Thank you for your interest in the Denver Zoo!

Denver Zoo is a respected leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental education and public service.

Learn about the different types of work that occur at the zoo, however, for available positions look below!


Currently, the following positions are available:

• Seasonal Keeper - Education Department
• General Curator
• Vice President for Development and Membership Services

• Denver Zoo Employment Application
• Motor Vehicle Form
• Background Check Form

• Horticulture Internship - Closed
• Animal Care Internship - Closed
• Registrar Internship - Closed
• Exhibit Planning and Construction Internship - Closed
  
  

  
Seasonal Keeper - Education Department
Temporary Paid Positions within the
Education Animal & Public Programs

The Denver Zoo is looking for energetic, creative, fun-loving individuals
 to assist in animal care and other various Education Department activities as part of a team of talented, experienced adult and teen volunteers and staff.

Applicants must be available Jan 1, 2010 thru December 31, 2010.

This is a 40 hour/week position; workday is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00-4:30 depending on which area you are working in. Additionally, applicants must be available to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
   
Seasonal Keepers positions may be available in both of our Education Animal Collection areas

Gates Animal Housing and Conoco Wildlife Theater
While participating as a positive team member, responsibilities include:

• Daily husbandry for the Education animal collection, which may include  mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. These tasks include cleaning enclosures, preparing diets and providing enrichment for the animal collection
• Completing various projects to maintain animal care and upkeep of the facility
• Assisting in the presentation of live animal shows and demonstrations, which may consist of small groups to larger audiences
• Conducting informal public demonstrations utilizing animals in our Education Animal collection
• Demonstrating excellent customer service skills while working with visitors
• Assisting in set construction          
• Maintaining excellent communication with supervisors
• Coaching and serving as mentors for teen volunteers
• Maintaining excellent communication, both written and oral, with supervisors
• Participating in animal demonstrations for various programs as requested

Other expectations for these positions include:

• Working respectfully with other keepers, staff, and adult and teen volunteers
• Maintaining flexibility and a positive attitude in a ever-changing work environment
• Ability to successfully complete multiple tasks within deadlines
• Following all safety protocols and advising supervisors of safety concerns
• Ability to work outside in varying climates
• Representing the zoo professionally to guests and demonstrating excellent customer service skills when working with visitors

Qualifications

• Student/graduate of environmental education, biology, zoology, psychology, or related fields
• Willingness to handle animals (training will be provided)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work dexterously with hands and arms
• Enjoy working with children and the public
• Interest in conservation and environmental education
• Interpretation experience and/or public speaking skills a plus

Hourly wage is $9.00 - $10.25/hour depending on experience with no other benefits offered.
Send resume to: lbilyeu@denverzoo.org - no phone calls please

Denver Zoological Foundation
Attn:  Leslye Bilyeu/Director of Human Resources
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO  80205
Fax 303-376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
Deadline for applications:  November 30th, 2009

General Curator

Department:     Animal
Reports to:       Executive Vice President/COO

Summary:
This position provides day-to-day leadership of the Animal Care Division, including all animal care staff and the zoo’s commissary.  Oversees the exhibition, husbandry and collection planning for all species exhibited at the Denver Zoo.  Representing the Animal Care Division, partners with all members of the zoo’s Executive Team to ensure the mission of Denver Zoo is realized.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides strong, strategic leadership to all curators, area supervisors, zookeepers, registrar, animal care interns and other Animal Care Division personnel; motivates, teaches, encourages and creates a learning environment for these staff. Develops and champions programs that encourage employee growth.
• Partners with all members of the zoo’s Executive Team to ensure the mission of the Denver Zoo is achieved; actively contributes to and supports the zoo’s strategic plans and initiatives.
• Actively represents Denver Zoo and the Animal Care Division in all aspects of the zoo, from day-to-day operation to interaction with the Denver Zoological Foundation Board of Trustees, potential donors and zoo/aquarium/conservation partners.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of all of the zoo’s policies regarding the animal collection, including the Acquisition/Disposition Policy, Institutional Collection Plan, Emergency Procedures and Safety Drills.
• Directs, supervises and coordinates all daily operations that involve the exhibition, care and husbandry of the zoo’s animal collection.  Partners within Animal Care division and with other departments to ensure repair and maintenance of exhibits and animal environments.
• Responsible for ensuring the welfare of the entire animal collection through leadership and application of practical knowledge of taxon-specific husbandry principles, practices and techniques.
• Provides vision and strong leadership in the design, planning for and improvement of new exhibits, facilities, and graphics.
• Participates in the species survival plans, taxon advisory groups, and other conservation and science programs related to the Denver Zoo.
• Assists in the coordination and analysis of conservation and research activities within the animal collection
• Regularly inspects exhibits and animals environments to ensure exhibits are maintained repaired and in compliance with federal regulations, AZA accreditation and optimal safety standards.
• Prepares and administrates the annual budget for the Animal Care Division with an associated action plan and time line.
• Directs the development of performance evaluation standards for functions managed within the guidelines set by zoo administration.  Formally evaluates the work of directly subordinate supervisors and/or staff.
• Works in cooperation with all other departments in the zoo. Facilitates clear communication and information between departments.  Offers assistance when appropriate to other departments.
• Represents DZF Taxon/Divisional areas at AZA national and regional conferences.

