What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bird Zookeeper position at Denver Zoo?
Denver Zoo 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.
Denver Zoo 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 Behaviors of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do
Denver Zoo's Animal Care Department has an opportunity for a full time Bird Zookeeper to provide the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of animal species at the Zoo. The bird division is comprised of a diverse bird collection of ratites, waterbirds, 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 experience in the captive husbandry, exhibition and propagation, training, and enrichment of a varied number of bird species. The candidate should have some experience in capture and restraint of varied bird species; avian captive propagation techniques; exhibit maintenance, design, and renovation; good record keeping skills, operant condition training 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 staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paces and innovative culture, Denver Zoo 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.
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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, Curious, Courageous, Transformative and United in all interactions with staff, guest, volunteers, and vendors.
Other Responsibilities and Duties
- 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.
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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Clear driving record.
- TB test.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Compensation
Range for this position is $16.00 - $23.62 (hourly).
Benefits
This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.
Application Process and Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by May 18th, 2022. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.
Denver Zoo is following all CDC guidelines. CDC states that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the best defense against the spread of, and severe illness due to, COVID-19. Denver Zoo highly encourages our employees to be vaccinated. We do ask for employees to upload their vaccination card into our HRIS for documentation. This information is kept confidential.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.
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
Salary : $16 - $24