Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core ActionsInspire 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 Australasia will support our mission by ensuring the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of the Zoo's Australasia collection. This division includes a diverse range of species, including wallabies, kangaroos, tree kangaroos, gibbons, otters, flying foxes, fishing cats, clouded leopards, sarus cranes, and some reptiles. This role requires excellence in husbandry skills, active participation in training and enrichment, and involvement in public demonstrations. We are seeking a candidate with both experience and a deep passion for working with these species.
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
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.
- Monitor physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
- Implement the behavioral program for 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 workgroups.Guest Experience
Interact with DZCA guests in both formal and informal settings, providing insight into the animals and their care.Provide area behind-the-scenes tours, up-close looks, keeper talks, and special events in areas 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 DZCA safety protocols.Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental, and 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 a science-based field, or animal behavior / psychology required, or in a related fieldZookeeper 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 the individual is assigned.Work on weekends and holidays is 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 to 50 lbs.Negative TB Test.Rabies Titer.Compensation
The range for this position is $23.58 - $28.90 (hourly).
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 coverageGenerous paid time off : vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidaysA Family Plus Denver Zoo MembershipConcession and retail discountsApplication Process & Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by May 8th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 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
Equal Opportunity Employer
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