Security Manager I at Denver Zoo in Denver, CO

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 Manager I ensures a safe and secure environment for all guests, employees, animals, and assets at DZCA while delivering exceptional guest service. This role leads the daily operations of the Security Department, supervising teams across all shifts and actively managing responses to incidents and emergencies. As a leader in the zoo’s safety culture, they drive staff performance through training, drills, mentorship, and accountability, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution of safety and security protocols. This position requires flexibility to work a combination of day and swing shifts.

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

• Lead, mentor, and coach Security Coordinators (Shift Supervisors) and their teams across all shifts.
• Serve as Security Manager On-Duty, overseeing full-time, part-time, temporary, and contract security personnel.
• Manage daily department operations and ensure timely, accurate execution of zoo-wide security support requests.
• Oversee all aspects of staffing, including recruitment, interviews, onboarding, scheduling, payroll, and offboarding. Use the applicant tracking system to manage candidate pipelines and coordinate hiring processes.
• Regularly audit dispatch logs, patrol reports, lost and found records, and departmental work orders.
• Review and approve shift schedules, training documentation, evaluations, and disciplinary actions submitted by supervisors.
• Conduct and document routine post checks and site inspections across all shifts.
• Track, analyze, and report on departmental performance metrics.
• Provide administrative support to the Security Operations Manager II and Senior Director of Security as needed.

First Responder

• Act as Manager-on-Duty in the absence of senior leadership, supervising frontline security operations.
• Respond directly to incidents and fill frontline roles as necessary.
• Serve as an on-scene Incident Commander during emergencies, coordinating with public safety agencies and operating within the Incident Command System.

Security Operations

• Respond to zoo emergencies in alignment with established protocols.
• Schedule and manage payroll for off-duty law enforcement officers as required.
• Maintain and update departmental policies, procedures, post orders, and training materials.
• Approve ID badge requests, access control changes, and key distributions.
• Review incident reports and coordinate CCTV footage retention.
• Conduct follow-up investigations and prepare detailed reports as needed.
• Ensure proper maintenance, use, and inventory of all security vehicles, carts, and equipment.
• Manage uniform distribution, replacements, and compliance with dress standards; maintain accurate issuance records.

Training & Exercises

• Serve as the department’s Training Coordinator, overseeing all training content, delivery, and records.
• Mentor staff in training delivery and maintain comprehensive, current training materials.
• Partner with the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to plan and evaluate emergency drills and exercises.
• Prepare Coordinators and Officer III staff to lead training sessions for department and zoo personnel.
• Track training completion and report on outcomes.
• Deliver presentations on safety and security topics to staff and volunteers.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as a departmental lead in the absence of other Security leadership, support team planning, goal setting, and professional development.
• Lead by example to inspire and motivate Security Specialists, Officers, and Shift Supervisors.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with Security and cross-departmental leaders.
• Represent DZCA and the Security Department professionally in internal teams and public-facing roles.
• Maintain knowledge of industry best practices in security, risk management, and training.
• Fill in for Security Specialists or Officers as needed to maintain coverage.
• Support snow and ice removal operations as required.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general educational degree (GED) and 3+ years of related experience and/or training, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience in civilian or military security, safety, loss prevention, law enforcement, public safety, or a related field — or a combination of relevant experience, lived experience, and/or specialized skills.
• Supervisory or leadership experience is highly preferred, including direct oversight of staff and experience coaching, training, mentoring, and providing performance feedback.
• Experience in a high-volume, guest-facing environment or attraction is preferred; nonprofit experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree in business administration, criminal justice, education, or a related field.
• Military or law enforcement background, ideally with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience developing or facilitating staff training and/or knowledge of adult learning methodologies.
• Prior experience managing large or diverse teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Must be flexible, self-motivated, and collaborative.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and diplomacy. Strong communicator and people developer who inspires and engages individuals across diverse teams and reporting structures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with CCTV, access control systems, visitor management platforms, and incident documentation systems also required.
• Skilled at quickly assessing situations, making informed decisions, and maintaining composure under pressure.
• Familiarity with interpreting laws, regulations, and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

Position Conditions

• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, possess a Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License with a clear driving record, required within 3 months of hire and maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a City and County of Denver Security Guard License, required within 3 months of hire and maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds as part of the essential functions of the position.
• 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 certifications are provided and maintained by DZCA.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination, comprehensive background investigation, and drug and alcohol screening.
• Schedule Availability: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday), with occasional evening and holiday shifts. Participation in a rotating on-call schedule isrequired. As a 24/7/365 operation, availability across all shifts is essential.
• 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.

Compensation The range for this position is $5,672 to $7,090.00 (monthly).

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 7, 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