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Zoo Director Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

City of Garden City (KS)

Registrar

Garden City, KS · On-site

$20.88 - $25.45/hr

Reports to and takes direction from Deputy Director. Examples of Duties Represents Zoo in a professional capacity as "Registrar." Maintains animal records (i.e. Species 360 - ZIMS) software and ...

Commonwealth Hotels

Director of Sales

Manhattan, KS · On-site

Just minutes from Sunset Zoo and Aggieville, our pet-friendly hotel offers a heated indoor pool ... Working as a Hotel Director of Sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manhattan Kansas offers the chance ...

Commonwealth Hotels

Director of Sales

Manhattan, KS · On-site

Just minutes from Sunset Zoo and Aggieville, our pet-friendly hotel offers a heated indoor pool ... Working as a Hotel Director of Sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manhattan Kansas offers the chance ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsZoo JobsZoo Director JobsZoo Director Jobs in Kansas

Zoo Director information

See Kansas salary details

$11.5K

$58.4K

$152.3K

How much do zoo director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo director in Kansas is $58,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,398.00 and $82,556.00 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 as a zoo director?

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.

How do you become a zoo director?

To become a zoo director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, along with extensive experience in animal care, management, or conservation. Many zoo directors also hold advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate and demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Relevant experience often includes working in various roles within zoos or aquariums, progressing to managerial positions before applying for director roles.

How much do zoo directors make a year?

Zoo directors typically earn an average annual salary between $70,000 and $150,000, depending on the size and location of the zoo, as well as experience and education. Larger or more prominent zoos tend to offer higher salaries, and the role often requires advanced degrees in biology, management, or related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Kansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Director jobs in Kansas?

For Zoo Director jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Director jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Director jobs in Kansas are:

Zoo Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Director job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,387 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Veterinary Technician - ZOO

Sedgwick County

Wichita, KS

$21.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Sedgwick County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

664th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Department:  Zoo 

Job ID: 13159

Pay:  $21.76 per hour  

Work Schedule:   

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

Performs duties relevant to veterinary technology, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, animal restraint, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, collection of lab samples, analysis of lab samples and/or sending samples to outside labs, filling prescriptions and administering medications to animals, and medical record keeping using ZIMS. Cleans and sterilizes medical instruments, regularly inspects medical equipment for needed repair and maintenance. Performs duties of the quarantine zookeeper as needed. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Animal Health

  • Assist veterinarians in providing health care for all taxa, including examinations, treatment, and surgery.
  • Work with the hospital zookeeper to evaluate the status of hospitalized animals on a daily basis, and communicate findings to the veterinarians.
  • Administer prescribed treatments, including injections, gavage feeding, wound treatment, bandage changes, and laser therapy.
  • Restrain animals, and assist veterinarians in administering anesthesia.
  • Monitor animals under anesthesia using available equipment, including pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure cuffs, and ECG.
  • Maintain continuing education requirements as required by governing authorities; including attending conferences in-person or online, participating in forums, or other online venues to review online educational materials to keep abreast of new developments in veterinary technology.

Laboratory

  • Regularly review and update fecal exam schedule as needed. Work with zookeepers to ensure collection animals are checked for intestinal parasites regularly.
  • At the direction of the veterinarians, collect blood, urine, swabs, and other samples from all taxa for routine and diagnostic testing.
  • Perform in-house tests, including preparation and staining of slides for cytology and microbiology, manual and automated CBCs, chemistries, and complete urinalysis.
  • Prepare samples for shipping to outside labs and researchers, using proper packaging and labeling.
  • Bank tissue, serum, and biomaterials in the appropriate freezer or storage cabinet, and log the information into ZIMS.

Hospital Operations

  • Maintain and update animal medical records using ZIMS, including prescriptions/treatments, samples, test results, and other modules as directed by the veterinarians.
  • Inspect and maintain all hospital equipment including diagnostic tools, surgical equipment, anesthesia machines, and laboratory analyzers.
  • Ensure anesthesia machines and microscopes are inspected and calibrated regularly, using an outside specialist.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with the care and operation of new diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical equipment, and maintain familiarity with current equipment including ultrasound, radiology, electrosurgical unit, thermography, therapeutic laser and endoscopy.
  • Deliver prescribed oral medications and supplements to the animal areas on a regular basis, ensuring uninterrupted completion of treatments given by zookeeper staff.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology (RVT, CVT, or LVT).  One year of full-time employment as a veterinary technician. Must have or obtain a State of Kansas Registered Veterinary Technicians License within six months. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: Two years of full-time employment as a veterinary technician with one year in a zoological or aquarium institution. Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology (RVT, CVT, or LVT). Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of zoo medicine or eligibility.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link.  Apply for a Job | Sedgwick County, Kansas

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