ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

... as directed by animal care leadership. They also assist with the development and writing of ... John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Zookeeper-Primates Department: Animal Reports To: Assistant Curator of Section working Location ... directed. • Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by ...

houstonzoo

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Primates

Houston, TX

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX

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 ...

mkecounty

Zoo Maintenance Worker

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Zoo Maintenance Worker Milwaukee County Zoo Hourly Pay Range: $24.00 - $26.00 Closing Date: 07/01 ... The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Maintenance Worker Assistant

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Zoo Maintenance Worker Assistant Milwaukee County Zoo Hourly pay range: $17.50 - $20.00 Closing ... The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Seasonal Grounds Worker

Milwaukee, WI

$11.23 - $23.87/hr

Seasonal Grounds Zoo Worker Milwaukee County Zoo Hourly Pay Range: $11.23 - $23.87 Job Summary: To ... The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, 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 ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs ... Provides direct clinical care including, but not limited to, examinations, surgery, diagnostic and ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Seasonal Grounds Worker

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$11.23 - $23.87/hr

Seasonal Grounds Zoo Worker Milwaukee County Zoo Hourly Pay Range: $11.23 - $23.87 Job Summary: To ... The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs ... Provides direct clinical care including, but not limited to, examinations, surgery, diagnostic and ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI

$89K - $100K/yr

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs ... Provides direct clinical care including, but not limited to, examinations, surgery, diagnostic and ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs ... Provides direct clinical care including, but not limited to, examinations, surgery, diagnostic and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsZoo Director Jobs

Zoo Director information

See salary details

$13K

$66.1K

$172.5K

How much do zoo director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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 oversees the overall operation and management of a zoo, including staff supervision, budgeting, strategic planning, and ensuring animal welfare and public education. They coordinate with veterinarians, curators, and other staff to maintain a safe and educational environment for visitors and animals.

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.

How to 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, conservation, or zoo management. Many zoo directors also hold advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate and demonstrate strong leadership, administrative skills, and knowledge of animal welfare regulations.

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 is the highest paying job in a zoo?

The highest paying job in a zoo is typically the Zoo Director or Executive Director, who oversees all operations, staff, and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience in management, zoology, or related fields and can earn a six-figure salary depending on the size and funding of the 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 much do zoo directors make?

Zoo directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $150,000, depending on the size and location of the zoo, as well as their experience and education. Larger or more prominent zoos tend to offer higher salaries, and leadership roles often require advanced degrees in zoology, management, or related fields.
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 5% Internship, 46% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 35% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,127 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Position Summary: The Director of Human Resources serves as the Zoo’s senior people strategist, partnering with the leadership team to strengthen the organizational health, employee experience, and leadership practices that enable the Cincinnati Zoo amp; Botanical Garden to fulfill its vision and mission. This role connects people strategy to the Zoo’s work by building inclusive, high-trust systems for talent attraction and management (hiring, onboarding, talent development) total rewards and well-being, and organizational excellence (employee engagement, labor and employee relations, and HR operations.) Leading the HR team, the Director ensures that policies, programs, and everyday management practices reinforce the core values, support a healthy culture, and advance the Zoo’s long-term impact for wildlife, guests, employees, and the communities served by the Zoo.
Core Areas of Focus:
  • Oversee the Zoo’s Talent Attraction strategy
    • Ensure recruitment amp; onboarding processes are engaging amp; consistent across the organization
    • Develop broad recruitment strategies to meet evolving talent needs and strategic goals
    • Track, analyze amp; share relevant metrics on applicants, interviews, hiring, turnover, promotions, etc.
  • Oversee and optimize the Zoo’s Talent Management strategy
    • Develop, manage and facilitate the on-going talent development efforts of the organization
    • Identify and implement training to meet various professional development goals across the organization; Identify appropriate sources to meet training needs
    • Oversee the development of learning pathways and opportunities for employees at all levels of the organization
    • Manage the performance evaluation process for the organization. Ensure that the process and supporting products are flexible and continually updated to align with strategic organizational goals
    • Consult with managers on effective strategies to enhance individual amp; team performance
  • Oversee the Zoo’s suite of Total Rewards amp; Total Well-Being programs
    • Develop and implement holistic health amp; wellness strategies to support strategic goals and foster a culture of employee “Total Well-Being”
    • Select and manage benefit plans (health amp; retirement) amp; vendor relationships (insurance brokers, benefits carriers and administrators) to control costs and maintain competitive benefits
    • Develop, implement and manage the organization’s Total Rewards strategy to ensure pay equity and support talent strategies to attract, develop and retain top talent
    • Performs benchmarking salary surveys, recommends adjustments to pay ranges and consults with management team on compensation issues in respective areas, to ensure pay equity across the Zoo
  • Oversee and Support a Culture of Employee Engagement and Organizational Excellence
    • Create amp; drive initiatives to measure and enhance organization culture and employee engagement, well-being and belonging
    • Drive, support and enhance cultural inclusivity in line with organizational strategies
    • Empower the HR team to achieve strategic goals and deliverables and provide positive and proactive customer service to its customers
    • Represents management to the collective bargaining unit on contractual matters and serves as lead on joint labor/management committees. Facilitates the positive resolution of labor/management issues.
    • Oversees employment-related investigations relating to unfair labor practices, performance, discipline and complaints of harassment, violence amp; discrimination
Desired Qualifications:
Education amp; Experience
  • A Bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior management position with similar responsibilities, or a history of progressive management experience in Human Resources
  • HR certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP)
  • Labor relations experience a plus
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered
​Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Must possess and demonstrate a broad HR knowledge base including employment/staffing, benefits amp; compensation, organizational planning, employee/labor relations and talent development.
  • Demonstrated high emotional intelligence to help manage conflict, promote equity and inclusion, and develop talent
  • Demonstrated commitment to culturally inclusive practices
  • Demonstrate visionary leadership concepts and be able to communicate and/or execute those concepts to the leadership team and the organization
  • Excellent communication amp; analytical skills
  • Demonstrated alignment to the Core Values and Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo amp; Botanical Garden
  • Ability to effectively communicate with all staff levels, Board, senior and middle management, union, staff, donors and volunteers
  • Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., ACA, FLSA, FMLA, EEO/AA, ADEA) and ability to translate/interpret laws, rules, regulations and practices to convey an appropriate course of action
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
Working Conditions/Other Requirements: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug amp; nicotine screen, TB test, and background check. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, lift, carry, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment. Incumbent may be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 25 pounds without assistance. Requires a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
Key Position Details amp; Benefits: This position is full-time, salaried-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees at the first of the month following date of hire. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee “Total-Well-Being,” including affordable medical dental amp; vision coverage; free mental health counseling, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability amp; life insurance; generous paid time off (PTO), park discounts and free passes.
To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.

What Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply