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 Temporary Animal Care Specialist-Primates role will support our mission by ensuring the safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry of the Zoo's primate collection. The primate division includes a diverse range of species, including great apes, African-Eurasian primates, New World primates, and prosimians. This role requires excellence in husbandry skills, communication, active participation in training and enrichment, and involvement in public demonstrations. This position will work primarily with lemurs, colobus, and aye-ayes. However, they may be asked to support other tasks or sections within the Emerald Forest building.
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 for 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, up-close looks, 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
- Working towards, or completion of, a degree in Zoo Animal Technology, Biology, or a science-based field, or animal behavior/psychology required, or in a related field
- Experience with exotic animal care is required. Previous experience at an AZA-accredited institution is preferred.
- 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.
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 - $29.64 (hourly).
Wild Perks
As a seasonal/temporary staff member, you'll have access to some great perks, including:
- A Family DZCA Membership - Bring your crew and explore!
- Exclusive Discounts - Save on concession and retail.
- Sick Time Accrual - Because your well-being matters.
- 403(b) Retirement Account - Plan for your future.
Length of Position & Hours
This temporary, hourly position will begin in late February/early March 2026 and run through September 2026. The position will work 40 hours per week with weekends off mid-week. Applicants must be available to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
Application Process & Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by February 9, 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.
