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Zoo Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of El Paso, TX

Zoo Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

None The City of El Paso is recruiting for the position of Zoo Director. We are seeking a highly experienced and accomplished professional with a Bachelor's degree or higher in zoo management ...

City of El Paso

Zoo Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

None The City of El Paso is recruiting for the position of Zoo Director. We are seeking a highly experienced and accomplished professional with a Bachelor's degree or higher in zoo management ...

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Be Seen First

Executive Director

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$110K - $121K/yr

President and Board of Directors, Friends of the Zoo Direct Reports The Executive Director directly supervises: Director of Human Resources Director of Finance Director of Marketing and ...

Minnesota Zoo

Major Gifts Officer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The MGO will work closely with a four-person Major Gifts team along with the Zoo Director/Foundation President, Institutional and Annual Giving Teams to grow support for the Minnesota Zoo from ...

Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Major Gifts Officer

Eagan, MN

$75K - $85K/yr

The MGO will work closely with a four-person Major Gifts team along with the Zoo Director/Foundation President, Institutional and Annual Giving Teams to grow support for the Minnesota Zoo from ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX · On-site

Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew. * May assist Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects. * Demonstrates a clear ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX · On-site

Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew. * May assist Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects. * Demonstrates a clear ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew. * May assist Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects. * Demonstrates a clear ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for the Zoo projects. * Exhibits ...

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Zoo Director information

See salary details

$13K

$66.1K

$172.5K

How much do zoo director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo director in the United States is $66,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26,500.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Zoo Director do?

A Zoo Director is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a zoo, including animal care, staff management, budgeting, and public education programs. They ensure the zoo meets regulatory standards, develops conservation initiatives, and enhances visitor experiences. The role requires coordination with veterinarians, educators, and other professionals to maintain a safe and educational environment. Additionally, Zoo Directors may engage in fundraising and community outreach to support the zoo’s mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Zoo Director position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Director, you need expertise in animal management, business administration, regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree such as zoology, biology, or business management. Familiarity with zoological management software, accreditation processes (such as AZA certification), and safety protocols is typically required. Outstanding leadership, strategic planning, public speaking, and interpersonal skills set top candidates apart. These capabilities enable you to balance animal care, staff and visitor engagement, and the complex operations of a modern zoological institution.

What are some typical challenges faced by Zoo Directors during daily operations?

Zoo Directors often face the challenge of balancing animal welfare with financial sustainability, regulatory requirements, and public engagement. They must coordinate diverse teams, oversee animal habitats, and respond to unexpected situations such as animal health emergencies or adverse weather. Effective communication and collaboration with veterinarians, keepers, marketing staff, and community stakeholders are essential. Directors also need to stay up-to-date with best practices in animal care and continually seek innovative ways to enhance visitor experiences and conservation efforts.

More about Zoo Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Director jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs? The most popular types of Zoo jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Zoo Director jobs? The top employers for Zoo Director jobs are:
What states have the most Zoo Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Director jobs are:
Zoo Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,127 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Zoo Director

