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Director Of Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Executive Director and Director of Animal Operations Supervises: Behavior Supervisor, Behavior Specialists, Dog Trainers Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week Scope of Position: The Animal Behavior ...

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As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of animal behavior in the United States is $63,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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Infographic showing various Director Of Animal Behavior job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,209 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Senior Director of Animal Care

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Detroit Zoological Society
Museums and Historical Sites • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Detroit Zoological Societyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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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