Animal Care Specialist II - Floater

Socket.dev; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

403(b) retirement with employer match

Generous paid time off

Discounted tickets and DZCA membership

Free parking

Job summary

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) seeks an Animal Care Specialist II - Floater to support all Animal Care teams, ensuring safe exhibition, feeding, and husbandry of diverse species at the Zoo.

Candidates must meet AZA/USDA standards and possess a Bachelor's or Associate degree with relevant zookeeping experience, or equivalent years of experience; flexible weekend shifts required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus two years of full-time zookeeping experience in an AZA-accredited institution.
• 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 an AZA-accredited institution.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide animal husbandry that complies with AZA and USDA standards.
• Design and maintain enclosures/props/exhibits and Life Support Systems where appropriate.
• Assist with veterinary care and preventative health as needed.
• Train interns and volunteers in standard routines.
• Respond to zoo-wide animal related emergencies.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field

Associate Degree or equivalent number of college credit hours in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field

Job description

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.

DZCAhonors 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 Animal Care Specialist II - Floater advances DZCA's mission and goals by offering support to all Animal Care teams and cultivating safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of all animal species at the Zoo.

Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends. Weekly schedules will vary based on operational needs.

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

• Provide innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
• Provide reliable, competent animal care through:
  • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits and Life Support Systems where appropriate.
  • Does scuba diving for exhibit maintenance, animal capture, and repair where appropriate.
  • Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
  • 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 (may require care outside of normal working hours).
  • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned 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.
• 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.
• Set priorities in alignment with Inspire Awe:
  • Safety first, always
  • Care demonstrated through exceptional guest service
  • Connect with each guest utilizing ROADMAP’s guest engagement strategies and program development process
• Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
• Act in accordance with Denver Zoo’s Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all interactions with staff, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Perform various duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Acts as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.

Technical / Professional Requirements & 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.

********OR*******

• 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.

********OR*******

• 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.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre‑employment drug and alcohol screen.
• 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 lift to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to provide a Negative TB Test and complete a Rabies Titer.
• Work Location: On campus.

Compensation

The range for this position is $24.50 - $29.65 (hourly)

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:

• Comprehensivemedical, vision, and dentalcoverage
• 403(b) Retirement Accountwith employer match
• Generouspaid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• AFamily DZCA Membershipwith discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts,plusfree parking
• Andso much more!

Application Process & Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by September 24, 2026.Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA 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