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Animal Program Conservation Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

... behavioral training programs and environmental enrichment programs as directed by the area senior ... Execute educational strategies that will lead to delivery of strong conservation messaging and ...

Denver Zoo

Animal Care Specialist-Birds

Denver, CO · On-site

$24.20 - $28.90/hr

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and ... In addition, the institution has significantly supported bird programs, including an avian ...

Denver Zoo

Animal Care Specialist-Birds

Denver, CO · On-site

$24.20 - $28.90/hr

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and ... In addition, the institution has significantly supported bird programs, including an avian ...

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Health

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

The Dallas Zoo participates in in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs and encourages and ... behavior training. Veterinarians Veterinarians at Dallas Zoo provide exceptional medical and ...

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Animal Program Conservation Behavior information

What is the difference between Animal Program Conservation Behavior vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Program Conservation BehaviorAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related field; certifications in animal behavior or conservationHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, conservation projects, research facilitiesZoological parks, animal shelters, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageConservation organizations, research institutionsZoological parks, animal care facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in conservation and behavior researchAnimal care and husbandry tasks

Animal Program Conservation Behavior professionals focus on studying and promoting animal behavior in conservation contexts, often working in research and field projects. In contrast, Animal Care Technicians primarily provide daily care and husbandry for animals in zoos or shelters. While both roles involve working with animals, their focus, credentials, and work environments differ significantly.

What is animal program conservation behavior?

Animal program conservation behavior refers to the application of behavioral science principles to support wildlife conservation efforts, often within managed animal populations such as zoos and aquariums. Professionals in this field study animal behavior to enhance animal welfare, promote natural behaviors, and assist with breeding, reintroduction, and conservation education programs. Their work helps ensure that animals in conservation programs thrive and that these programs are successful in preserving species and their natural behaviors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Program Conservation Behavior Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Program Conservation Behavior Specialist, you need a background in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation, usually supported by a relevant degree such as biology, zoology, or environmental science. Experience with behavioral observation tools, data collection software, and familiarity with conservation management systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help you interpret data, develop protocols, and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills are essential for creating effective conservation strategies and improving animal welfare in managed care or natural environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Animal Program Conservation Behavior roles?

Professionals in Animal Program Conservation Behavior often encounter the challenge of balancing animal welfare with conservation goals, particularly when designing behavioral enrichment or reintroduction programs. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—such as veterinarians, animal caretakers, and researchers—can also be complex, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, professionals must stay updated on the latest scientific research and adapt strategies to fit the evolving needs of both animals and conservation initiatives. These challenges make the role both demanding and highly rewarding for those passionate about animal behavior and conservation.
Infographic showing various Animal Program Conservation Behavior job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 10% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Animal Care Specialist- Pachyderms (Zookeeper)

Denver Zoo

Denver, CO • On-site

$24.20 - $29.64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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.
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.
The Pachyderm Animal Care Specialist serves as a staff member at will of the Denver Zoo. In that capacity, the Pachyderm Animal Care Specialist contributes to the daily operations within their assigned area by providing safe and exceptional habitats, nutrition, training, behavior and welfare for animal species at the Zoo. The Pachyderm Animal Care Specialists work in a program that currently includes river hippo, Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, and red river hogs.
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 of 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 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 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 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 individual is assigned.
  • Work on weekends and holidays are 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 up to 50 lbs.
  • Negative TB Test
  • Rabies Titer

Compensation
Range for this position is $24.20 - $29.64 (hourly).
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
  • 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 June 17, 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
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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