Pachyderm Animal Care Specialist (Zookeeper)

Denver Zoo is 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, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Pachyderm Animal Care Specialist (Zookeeper) will support Denver Zoo's mission by assisting in the daily operations of the Pachyderm Building section, including animal care and husbandry, animal presentations, and training staff and volunteers on animal handling. The Pachyderm Building section consists of a variety of species including black rhino, Nile hippo, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goats.

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 paces and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Priority 1- Animal Care

• Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care.
• Maintain proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits and Life Support Systems where appropriate.
• Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
• Provide innovative animal husbandry that follows AZA and USDA standards.
• 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.
• Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Denver Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.

Priority 2- Collaboration

• Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers in standard section routines.
• Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees and work groups.
• Actively participate in conservation and research projects as assigned.
• Cooperate and coordinate with other departments, (e.g., education, maintenance, horticulture) and outside contractors.
• Work closely with other team members to achieve area goals and expectations.
• Maintain professional working relationships with zoo team members.

Priority 3- Guest Experience

• Provide area behind the scenes tours, Up- Close Looks, keeper talks and work special events in area of responsibility as needed.
• Interact with Denver Zoo guests in both formal and informal settings, providing insight about the animals and their care.
• Participate in educational programs as assigned.
• Maintain a professional appearance, following uniform guidelines.

Priority 4- Facilities and Operations

• Coordinate the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.
• Respond to zoo-wide animal related emergencies.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Follow Denver Zoo safety protocols

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus two years of full-time zookeeping experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals (birds, fish, herpetology, or mammals, depending on the specific vacancy) in an AZA-accredited institution. Comparable facilities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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• Associate Degree or equivalent number of college credit hours in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus four years of full-time zookeeping experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals (birds, fish, herpetology, or mammals, depending on the specific vacancy) in an AZA-accredited institution. Comparable facilities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Intern experience within Denver Zoo’s animal department will qualify for the AZA-related years of full-time zookeeping provided at least an Associate degree in biological sciences is held. Intern experience at other institutions will not be considered.

********OR*******

• Individuals without a degree may be considered only with ten or more years of full-time experience at the minimum level of zookeeper involved in the exhibition and husbandry of a variety of exotic animals at an AZA-accredited institution. Comparable facilities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
• 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.

Compensation

Range for this position is $17.78-$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.

Position Conditions

• Negative TB Test
• Clear driving record
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.

Application Process and Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by May 25th, 2023. Review 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