Animal Care Specialist - Birds (Zookeeper)

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 Bird Animal Care Specialist will support Denver Zoo's mission by providing safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry to the Zoo's bird collection. The bird division comprises a diverse bird collection of ratites, water birds, cranes, raptors, hornbills, and a large variety of soft-bill species. In addition, the institution has significantly supported bird programs, including an avian propagation center, an interactive Lorikeet feeding experience, and new bird exhibits for African penguins and two species of flamingos.  

We are looking for a candidate with a solid understanding of Operant Conditioning training techniques who will help guide and lead a growing department training program with a high emphasis on guest interactions. The candidate should also have some experience in the capture and restraint of varied bird species; exhibit maintenance, design, and renovation; good record-keeping skills; and the ability to work well as part of a team. In addition, avian artificial incubation and hand-rearing experience is desirable but not required. 

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

• Help drive a growing animal training program for guest engagement and interactions.


• 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.


• 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, daily guest interactions, 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 up to 50 lbs.


• Negative TB Test.

Compensation

The range for this position is $24.20 - $28.90 (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 February 22, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately.  DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance 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