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Director Animal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

City of Livonia, MI

Animal Control Officer

Livonia, MI · On-site

$61K - $69K/yr

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES The Animal Control Officer, under the direction of the Director of Public Works, Assistant Director of Public Works, and Superintendent of Public Works, is responsible for ...

City of Livonia

Animal Control Officer

Livonia, MI · On-site

$61K - $69K/yr

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES The Animal Control Officer, under the direction of the Director of Public Works, Assistant Director of Public Works, and Superintendent of Public Works, is responsible for ...

Merck

We are seeking a director to lead Enterprise Architecture engagement for Animal Health, serving as a trusted enterprise technology advisor to Animal Health leadership and a strategic partner to ...

New

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Otsego, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Must be self-directed and organized * Ability to track and document all activities with correct ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Must be self-directed and organized * Ability to track and document all activities with correct ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Otsego, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Must be self-directed and organized * Ability to track and document all activities with correct ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Must be self-directed and organized * Ability to track and document all activities with correct ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Must be self-directed and organized * Ability to track and document all activities with correct ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Must be self-directed and organized * Ability to track and document all activities with correct ...

Kent County

Animal Shelter Technician

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$19.77/hr

Animal Care: Perform a variety of animal care tasks, including feeding, enrichment, and limited ... Make a Difference Be a part of something meaningful and witness the direct impact of what you do.

BoehringerPRD

... without direct supervision. Support: * Assists in training other employees in an area of ... Animal care experience with recent livestock background is required. * AALAS Assistant Laboratory ...

County of St. Clair

Animal Care Technician

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of the Animal Control or designee. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Shelter employees to include the Trustees assigned to the shelter. EXPERIENCE ...

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See Michigan salary details

$15.8K

$73.5K

$151K

How much do director animal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director animal in Michigan is $73,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,126.00 and $94,842.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director animal?

A Director of Animal job typically involves overseeing the care, welfare, and management of animals within an organization, such as a zoo, animal shelter, or research facility. This role includes developing policies, ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, managing staff, and coordinating animal care programs. Directors may also be responsible for budgeting, fundraising, and community outreach efforts. Strong leadership, veterinary knowledge, and experience in animal management are often required for this position.

What are the common responsibilities of a director animal?

Directors of Animal programs oversee animal care facilities, set operational policies, manage staff, and ensure all practices comply with local, state, and federal regulations. On a typical day, you may review animal health and welfare reports, coordinate with veterinarians and caretakers, develop or update protocols, and liaise with external partners or regulatory agencies. You'll also address any facility concerns, oversee staff training, and monitor budgets and resource allocation. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role that requires balancing strategic leadership with direct engagement in animal care operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director animal position?

To thrive as a Director Animal, you typically need a background in animal science, veterinary medicine, or a related field, along with substantial management experience. Familiarity with regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, budgeting software, and facility management systems is important. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you navigate team dynamics and stakeholder relationships. These abilities are essential to ensure the health and well-being of animals while efficiently overseeing operations and strategic initiatives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Animal jobs in Michigan?

For Director Animal jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Animal jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Animal jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Director Animal jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Director Animal job openings:

Director Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Animal job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,488 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Senior Director of Animal Care

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide direction and oversight for all animal care team operations, including animal care, exhibit design, species planning, staff recruitment and training, team building, guest interaction activities, and inter-department relations.

  • Oversee recruitment, selection, and performance evaluation of management staff within the animal care team.

  • Work collaboratively to develop and implement policies and protocols that ensure animal health, wellbeing, and compliance with standards.

Job description

Senior Director of Animal Care The Senior Director of Animal Care plans, directs, and oversees all activities of animal care operations at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide direction and oversight for all animal care team operations, including animal care, exhibit design, species planning, staff recruitment and training, team building, guest interaction activities, and inter-department relations.
  • Oversee recruitment and selection of the animal care team management staff.
  • Supervise taxonomic curators and evaluate employee performance.
  • Work collaboratively with the Associate VP of Life Sciences and the Director of Welfare on protocols, assessments, plans, and initiatives that ensure optimal animal care, health, and wellbeing for all taxonomic groups.
  • Instill a culture of trust, safety, and communication amongst the entire animal care team in collaboration with the Life Sciences leadership team.
  • Contribute to the development and implement policies and practices to ensure safe, effective policies and procedures of animal care, management, exhibition, transport, acquisition, disposition, and emergency response in coordination with the VP of Life Sciences.
  • Implement Living Animal Plan in coordination with taxonomic curators and VP of Life Sciences.
  • Ensure that all animal care facilities, policies, animal husbandry practices, and safety protocols exceed USDA licensing standards and AZA accreditation standards.
  • Oversee Detroit Zoo and BINC staff participation in cooperative management programs, such as studbooks, Species Survival Plans, and Taxon Advisory Groups.
  • Work closely with the Director of Conservation on initiatives including conservation goal setting, staffing field work, AZA Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) involvement, and planning.
  • Working knowledge of dive safety operations.
  • Contribute to strategic and other organizational planning.
  • Approve acquisition and disposition of animals.
  • Work closely with all members of the Life Sciences department to advance animal wellbeing and conservation research.
  • Prepare, submit, and monitor budgets.
  • Maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required.
  • Represent the DZS at local, national, and international organization meetings and conferences.
  • Work across departments to elevate and ignite the DZS mission, vision, and core values.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related discipline.
  • Ten (10) years of progressive management experience in a zoo or related facility.
  • Seven (7) years of experience caring for captive wildlife.
  • Experience in zoo and/or aquarium curatorial capacities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Possess an affinity for animals and the capacity to make decisions based on the best interest of the animal, population, or species.
  • Must have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills and practical time management skills.
  • Proven communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of USDA licensing standards and AZA accreditation standards and programs
  • Proven ability to advocate for the institution among various stakeholders.
  • Goal orientation, high energy with comfort demonstrating calculated risk-taking tolerance and strong decision-making ability.

Preferred
  • Advanced degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related discipline.

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule requires flexibility, including weekend and evening responsibilities. The work environment is generally comfortable, and much work is done inside in an office environment, but it may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events, tours, and openings. The position may require occasional travel to other locations and will be exposed to computer monitors and the output from heating and cooling systems and fluorescent lighting.
Physical Requirements
This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort daily, such as walking, bending, stooping, and standing for an extended period. This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 50 pounds.
The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

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