Zoo Director

City of El Paso, TX

El Paso, TX • On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

City Of El Paso (Texas) rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 645 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $160,000.00 - $175,000.00 Annually
Location : Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Number: U0800-0126
Department: ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN
Opening Date: 01/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Requirements
MOS Code: None
The City of El Paso is recruiting for the position of Zoo Director.
We are seeking a highly experienced and accomplished professional with a Bachelor's degree or higher in zoo management, veterinary medicine, business or public administration or related field.
This position requires a minimum of eight (8) professional years of zoological operation experience, including four (4) years management experience. A valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience leading an AZA-accredited zoo in a director, deputy director, or equivalent executive role.
  • Knowledge of municipal government operations, public finance, procurement, and labor relations.
  • Experience with capital project delivery, bond-funded projects, or public-private partnerships.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and external partnerships supporting conservation and education missions.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and insightful service-oriented leader with strong communication, leadership, and administrative abilities and have a solid understanding of current zoo operations principles, practices and techniques.
If you are looking for an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in one of the best run and progressive cities in the United States while enjoying an exceptional quality of life, the City of El Paso is the place for you!
General Purpose
Under administrative direction, manage zoological operations and development to establish and maintain quality facilities and programs, and a safe animal and visitor environment.
Typical Duties
  • Provide overall executive leadership for Zoo operations, including animal care and welfare, conservation programs, education initiatives, guest services, facilities, safety, and capital planning.
  • Ensure the Zoo maintains accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or other recognized accrediting bodies as applicable, including leading accreditation preparation, documentation, inspections, and continuous compliance efforts.
  • Develop and implement strategic plans that align Zoo priorities with the City's strategic goals, quality-of-life initiatives, and economic development objectives.
  • Prepare and administer the Zoo's operating and capital budgets; manage revenues, expenditures, grants, and fundraising activities in coordination with City finance policies.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the City Manager, City Council, and community stakeholders, providing regular reporting on performance, accreditation status, financial condition, and major initiatives.
  • Oversee personnel management, including recruitment, professional development, performance evaluation, and succession planning, consistent with municipal human resources policies.
  • Lead long-range capital planning for exhibits, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, sustainability, and visitor experience.
  • Represent the Zoo at professional conferences, accreditation meetings, and public events; cultivate partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and regional, state, and national agencies.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and standards, including animal welfare regulations, workplace safety requirements, environmental regulations, and public procurement policies.
  • Authorize the hiring of staff. Supervise staff directly and through subordinate supervisors. Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors. Provide for training and development. Enforce personnel regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. As the appointing authority, interview applicants and hire, terminate, transfer, discipline, or initiate other employee status changes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Application of comprehensive knowledge of zoo operations principles, practices, and techniques.
  • Application of comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing zoo operations.
  • Application of considerable knowledge of budget preparation, personnel records systems, and standard general and fiscal administration policies and practices.
  • Application of considerable knowledge of management and supervisory principles and techniques, pertinent federal, state, and local labor and safety rules and regulations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, coworkers, department heads, officials, customers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
  • Ability to assess objectives and operational requirements to develop and implement appropriate administrative policies and procedures for the city and the department.
  • Ability to manage, develop, motivate, and evaluate professional, technical, supervisory, and clerical staff.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to prepare and present comprehensive reports to the City Manager, Mayor, Council, City management, businesses, and the general public.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, volunteers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.

General Information
How to Apply:
To be considered, candidates must complete an online application. Candidates are encouraged to attach a cover letter and comprehensive résumé to their application.
This announcement will remain posted, and we will continue to accept applications until a finalist is selected. First review of applications will take place on April 1, 2026 For the complete job specification click
The hiring salary will be $160,000 - $175,000 annually, based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, plus an outstanding benefits package.
For more information or to request the recruitment brouchure, please contact Human Resources Manager Julie Farmer at FarmerJA@elpasotexas.gov or call (915) 240-3177.
Determined by agreement
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • A Bachelor's degree in zoo management, veterinary medicine business or public administration or related field
  • A Master's degree or higher in zoo management, veterinary medicine business or public administration or related field
  • None of the Above

02
Please select your level of experience from the below options.
  • I have eight (8) years of zoological operation experience, including four (4) years management experience.
  • I have ten (10) or more years of zoological operation experience, including four (4) years management experience.
  • None of the Above

03
Do you have a valid USA driver's license? If so, what type of driver's license do you have?
  • Texas Class A - CDL or equivalent from another state
  • Texas Class B - CDL or equivalent from another state
  • Texas Class C or equivalent from another state
  • No, I do not have a valid driver's license.

04
Applicants with foreign diplomas, transcripts and degrees must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Have you had your diploma, transcripts, degree or other required documents translated and evaluated by an agency of NACES?
  • Yes, it has been translated and certified and I can provide documentation upon a job offer.
  • No, I have not had my degree translated and certified.
  • N/A - my degree is from an accredited U.S. university or college.

05
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on the application and the completeness of the responses to the Supplemental Questions. The following will disqualify you from moving forward in the recruitment process.-Failure to fully detail all work experience and job duties.-Failure to fully detail all lead, supervisory and managerial experience and duties if required. -Overlapping dates of work experience.-Copying and pasting directly from the job specification.-Responses referring to your résumé.
  • I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.

06
Required supplemental questions and answers are considered an examination component and will generate a score. Applicants are being tested on a conditional basis pending review of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed for applicants that pass the Supplemental Questions exam.
  • I understand that my answers to the supplemental questions will generate a score.
  • I understand that I am being tested on a conditional basis pending review of minimum qualifications.

Required Question

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