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 with integrity through our Core Actions: Inspire Awe, Safety, Care, and Connect, and by embracing our Core Values: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Animal Care Intern is responsible for learning how to provide safe and exceptional habitats, nutrition, training, behavior, and welfare for animal species at the zoo. All Animal Care Interns will be expected to regularly interact with guests of varying ages, as well as other staff and volunteers. Applicants will be asked to rank the following areas in order of preference later in the application:
- Australasia- includes clouded leopards, gibbons, Asian small-clawed otters, Geoffroy’s cat, fishing cat, macropods, and some birds and reptiles
- Birds- includes a diverse bird collection of ratites, water birds, cranes, raptors, hornbills, a large variety of soft billed species, and an avian propagation center.
- Carnivores- includes Amur and Sumatran tigers, grizzly bear, raccoons, lions, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, serval, and California sea lions
- Elephants- a program dedicated to Asian elephant bull management within a habitat that is based on a rotational design concept
- Hoofstock- includes a diverse collection of antelope, equid, giraffe, avian, and camelid species. Previous large animal experience preferred.
- Primates- includes great apes, Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, prosimians, some birds and other small mammal species.
- Tropical Discovery- includes a variety of amphibians, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and some mammals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Introduction to animal care through on-the-job training to develop husbandry skills
- Preparing and feeding approved diets to animals
- Cleaning yards and enclosures and maintaining exhibits
- Observing animal training
- Record keeping
- Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
- Interacting with guests, in both formal and informal settings
- Following Denver Zoo safety protocols
Guided professional and personal growth
- Meeting regularly with mentors to assess progress on the provided learning plan
- Regularly receiving feedback and implementing it
- Becoming an active team member, and gaining confidence working with others
- Interacting with fellow interns during intern program experiences such as workshops, presentations and projects
Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- Completion or in pursuit of an associate or bachelor's degree in a science-related field
Schedule & Work Environment:
- 30-40 hours per week, not to exceed a total of 560 hours total
- Schedule: Work on weekends and holidays may be required
- Work Location: On campus
Position Conditions:
- Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Negative TB Test
Compensation:
$19.30 per hour
Wild Perks
As an intern, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:
- A Family DZCA Membership – Bring your crew and explore!
- Exclusive Discounts – Save on concessions and retail.
- Sick Time Accrual – Because your well-being matters.
- 403(b) Retirement Account – Plan for your future.
Application Process & Timelines:
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by March 14, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.
DZCA 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.
