Lead Animal Care Specialist - Australasia

DENVER, COPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

• Job overview

  The Lead Animal Care Specialist - Australasia at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance supports daily operations and animal care in the Australasia department, providing team support and ensuring high standards of animal husbandry.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The role involves animal care duties such as feeding, handling, monitoring, and behavioral programs, assisting with scheduling and coordination, training team members, collaborating with other departments, guest interaction, and supporting facility operations and safety protocols.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers an hourly wage range of $23.59 to $28.90 with comprehensive medical, vision, dental coverage, paid time off, Denver Zoo Membership, and retail discounts.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates need 8 years of combined education and animal care experience in an AZA-accredited institution, a relevant degree, basic computer skills preferred, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.

• Career development

  The job provides opportunities to mentor peers, participate in conservation projects, and collaborate with various departments, supporting professional growth in animal care and zoo operations.

• Work environment and culture

  Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance values integrity, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a welcoming and diverse team environment focused on animal care and guest experience.

• Company information

  Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is committed to animal care and conservation, operating with core values of safety, care, and connection, and is part of the Denver Zoo community.

• Team overview

  The candidate will join a passionate and diverse team dedicated to excellent animal care and guest engagement, working closely with curators and other specialists in the Australasia department.

• Job location and travel

  The position is on campus at Denver Zoo, requiring availability to work weekends and holidays, with physical requirements including lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Application process

  Applicants must submit resumes or completed applications by July 24th, 2025, with review starting immediately; the zoo may close the position early.

• Unique job features

  The role includes unique responsibilities such as acting as a point of contact in the absence of the Assistant Curator, coordinating contractors, and representing the zoo in external communications when assigned.

Company overview

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. They operate the Denver Zoo, which houses diverse animal species and offers educational programs to promote awareness and conservation efforts. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and special events. Founded in 1896, the zoo has a rich history of animal care and conservation initiatives, including partnerships with global conservation organizations to protect endangered species and habitats.

How to land this job

• Tailor your resume to emphasize your extensive experience in exotic animal care within AZA-accredited institutions, highlighting skills in husbandry, behavioral programs, and species-specific care for Australasia animals like kangaroos and clouded leopards.

• Showcase your ability to support team operations by detailing experience with scheduling, coordinating activities, managing work orders, and providing peer mentorship, even if not in a formal supervisory role.

• Apply through multiple channels including the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance corporate website and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and chances.

• Connect on LinkedIn with current team members in the Australasia or animal care departments, using ice breakers like commenting on recent zoo conservation initiatives or asking about their experience with specific species care or team collaboration.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'animal husbandry,' 'AZA standards,' 'behavioral programs,' 'team coordination,' and 'exotic animal care' to pass automated screenings.

• Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored resume submissions, identify multiple application sources, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts to network with, freeing up your time to prepare for interviews and deepen your industry knowledge.