Denver Zoois 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, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Animal Care Specialist -Aquatics/Reptiles (Zookeeper) will support Denver Zoo’s mission by providing the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of animal species at the Zoo.This position works in the Tropical Discovery building, which exhibits a diverse collection of tropical freshwater and marine fishes, amphibians, reptiles and some mammals. The primary responsibilities will include rotating through all aquatic and terrestrial sections of the building. After training and certification, the candidate will also be required to work venomous snakes and respond during emergencies. Additional responsibilities include leading behind the scenes tours, presenting animal programs, serving on various zoo committees, participating in conservation programs, and performing water quality testing. Scuba certification and prior experience with venomous reptiles is not required, but preferred.
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
- 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 Denver Zoo 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.
Priority 2- 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.
Priority 3- Guest Experience
- Interact with Denver Zoo 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.
Priority 4- 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 Denver Zoo safety protocols
- Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo’s 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.
- 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.
- Negative TB Test
- Rabies Titer
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 & Timeline
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by November 16th, 2023Review 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