Primate 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 Primate Animal Care Specialist (Zookeeper) will support Denver Zoo's mission by providing the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry to the Zoo's primate collection. The primate division includes many species of great apes, old world monkeys, new world monkeys, and prosimians. The position requires excellence in husbandry skills, active participation in training and enrichment and involvement in public demonstrations.

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

Priority 2- Collaboration

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

Priority 3- Guest Experience

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

Priority 4- Facilities and Operations

• 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
• Respond to zoo-wide animal related emergencies.
• Coordinate the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Position Conditions

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

Compensation

Range for this position is $17.78-$27.21 hourly.

Benefits

This is a full-time position Denver Zoological Foundation 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.

Application Process and Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by May 30th, 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