Animal Care Specialist - Tropical Discovery: Stingray Cove

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance•Denver, CO

13d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. This position will support the mission by providing the safe exhibition, handling, training, feeding, and husbandry of animal species at the Zoo. This role will primarily focus on the interactive stingray touch exhibit, including daily husbandry and life support needs. The exhibit currently houses Cownose and Southern rays and small benthic shark species. Additional responsibilities may include leading behind the scenes tours, presenting animal programs, serving on zoo committees, participating in conservation programs, or other assigned duties. There may be opportunities to cross-train into the Tropical Discovery building to support or cover rotations. The Tropical Discovery building exhibits a diverse collection of tropical freshwater and marine fishes, amphibians, venomous reptiles, and some mammals. Scuba certification and prior experience with venomous reptiles are not required but are useful. The team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for animals while creating meaningful experiences for guests. This is a collaborative and innovative environment.

Requirements

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 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.
Familiarity with a variety of light and medium equipment.
Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
Candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
Must be able to provide a Negative TB Test and complete a Rabies Titer.

Nice To Haves

Scuba certification
Prior experience with venomous reptiles

Responsibilities

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.
Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
Implementation of the behavioral program for 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.
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 work groups.
Interact with 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 the area of responsibility as needed.
Participate in educational programs as assigned.
Maintain a professional appearance, following uniform guidelines.
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 health, safety & environmental regulations, procedures, and goals.