Animal Keeper- Rocky Mountain Highlands

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Animal Keeper- Rocky Mountain Highlands

Position : Animal Keeper (Rocky Mountain Wild, Asian Highlands, African Lions)

Salary : Annual wage ranges from $42,442 - $47,742 depending on professional experience.

Benefits : This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; eligibility for the bonus program; and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

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Do you have a passion for data-driven and purposeful animal care, carnivores of all sizes (but mostly big cats), connecting guests to animals, and promoting methods on how to live responsibly with native wildlife?

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is seeking an Animal Keeper to join our dynamic Rocky Mountain Wild / Asian Highlands team, home to an array of charismatic species : grizzly bears, Alaskan moose, a band of 3 mischievous raccoons, North American river otters, bald eagle, Mexican wolves, Cougars, Canada lynx, North American porcupine, African lions, Amur tiger, red panda, Amur leopard, snow leopard and even some greenback cut-throat trout for fish enthusiasts.

This area is a place for people who thrive in a high pace, ambitious, safety conscious environment. One must love being outdoors no matter the season and have a hunger for pursuing the next level of animal care vs sticking to the status-quo.

What Work Looks Like :

Work with your teammates to provide top-notch daily care, environmental maintenance and

enhancements, and training for a diverse group of animals.

Design and deliver unforgettable moments for Zoo guests - Keeper chats, Demos, Behind-the-

Scenes Tours, Defining Moments (impromptu guest / animal interactions intending to be a

pivotal moment that leads to an appreciation of wildlife) and interactive learning experiences.

This area is the most requested section of the Zoo for behind the scenes experiences and animal

encounters. A passion for sharing animals with others in a professional, safe, and fun manner is

critical.

Operant conditioning training, environmental enrichment, initiating data driven animal

wellbeing enhancements, cleaning / maintaining exhibits and enclosures and thorough record

keeping.

New hires must pass training and certification with two lock - two key system, utilize lockout

procedures when required, and follow communication strategies around safety protocols within

the assigned dangerous animal facilities.

Maintain a strong, team-based relationship with our veterinary staff and provide the highest

standard of medical care.

Who You Are :

A dedicated animal care professional with at least five years of paid zoo experience (preferred).

At least two years of paid carnivore experience and if some of that is North American species

specific, that is a bonus!

Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field? Great! However, experience matters just as much.

Confident when working around dangerous carnivores in a protected contact setting - safely,

calmly, with a high level of respect for each species and what they are capable of.

Curious, observant and quick thinking. Someone who is solution oriented and leans into the

credo of, 'See something, say something'.

Great at talking to humans - whether they are co-workers, teens, interns or curious Zoo guests.

A person with a sense of humor and appreciation for team harmony.

Ready to add your personal skill-set to a team that celebrates a diversity of personal strengths

and interests.

Available to work weekends, occasional evenings, holidays and flexibility as needed. In this

position, you will have two consecutive days off each week.

A person who takes ownership and pride in the area, their team and responsibilities. Someone

who supports team goals and recognizes that team success is just as important as individual

achievements.

Perks of the Job :

Work on the side of a mountain with native species that thrive in the natural environment. We

offer all the fresh air you can ask for, exquisite views and exhibits that feel like you are on a hike

in the woods.

Be part of a team that is willing to try / test new things and ask questions that will push our

profession forward - all while adhering to the fundamental belief that the animals at the Zoo are

our co-workers - in the effort to promote conservation and appreciation in the natural world.

Make a difference in education, animal wellbeing and conservation every single day.

Experience Required

Five years of paid zoo experience (preferred). At least two years of paid carnivore experience and if some of that is North American species specifically

Salary

$42,442 - $47,742

How to Apply

Please apply through Ineed

No Phone Calls Please

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo rd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Phone : (719)633-9925

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