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Zoo Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and ... The Director of Clinical Medicine advances DZCA's mission, strategy, and goals by supervising ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Hoofstock

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Assists 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 ...

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Director of Education

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Summer Zoo Camp Oversight: Direct the operational planning, curriculum design, and safe execution of the zoo's Summer Zoo Camp program, spanning nine themed weeks for ages 4-12. * Advanced Youth ...

Oakland Zoo

Director, Development

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$111K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is responsible for managing, building, and diversifying Oakland Zoo's base of ... The Director manages a team of four development professionals and collaborates closely with CCEO ...

Oakland Zoo

Director, Development

Oakland, CA · On-site

$111K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is responsible for managing, building, and diversifying Oakland Zoo's base of ... The Director manages a team of four development professionals and collaborates closely with CCEO ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed. * Recommending procedures ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed. * Recommending procedures ...

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Director of Guest Services

Omaha, NE · On-site

$85K/yr

Execute departmental strategies that align with the Zoo's mission, organizational priorities ... Direct the daily operation of Membership, Ticketing/Redemption, Rides & Attractions, Theater and ...

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Director of Guest Services

Omaha, NE · On-site

$85K/yr

Execute departmental strategies that align with the Zoo's mission, organizational priorities ... Direct the daily operation of Membership, Ticketing/Redemption, Rides & Attractions, Theater and ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in preventative medicine/procedures and report animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serve as the liaison with the veterinarian as needed. * Recommend procedures ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in preventative medicine/procedures and report animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serve as the liaison with the veterinarian as needed. * Recommend procedures ...

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Zoo Director information

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$13K

$66.1K

$172.5K

How much do zoo director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

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Zoo Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Director job openings in the United States 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, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,127 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver Zoo

Denver, CO • On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Director of Clinical Medicine advances DZCA's mission, strategy, and goals by supervising clinical medicine and pathology for the animals at DZCA and advancing Wildlife Health and Conservation department impact. Duties include supervision of the Clinical Veterinarians and Veterinary Pathologist, development of clinical policies and processes in partnership with the Director of Veterinary Operations, and clinical case management and communication, including diagnostic evaluation, treatment, surgery, and anesthesia, administering the Zoo's preventative medicine program, mentoring veterinary residents, interns, and students, pathology assistance, and collaborating on research endeavors.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Veterinary Care
  • Provide collaborative high quality and innovative veterinary care for the animals at DZCA, ensuring consistency among the clinical veterinarian team, including species-appropriate advanced diagnostic evaluation, treatment, anesthesia, surgery, emergency and critical care, pathology assistance and collaboration, and administration of the Zoo's preventative medicine program.
  • Schedule and coordinate appointments and procedures, including developing and fostering relationships with outside clinical consultants.
  • Share caseload management and clinical coverage, including rotating emergency on-call availability.
  • Maintain timely and complete medical records and controlled drug inventory documentation, including ultra-potent narcotics in compliance with DEA regulations.
  • Assist with animal shipments, quarantine, biosecurity measures, and complete certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) as part of pre-shipment evaluation.
  • Effectively communicate relevant clinical case findings and management plans with the Animal Care and Animal Wellbeing teams, fostering strong partnerships for patient care.

Veterinarian Team Supervision and Clinical Leadership
  • Align veterinary program and individual leadership with Denver Zoo core values to be welcoming, curious, united, courageous, and transformative.
  • Provide supervision for the Clinical Veterinarians and Veterinary Pathologist, including recruitment and hiring, scheduling, peri-clinical responsibilities, team development, goal setting, performance reviews, accountability and discipline, collaborative learning, coaching, and personnel policy oversight.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation and Director of Veterinary Operations on the development and implementation of the Zoo's veterinary program and policies.
  • Ensure clinical approaches and processes achieve optimal efficiency and patient care, as well as compliance with federal and state regulations and AZA accreditation and safety standards.
  • Collaborate with other directors and managers in the Wildlife Health and Conservation department to support leadership and team culture.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to Denver Zoo's sustainability policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, and health regulations, procedures, and goals.

Teaching, Mentorship, and Research
  • Mentor and supervise residents in the ACZM-compliant Zoological Medicine Residency Program, as well as visiting interns, and students, collaborating with the veterinarian team to ensure consistent high-quality mentorship.
  • Lead and/or collaborate on veterinary research and present findings at relevant professional meetings or in scientific publications.

Finance
  • Assist the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation in budget development by coordinating recommendations and associated costs for clinical needs and equipment modalities.
  • Participate as needed in donor engagement or grant pursuits with the Philanthropy team in support of the veterinary program

Internal and External Engagement
  • Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between the veterinary team and all other departments in the zoo.
  • Provide positive professional interactions and accurate information regarding Zoo animals and program activities to zoo staff, visitors, vendors and volunteers, including through guest tours, public-facing programs, and the media.
  • Provide veterinary perspectives to the Animal Wellbeing program, including animal welfare assessments and medical aspects of behavioral husbandry.
  • Collaborate with the Zoo's PhD Nutritionist and Animal Nutrition team regarding nutritional aspects of clinical case management.
  • Provide veterinary expertise to the Zoo's Field Conservation programs, collaborating on program development pertaining to One Health and Conservation Medicine.
  • Share and engage with the public at the Zoo hospital or elsewhere through regular collaboration with the Guest Engagement team who operates the hospital's public viewing gallery.
  • Participate as needed in administrative roles at the Zoo or externally, such as various committees, task forces, or other professional roles.

Other Responsibilities and Duties
  • Other assistance, as designated by the Senior Director of Wildlife Health to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
  • The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
  • This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.
  • The Director of Clinical Medicine directly supervises the Clinical Veterinarians and Veterinary Pathologist.
  • Coordinate recommendations and associated costs for clinical needs and equipment modalities to be included in the budget. Acts as a good steward of DZCA's resources.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
  • DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college. Completion of an ACZM-compliant zoological medicine residency program (preferred).
  • Requires a minimum of 7 years experience as a veterinarian, including 5 years experience with zoological species, leadership and team supervision. Working as part of a team of veterinarians is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong expertise and clinical skills in zoological medicine, including advanced diagnostic, anesthetic, and treatment/surgical techniques, clinical case management, and understanding of epidemiological principles and zoonotic diseases.
  • Background in scientific research methods and study design with record of scientific publication.
  • Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, internet and literature search applications, and experience with Tracks software or other zoological medical record keeping systems are a plus.
  • Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Must have superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
  • Must be a recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broad cross-section of people in direct and matrixed relationships.
  • Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred. Must have proficient skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.

Position Conditions
  • Ability to pass a physical examination, background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
  • Clear driving record.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Schedule Availability: Ability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and evenings including rotating emergency on-call availability.
  • Licenses/Certifications: Licensed Veterinarian in the State of Colorado or able to become licensed within 3 months of hire. ACZM board certification or ability to become board certified within 3 years of hire. Eligibility to obtain a DEA controlled substance registration certificate. Eligibility to obtain USDA category II accreditation within 3 months of hire. Possession of a valid Colorado Class 'R' driver's license within 3 months of hire.
  • Work Location: Onsite

Compensation
Range for this position is $11,250-$12,917 (monthly)
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
  • Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
  • A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
  • Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
  • And so much more!

Application Process and Timelines
Application Deadline: Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.
www.denverzoo.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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