Security Manager at Denver Zoo Denver

Security Manager I job at Denver Zoo. Denver, CO.

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 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.

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

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  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…