Facility
Denver Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
At Denver Zoo, our mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. We are a respected leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental education and public service.
Summary:
This position advances the mission of Denver Zoo by providing the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of animal species at the Zoo. Denver Zoo is currently seeking applicants for an animal care staff member position in the Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit. This exhibit is home to Asian elephants, greater one horned rhinos, Malayan tapirs, several species of carnivores, herptiles, and birds. The area also includes a separate exhibit area that is home to hippos and black rhinos and partners with the zoo’s predator team. The selected candidate in this case will work primarily to exclusively in the pachyderm subdivision with a focus on rhinos and tapirs. The exhibit is based on a rotational design concept with a great deal of shared space making it critical that the entire group can function as one team regardless of their area of specialization.
Essential Functions:
•Adheres to and promotes Denver Zoo’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:
oPreparation and feeding of approved diets.
oMonitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
oImplementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care.
oDesigning and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
oHandling and restraining animals appropriately.
oAssisting with veterinary care and medical follow-up as needed.
oUtilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
oProvide proper care for eggs, neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
•Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Denver Zoo 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/training, etc.
•Interact with Denver Zoo 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.
•Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers in standard section routines.
•Respond to zoo-wide animal related emergencies.
•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 Denver Zoo safety protocols.
•Demonstrates a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Safety & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
•Value and consistently apply Denver Zoo’s ROADMAP (Reaching Our Audiences by Developing Mission Aligned Programs) process and resources in engaging and educating guests at Denver Zoo.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Performs various duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
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.
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•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.
•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.
•Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
•Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
•Clear driving record.
Licensure and Certification:
•Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License within three months of hiring.
Compensation and benefits
This is a regular full-time position with excellent benefits including complete medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan and a generous vacation package.
Application instructions
Please apply via the Denver Zoo website:
http://www.denverzoo.org/jobs-internships
OR
https://denverzoo.iapplicants.com/admin_listjobs.php?viewid=732971