence on the continent. The Asia Conservation Director will identify and recommend new initiatives in Asia (in addition to any existing projects) that align with the new International Field Conservation strategy and conservation action campaigns. With the ultimate goal of project sustainability, the Conservation Director will work at the community level to co-create effective, long-term plans that leverage local knowledge systems and values, and support capacity-strengthening to improve the status of ecological and human well-being. In addition to managing operations in-situ, this position will also work to represent the efforts happening in the field to our staff and volunteers and our on-campus and virtual experiences for our guests.

  All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Denver Zoo does not sponsor work visas.

  Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

  Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  Priority 1 - Field Conservation Program Management

  • Develop, implement (where applicable) and manage Asia-based field programs with locally -led partner organizations to support holistic conservation strategies and maximize conservation impact.
  • Identify new conservation opportunities, and collaborate across departments, with focus on species that align with the Field Conservation strategy as well as the species in our care.
  • Develop and operationalize robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for future field conservation efforts, including research, protection/restoration, community engagement and education.

  Priority 2 – Research & Eco-health

  • With partners in Asia, conduct and guide ecological research and engage other disciplines to advise on initiatives that support and promote the human dimensions of conservation strategies.
  • Translate scientific research into practical conservation action and disseminate to appropriate audiences.
  • With partners in Asia, support a strong and collaborative in-situ team, with the goal of strengthening and sustaining a regional network of expertise.
  • Coordinate partners from relevant in situ and ex situ organizations in research and conservation interventions to ensure that collective actions are properly evaluated, scheduled, implemented and reported.

  Priority 3 – Conservation Leadership

  • Actively contribute wildlife conservation expertise in the planning and design of new and existing exhibits at the zoo, serving as a champion for innovative and inspiring educational experiences on campus that reflect field conservation projects.
  • Work collaboratively with the Conservation Engagement, Conservation Learning, Community Research and Evaluation, and Community Engagement teams to ensure alignment of field conservation projects, outreach and educational programs, on- and off-campus.
  • Work with relevant IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups to build alignment and optimize conservation actions between zoos/aquariums/botanic gardens and national species experts.

  Other Responsibilities and Duties

  • Other assistance, as designated by the Director of International Field Conservation to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
  • Oversee hiring, training, management, coaching, development, and performance reviews for Field team members, and Zoo staff
  • Work with Denver Zoo’s Field Conservation team to develop, track, and manage the annual Asia-based conservation project budgets. Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
  • The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
  • 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. This position has a high level of contact with researchers, ranchers, tribes, universities, NGOs, national government agencies, and local governments.

  Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in a conservation-related discipline or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Requires minimum of 5 years of experience in leading or supporting projects in Asia, with a preference for candidates who were based or have worked in several Asian countries, preferably Southeast Asia; experience with working within conservation partnerships, for alliances with local conservation organizations is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
  • Proven computer skills including statistical software and GIS preferred. Familiarity with relevant global databases relevant to prioritizing DZ conservation efforts in Asia.
  • Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and 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 superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
  • Must be a strong communicator and a coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broad cross-section of people in direct and matrixed relationships. Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred.
  • Must have proficient skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.
  • Diplomacy at confronting personal, individual, and internal discrimination requiring sharing and discussing personal identities relative to the work environment strongly preferred.

  Position Conditions

  • Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
  • Licenses/Certifications: Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications preferred.
  • Clear Driving record.
  • Work Location: Denver-based, on campus.
  • Schedule Availability: Ability to work, at times, irregular hours

  Compensation

  Range for this position is $5,206 - $6,508 (monthly).

  Benefits

  This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

  Application Process and Timelines

  Application deadline: September 25th, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

  All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Denver Zoo does not sponsor work visas.

  Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

  Denver Zoo 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

• About the company

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