Animal Behavior Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

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.

Animal Care Specialist – Tropical Discovery: Stingray Cove will support our mission by providing the safe exhibition, handling, training, feeding, and husbandry of animal species at the Zoo.   This position will primarily work with the interactive stingray touch exhibit, including daily husbandry and life support needs associated with this exhibit. This 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 various zoo committees, participating in conservation programs or other duties as assigned. There may be opportunities to cross train into the Tropical Discovery building in a support capacity or rotational coverage. 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 is not required, but useful. 

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 work groups.

Guest Experience

• 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.

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 health, safety & environmental 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 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.

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 - $29.64 (hourly).

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process & Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by August 21, 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