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 of 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 Lead Animal Care Specialist- Birds will support the Denver Zoo’s mission by assisting in the daily operations of the bird department which includes animal care and husbandry, staff training and goal setting, and helping to shape and drive our animal training and enrichment program. The bird department consist of a variety of bird species such as Gruiformes, psittacine, and penguins to name a few. A successful candidate will work hands on fulfilling normal animal care duties with additional responsibilities as well. Additional responsibilities will include, but not limited to, creating weekly staff schedules, submitting/tracking work orders, coordinate research projects, manage tour request, coordinate maintenance projects, and help train new staff/ volunteers.
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 – Animal Care
- Maintain an animal training program that is in line with the training philosophy of the Zoo and AZA standards.
- Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Denver Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, and normal routines.
- Provide tours of animal areas, conduct keeper talks, and participate in special events.
- Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers.
- Coordinate the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when working in animal areas.
- Assist with scheduling, work orders, work alert systems, planning, and organization.
- Perform animal care, cleaning, and other Zookeeper duties.
Priority 2 – Compliance
- Monitor and comply with guidelines for the management and care of animals.
Priority 3 – Collaboration
- Collaborate with, and act as point of contact for, the Curator, Assistant Curator, or assigned Duty Officer.
- Collaborate with other departments and outside contractors relative to animal handling.
- Act as the Denver Zoo representative to the AZA.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- A total of 8 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.
Education: Degree in Zoo Animal Technology, Biology or science-based field, or animal behavior/psychology required, or in a related field
Experience: 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.
- Work on weekends and holidays are required.
- Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
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.
- TB test.
Compensation
Range for this position is $22.21-$27.21 (hourly).
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
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by July 10, 2023 Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo 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.
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