Qualifications:

• BA in Zoology, Biology or a related field.
• Five years of professional experience as a curator/supervisor of a large variety of taxa in a zoo/wildlife park setting.
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to partner with a variety of leaders across multiple disciplines
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven expertise in husbandry, research methods, and interaction with the public.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Some experience many be substituted for education; some education may be substituted for experience.
• Competency in computer skills; word processor, spread sheets, Internet and networks.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit cover letter and resume with salary history and/or salary requirements (must be included to be considered) by December 31, 2009 to:

Denver Zoological Foundation
Attn:  Leslye Bilyeu/Director of Human Resources
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO  80205
Fax 303-376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vice President for Development and Membership Services

Department:     Development and Membership Services
Reports to:       President/CEO

Summary:
Aggressively advances the mission of the Denver Zoo by planning, organizing, and implementing a wide range of fundraising programs that will enable the Denver Zoo to obtain the operating, capital improvement and endowment resources required to attain its goals.  Serves as the Vice President of the Denver Zoo’s Development and Membership Departments, and as such is responsible for hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff. 

Essential Functions:     

• Provides leadership and vision to the Development and Membership Departments, the Development and Capital Campaign Committees of the board, and the entire Board of Trustees, related to the planning and implementation of creative, aggressive, and effective fundraising on behalf of Denver Zoo.
• Plans, develops, implements, coordinates, supervises and evaluates a variety of on-going fundraising activities and programs, including, but not limited to: direct mail solicitation, annual fundraising events, prospect research, major gift solicitation, grant preparation, corporate memberships, corporate sponsorships, in-kind gift solicitation, and a variety of planned and deferred giving programs.
• Provides primary leadership to a large capital campaign with multi-million dollar goals for both increasing endowment and supporting major new capital improvements at Denver Zoo.
• Provides the primary staff support service to the board’s Development and Capital Campaign Committees, and prepares reports and communications for both committees as well as the entire Board of Trustees.
• Prepares annual fundraising plans with specific fundraising goals for each segment of the Development and Membership programs.
• Works in very close cooperation with all zoo departments, to coordinate zoo-wide fundraising activities with their respective programs.
• Works in very close cooperation with the zoo’s Events Team that coordinates fundraising event logistics.
• Works in close cooperation with other community institutions as appropriate and needed.
• Actively works to recruit campaign volunteers, event chairs, and other community volunteers to assist with development programs.
• Oversees the development of materials (brochures, direct mail literature, solicitation letters, videos, social media, etc.) needed to support fundraising efforts.
• Prepares articles for publication in zoo newsletters and publications to members and the general public in support of development goals and objectives.
• May make personal appearances and presentations to various organizations, groups and media to promote Denver Zoo and facilitate its fundraising programs.
• Serves as a member of the zoo’s Executive Leadership Team and is expected to be a positive leader in advancing zoo-wide goals and initiatives.
• Plans departmental work assignments, develops staff job descriptions, delegates responsibilities, and supervises and evaluates both professional and support staff members of the department.
• Has responsibility for the preparation and justification of the annual budget for the Development and Membership Departments, and maintains strict fiscal budgetary control over expenditures.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university majoring in a discipline appropriate for the job requirements; Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven to ten years professional experience in development and fundraising for not-for-profit organizations.
• Minimum three years management experience.
• Interpersonal and team facilitating skills.
• Experience working with a board of directors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiating, strategic planning and organizational skills.
• Attainment of CFRE of other similar and related professional certification is highly desirable.
• Experience in the development and implementation of budgets and budget management and grant development.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with a diversity of groups including board members, zoo staff, volunteers, and community organizations.
• Computer skills.
• Respect for confidentiality.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit cover letter and resume with salary history and salary requirements (must be included to be considered) by November 30, 2009 to:

Denver Zoological Foundation
Attn:  Leslye Bilyeu/Director of Human Resources
2300 Steele Street,
Denver, CO  80205
Fax 303-376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Paid internships are available during the summer in the Carnivore, Bird, and Primate Departments.
• Non-paid internships are available during the summer in Tropical Discovery and Hoofstock Departments.

Application Deadline: Closed

Registrar
Interns assist with data management activities, including the accession and de-acession of specimens, clarifying reproductive events, clarifying specimen histories, and updating taxonomy. Interns will also use the zoo's collection management software to monitor loans and prepare documents for animal transactions. Applicants must be college students seeking a museum studies or an animal related degree.

Application Deadline: Closed

Exhibit Planning and Construction
Interns gain experience in design and construction of zoo exhibits and support facilities working closely with zoo staff, design consultants and contractors. Interns are assigned to specific projects underway in the zoo's re-development program. Internships are available for college students studying architecture, landscape architecture, building construction or related fields.

Application Deadline: Closed


Applicant qualifications:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in college.
• Recent college graduates (within the last two years) may apply for an internship.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Candidates must provide proof of current negative TB test.
• Animal Care applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Additional internship information:

• Interns earn $9.00 an hour for paid internships.
• Interns may work 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. 
• Housing is not provided.
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter in .PDF, .DOC, or .RTF format only.  Other formats will not be accepted.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 
• Letters of recommendation may be submitted, but are not required.
• The cover letter must indicate the position/department for which the applicant wishes to apply.   (Animal Care applicants must indicate a specific taxonomic area.)
• Fall & winter non-paid internship opportunities will be posted as positions become available.
• If you are a Junior/Senior Veterinarian student and are interested in participating in a preceptorship, please email Dr. Knightly at fknightly@denverzoo.org for more information.
• This is a very competitive program, not all those who apply will be selected for an interview.
• Questions may be directed to ZooInternships@denverzoo.org, no phone calls please.