Animal Care Specialist- Marine Mammal Section (Zookeeper)

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves with integrity through our Core Actions: Inspire Awe, Safety, Care, and Connect, and by embracing our Core Values: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Marine Mammal Animal Care Specialist contributes to the daily operations within their assigned area, which will primarily include our new sea lion section.  It may also include at times Harmony Hill, The Edge, and/or Predator Ridge.  This role is responsible for providing safe and exceptional habitats, nutrition, training, behavior, and welfare for animal species at the zoo.  After the required certification process, this role may also be responsible for diving the exhibit for cleaning or husbandry purposes.  The Carnivore areas include California sea lions, Amur and Sumatran tigers, grizzly bear, raccoons, Geoffroy’s cat, spotted hyena, African lions, and African wild dogs.

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 Denver Zoo Membership
• Concession and retail discounts

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care

• Provide innovative animal husbandry that follows AZA and USDA standards.
• Maintain proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits and Life Support Systems where appropriate.
• Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted DZCA practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
• Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
• Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care.
• Record data and prepare assigned reports/records, (i.e. daily reports, enclosure logs, facility logs, water quality logs, etc.) and other pertinent data on the collection and facilities as required.

Collaboration

• Work closely with other team members to achieve area goals and expectations.
• Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers in standard section routines.
• Cooperate and coordinate with other departments, (e.g., education, maintenance, horticulture) and outside contractors.
• Maintain professional working relationships with zoo team members.
• Actively participate in conservation and research projects as assigned.
• Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees and work groups.

Guest Experience

• Interact with guests in both formal and informal settings, providing insight about the animals and their care.
• Provide area behind the scenes tours, Up- Close Looks, keeper talks and work special events in area of responsibility as needed.
• Participate in educational programs as assigned.
• Maintain a professional appearance, following uniform guidelines.

Facilities and Operations

• Respond to zoo-wide animal related emergencies.
• Coordinate the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.
• Follow all DZCA safety protocols
• Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.

Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications

A total of 6 years' combined experience between education AND zookeeper experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals in an AZA-accredited institution

• Degree in Zoo Animal Technology, Biology or science-based field, or animal behavior/psychology required, or in a related field
• Zookeeper experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals in an AZA-accredited institution.
• Ability, with proper training, to work in all aspects of animal care, husbandry and training within the department in which individual is assigned.
• Ability to operate a variety of light and medium equipment.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Schedule: Work on weekends and holidays is required.
• Work Location: On campus.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Clear driving record
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Negative TB Test
• Rabies Titer

Compensation

The range for this position is $23.59-$28.89 (hourly).

Application Process & Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by January 21, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

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.

DZCA 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

Salary : $24 - $29