Security Manager I

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance•Denver, CO

1d•$5,672 - $7,090•Onsite

About The Position

The 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!

Requirements

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.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with CCTV, access control systems, visitor management platforms, and incident documentation systems also required.
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.
Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination, comprehensive background investigation, and drug and alcohol screening.

Nice To Haves

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.
Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.