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Zoo Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Zoological Society

Events Assistant

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Position Summary The Event Assistant supports the Events Manager and the Events Department in planning, coordinating, and executing engaging events at the Virginia Zoo. This role focuses on vendor ...

Base-2 Solutions, LLC

DevOps Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$55 - $75.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with GitLab CI/CD pipelines, Nexus Repository management, and building and maintaining Apache Solr clusters with ZooKeeper in production environments.

Base-2 Solutions, LLC

Senior Java Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

$59.50 - $76/hr

Upgrade Apache Solr clusters with ZooKeeper coordination. * Migrate and optimize Solr index data during version upgrades. * Manage Apache Tomcat application server configurations and deployments.

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Zoo Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$205

$7.5K

How much do zoo manager jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average weekly pay for zoo manager in Virginia is $803.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $402.10 and $935.12 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a zoo manager do?

A Zoo Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a zoo, ensuring the welfare of animals, and managing staff such as keepers, educators, and veterinarians. They coordinate animal care, develop and implement policies, manage budgets, and work to ensure the zoo meets all regulatory and safety standards. Zoo Managers may also be involved in conservation programs, public education initiatives, and community outreach. Their role requires strong leadership skills, knowledge of animal husbandry, and effective communication with various stakeholders.

What are some common challenges a zoo manager faces in balancing animal welfare with operational responsibilities?

Zoo Managers often navigate the complex balance between ensuring top-tier animal care and managing operational tasks such as budgeting, staffing, and guest services. Prioritizing animal welfare requires coordinating with veterinarians, curators, and keepers to maintain proper habitats and enrichment, while also handling logistical duties and regulatory compliance. A key challenge is making decisions that support both animal health and the zoo's financial sustainability, often requiring creative problem-solving and strong leadership. Collaboration with diverse teams is essential to address unforeseen issues quickly and maintain high standards across all areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Manager, you need expertise in animal care, facility operations, and staff management, typically supported by a degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, regulatory compliance systems, and budgeting tools is also important. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing teams and addressing the diverse challenges of running a zoo. These skills ensure animal welfare, regulatory adherence, and a positive experience for both staff and visitors.

How do you become a zoo manager?

To become a zoo manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field, along with several years of experience working with animals or in zoo operations. Many zoo managers also pursue advanced degrees or certifications in animal management or conservation and develop strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

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

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Zoo Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Manager jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Manager jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Zoo Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Zoo Manager job openings:

Zoo Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,786 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Guest Services Manager-Nova Wild Zoo

Reston, VA • On-site

Sikat Group LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Sikat Group LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Description: We are seeking a dynamic and guest-focused individual to join our team as the Zoo Guest Services Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for providing exceptional experiences for our guests by overseeing all aspects of guest services, including ticketing, memberships, visitor information, special events, and retail store. The ideal candidate is passionate about delivering outstanding customer service, building positive relationships with guests, and enhancing the overall visitor experience at our zoo.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the guest services department, including ticketing, memberships, guest relations, and gift shop.
  • Hire, train, and supervise guest services staff, ensuring they deliver excellent customer service and adhere to zoo policies and procedures.
  • Develop and implement strategies to enhance the guest experience, increase visitor satisfaction, increase revenue, and promote repeat visitation.
  • Oversee the ticketing system, including pricing, promotions, and sales reporting under direction of the zoo ownership.
  • Ensures efficiency of ticketing, field trips, and special events. Relays guest feedback and interacts with guests to obtain feedback.
  • Coordinate the implementation of membership programs, including recruitment, retention, and benefits administration.
  • Serve as a liaison between guests and other zoo departments to address inquiries, complaints, and special requests.
  • Collaborate with marketing, facilities, and animal care teams to plan and execute special events, promotions, and educational programs.
  • Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements based on survey data and visitor comments.
  • Maintains and over sees guest services budget and coordinates with owners on expenses.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and accessibility standards to provide a welcoming environment for all guests.
  • Experience in crisis mitigation and prevention
  • Cross trains with animal care teams and facilities teams to assist where needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
  • Previous experience in guest services, hospitality, or customer service management, preferably in a zoo, museum, theme park, or similar environment.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team. Experience with scheduling and implementing disciplinary action.
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on attention to detail.
  • Experience managing and making budgets.
  • Proven revenue generating skills and mindset.
  • Experience working with vendors and coordinating with gift shop manager to increase revenue and sales throughout the park.
  • Proficiency with square point of sale systems
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.
  • Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education.
  • CPR and First Aid certification (preferred).
Benefits:
  • Healthcare, matching 401k, paid time off

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