Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Animal Care Specialist - Carnivores
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
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Animal Care Specialist - Carnivores
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Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance .
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission to inspire communities to save wildlife for future generations. DZCA 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.
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 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
Minimum 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; or related field.
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 up 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
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
403(b) retirement account with employer match.
Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays.
Family DZCA Membership.
Concession and retail discounts.
Application Process & Timelines Resumes/Completed applications must be submitted by January 19, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position before 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.
Senior level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Other. Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos.
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Animal Care Specialist - Carnivores
role at
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance .
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission to inspire communities to save wildlife for future generations. DZCA 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.
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 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
Minimum 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; or related field.
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 up 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
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
403(b) retirement account with employer match.
Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays.
Family DZCA Membership.
Concession and retail discounts.
Application Process & Timelines Resumes/Completed applications must be submitted by January 19, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position before 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.
Senior level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Other. Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos.
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