Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Animal Care Specialist- Float: Ectotherms & Animal Ambassadors
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Animal Care Specialist- Float: Ectotherms & Animal Ambassadors
Join to apply for the Animal Care Specialist- Float: Ectotherms & Animal Ambassadors role at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
The Float Animal Care Specialist role will support our mission by ensuring the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of primarily the Zoo's Animal Ambassador collection, as well as species that reside in Tropical Discovery. This role may also involve work with any species housed at the Zoo. The Animal Ambassador division includes a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates, and the team regularly engages guests with live animal handling meet‑and‑greets and training demonstrations. The Tropical Discovery building, an ectotherm‑focused collection, exhibits a diverse array of tropical freshwater and marine fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and some mammals. Excellence in husbandry skills, communication, active participation in training and enrichment, and involvement in public demonstrations are essential to this Float position.
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 for internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
Monitor the 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 (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 & 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 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 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).
Together We’re Wild – Competitive Benefits
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
Application Process & Timelines Resumes / completed applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Float Animal Care Specialist role will support our mission by ensuring the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of primarily the Zoo's Animal Ambassador collection, as well as species that reside in Tropical Discovery. This role may also involve work with any species housed at the Zoo. The Animal Ambassador division includes a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates, and the team regularly engages guests with live animal handling meet‑and‑greets and training demonstrations. The Tropical Discovery building, an ectotherm‑focused collection, exhibits a diverse array of tropical freshwater and marine fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and some mammals. Excellence in husbandry skills, communication, active participation in training and enrichment, and involvement in public demonstrations are essential to this Float position.
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 for internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
Monitor the 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 (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 & 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 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 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).
Together We’re Wild – Competitive Benefits
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
Application Process & Timelines Resumes / completed applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr