Animal Care Specialist- Float: Ectotherms & Animal Ambassadors

Denver Zoological Foundation • Full-time • Denver, Colorado, United States • USD $23 - USD $28 / hour • 2d ago

The Float Animal Care Specialist role will support our mission by ensuring the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of primarily the Zoo's Animal Ambassador collection, as well as the species that reside in Tropical Discovery. However, there could be times where this role works with any species housed at the Zoo. The Animal Ambassador division includes a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates and this team is regularly out in the zoo engaging guests with live animal handling meet & greets and training demonstrations. The Tropical Discovery building, which is primarily an ectotherm focused collection exhibits a diverse collection of tropical freshwater and marine fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and some mammals. This Float role requires excellence in husbandry skills, communication, active participation in training and enrichment, and involvement in public demonstrations.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Care

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.

Collaboration

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 workgroups.

Guest Experience

Interact with DZCA guests in both formal and informal settings, providing insight into the animals and their care.
Provide area behind-the-scenes tours, up-close looks, keeper talks, and special events in areas of responsibility as needed.
Participate in educational programs as assigned.
Maintain a professional appearance, following uniform guidelines.

Facilities and Operations

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 environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.

Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications:

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 a 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.
Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.

Position Conditions:

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

Compensation:

The range for this position is $23.58 - $28.90 (hourly).

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership
Concession and retail discounts

Application Process & Timelines:

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position before this date.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer
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