Seasonal Animal Care Specialist

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 of Inspiring 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.

The Seasonal Animal Care Specialist will support DZCA’s mission by providing the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry to the Zoo’s collection animals. The position will also support guest engagement goals, including public demonstrations and talks. All Seasonal Animal Care Specialists will be expected to regularly interact with guests of various ages, as well as other staff and volunteers. Applicants will be asked to rank these areas in order of preference later in the application:

• Animal Ambassadors- includes a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. The primary duty in this area will be to engage guests on grounds daily through live animal handling meet and greets. General husbandry tasks like cleaning and diet preparation will also be part of this role.
• Australasia- includes clouded leopards, gibbons, Asian small-clawed otters, Geoffroy’s cat, fishing cat, macropods, and some birds and reptiles
• Birds- includes supporting public program for an interactive lorikeet feeding experience, African penguin demonstrations, and flamingo activations, as well as supporting a diverse bird collection of ratites, water birds, cranes, raptors, hornbills, a large variety of soft-bill species, and an avian propagation center
• Carnivores- includes Amur and Sumatran tigers, grizzly bear, raccoons, lions, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, serval, and California sea lions
• Hoofstock- includes a diverse collection of antelope, equid, giraffe, avian and camelid species
• Pachyderms- includes black rhino, Nile hippo, greater one-horned rhino, Malayan tapir, red river hogs, and bighorn sheep
• Primates- includes great apes, Old World monkeys, New World moneys, prosimians, some birds and other small mammal species
• Tropical Discovery- includes a variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and some mammals

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 paced and innovative culture, DZCA is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adheres to and promotes DZCA’s mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards
• Provide reliable, competent animal care through:
  • Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
  • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
  • Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care.
  • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
  • Handling and restraining animals appropriately.
  • Assisting with veterinary care and medical follow-up as needed.
  • Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
  • Provide proper care for eggs, neonates and young.
• Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted DZCA practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
• Enhance breeding possibilities through the recommendation and implementation of approved animal management techniques such as breeding efforts, behavioral enrichment, and operant conditioning.
• Interact with DZCA guests in both formal and informal settings, providing insight about the animals and their care.
• Provide area tours, keeper talks and work special events in area of responsibility as needed.
• Coordinate the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.
• 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.
• Use appropriate equipment to perform essential duties.
• Cooperate and coordinate with other departments, (e.g., education, maintenance, horticulture) and outside contractors.
• Maintain professional working relationships with zoo team members and maintain a professional appearance.
• Actively participate in conservation, research projects, and educational programs as requested.
• Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees and work groups.
• Follow safety protocols.
• Demonstrates a commitment to DZCA's Safety & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to successfully complete multiple tasks within deadlines.
• Ability to work outside in varying climates.
• Performs various tasks as assigned.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications:

• Working towards, or completion of, a degree in Zoo Animal Technology, Biology, or science-based field, or animal behavior/psychology required, or in a related field
• Experience with exotic animal care is required. Previous experience with at an AZA-accredited institution is highly preferred.
• 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 is required.

Position Conditions:

• A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.
• To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check, pre-employment drug & alcohol screen.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Clear driving record.
• TB Test

Compensation:

$19.30 per hour.

Wild Perks:

As a seasonal team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:

• A Family DZCA Membership – Bring your crew and explore!
• Exclusive Discounts – Save on concessions and retail.
• Sick Time Accrual – Because your well-being matters.
• 403(b) Retirement Account – Plan for your future.

Length of Position and Hours:

This seasonal, hourly position will begin in March 2026 and go through the month of October 2026. Hours will be scheduled on a weekly basis as determined by work group, with occasional additional hours for special circumstances or events. Applicants must be available to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.

Application Process and Timelines:

Resumes, cover letters, and completed applications must be submitted by January 14, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Please provide a cover letter to be considered for this position.

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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