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 Assistant Curator of Primates oversees the daily operations within the primate division; manages a staff of 16 keepers and works closely with other zoo departments to maintain a high level of animal care, welfare and guest experience. This position advances our mission and goals through strong supervisory leadership within the animal care team and within the zoo team as a whole, ensuring safe exhibition, care, and advancing husbandry of animal species at the zoo. This position oversees the primate division, which includes many species of great apes, old world monkeys, new world monkeys, prosimians, as well as some bird species. The ideal candidate should have passion for conservation and management of these taxa.
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 paced and innovative culture, DZCA is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Priority 1 – Animal Care Team Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership and oversee animal care staff including scheduling, performance reviews, discipline, accountability, team development, collaborative learning, and policy development.
- Successfully lead, monitor and improve program implementation for programs such as wellness and Just Culture with the goal of continuous improvement in the department. Ensure staff are using the programs effectively to continue to improve care, welfare guest experience.
- Monitor and document performance evaluations for area staff. Provides ongoing meaningful and critical feedback and coaching to develop staff at all performance levels. Recognize and address outstanding performance by area team members.
- Stay current on all departmental needs and communicate proactively and effectively with teams to ensure they have the resources they need, including material resources, time, and information, to do their job effectively.
- Develop and implement job specific staff training. Mentor and guide animal staff towards continued professional development.
- Plan, schedule, coordinate and assign work and established goals and priorities for animal care staff, keeper assistants and interns. Develops area schedule for animal care staff, keeper assistants, and interns.
- Effectively communicate zoo-wide, division and area information to assigned staff.
Priority 2 – Compliance
- Provide leadership and guidance towards innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
- Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
- Implement area and zoo-wide safety standards and works with area staff to develop procedures that ensure compliance, and proactively improve processes.
Priority 3 – Operations
- Oversee and manage the day-to-day operation of the department. Ensure that work is completed to the highest standard for guest experience and animal welfare, and is aligned with environmental sustainability goals.
- Plan, schedule, coordinate and assign work and established goals and priorities for animal care staff, keeper assistants and interns. Develops area schedule for animal care staff, keeper assistants, and interns.
- Coordinate work and scheduling with other zoo departments including but not limited to Facilities, Philanthropy, Conservation Learning, Guest Engagement, and Communications to meet operational needs.
- Assist in developing, monitoring, and managing the Department budget.
- Perform administrative responsibilities including credit card reconciliation and purchase invoices and ordering supplies as needed for area.
Priority 4 – Collaboration
- Coordinate veterinary procedures for animals within the area including quarantine, outgoing and incoming shipments, emergencies and normal care procedures.
- Professionally interface with other team members, zoo colleagues, media partners and other professional organizations.
- Participate in zoo-wide initiatives such as committees & working groups, and a variety of professional meetings and activities such as SSP’s, studbooks, steering committees, advisory groups, etc. Publishes work as needed or desired.
- Interview and select staff including volunteers, interns, keeper assistants and animal care staff that report directly to this position and assists with other interviews as required.
- Participate in and support conservation, research and educational programs as requested or desired.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Other assistance, as designated by the General Curator or Curator, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.
- Supervises staff, interns and volunteers.
- Assists in developing, monitoring, and managing the Department budget. Acts as a good steward of resources.
- The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
- This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations, the media, and the public.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- 4-year degree in in biology, zoology, wildlife management or a related field.
- Requires minimum of 5-years of experience as a zookeeper involving the exhibition and husbandry of a variety of exotic animals in an AZA accredited institution. Comparable facilities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Some experience may be substituted for education, education may be substituted for experience.
- Two years of experience in a supervisory role.
- Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary. Animal or medical database experience preferred.
- Requires superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
- Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must have good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
- Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of programs who is comfortable working and collaborating with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships to drive programs to meet strategic goals.
- Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism preferred.
Schedule & Work Environment
- Schedule Availability: Days. Work on weekends, holidays as assigned and on occasion evenings, as needed.
- Work Location: On campus.
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
- Rabies Titer
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership
- Concession and retail discounts
Compensation
Range for this position is $5,352 - $6,690 (monthly).
Application Process and Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by January 3, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.
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 Conservation Alliance 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
