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Do you want to pursue a Zoo Career?

The zoo industry is full of exciting careers to pursue, such as animal and veterinary care, education, conservation,  and research. If you are unsure what path is the right for you, have a look at the BIAZA Careers Guide and at AZA's list of types of zoo jobs

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Photo: Dallas Zoo

What to study?

Depending on the country, there are different education paths you can pursue if you are interested in working in a zoo. Biology, Zoology, Veterinary Science, Animal Behaviour & Welfare are all relevant subjects for a zoo job.

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However, some countries offer very specific courses on the subject. You might be interested in studying one of these if you want to have a zoo specific education.

Aspiring zoo scientist?
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Job Vacancies
Zoo Research & Conservation

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Animal Welfare and Ethics Manager
Perth Zoo (Australia)

We are seeking a highly skilled and qualified veterinary professional with a passion for animal welfare and conservation. You will provide expert advice and oversight on animal welfare practices, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, accreditation standards, and Perth Zoo’s strategic objectives.

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About the Role:

  • Animal Welfare Leadership: Provide specialist advice on animal welfare, ethics, and compliance, ensuring adherence to the Animal Welfare Act 2002, the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, and ZAA accreditation standards.

  • Veterinary Expertise: Apply veterinary knowledge to assess and enhance animal welfare outcomes, including participation in ethical review processes and welfare audits.

  • Policy and Standards Development: Lead the development and implementation of animal welfare policies, SOPs, and monitoring frameworks to maintain best practice standards.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams, regulatory bodies, and external partners to promote animal welfare excellence and continuous improvement.

  • Training and Education: Support staff capability by delivering training and guidance on welfare compliance and ethical practices.

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Deadline: November 25

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Manager, Conservation Programming (CCWC)
Columbus Zoo (United States)

Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks and support the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC) in advancing impactful conservation initiatives. This role plays a vital part in building partnerships, engaging communities, and driving measurable outcomes for wildlife conservation.

Responsible for the coordination and maintenance of local, national, and international conservation programs including stewarding relationships with partners. 

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Asia Conservation Program Director
Denver Zoo (United States)

The Asia Conservation Program Director leads DZCA’s field conservation program in Asia, driving strategic conservation efforts with in-country partners to maximize impact and reach while aligning the program with DZCA’s mission and field conservation strategy. Program leadership will include scoping and maintaining productive in-country partnerships, leading and collaborating on research and conservation impact priorities, and aligning and integrating field work with DZCA programs and personnel. The Asia Conservation Program Director strengthens DZCA’s role as an international conservation leader while fostering a culture of teamwork within the Wildlife Health and Field Conservation Department and across One Zoo Team.

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Deadline: November 14

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Coral Species Survival Manager
The Florida Aquarium (United States)

The Coral Species Survival Manager will collaborate closely with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s (SSC) Coral Specialist Group, The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) Coral Conservation Program, relevant government and non-governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders, and the broader conservation community. The primary goal of this position is to coordinate the IUCN Assess-Plan-Act model, which includes assessing extinction risk, identifying conservation needs, planning effective and coordinated measures, and mobilizing action to protect coral species. This role will significantly enhance understanding of the global conservation needs of corals and will serve as a vital foundation for prioritizing conservation efforts, facilitating essential actions, and implementing policies designed to protect these species.

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Temporary Field Technician
Tennessee Aquarium (United States)

The Temporary Field Technician will assist with our Trispot Darter Distribution Assessment Project. The objective of this project is to assess the current distribution of the Trispot Darter (Etheostoma trisella) within its range in Georgia and Tennessee to guide future recovery planning and restoration work.

 

Key Responsibilities

  1. Follows standardized backpack electrofishing protocols to sample for Trispot Darters at multiple sites

  2. Follows standardized sampling protocols to collect water quality and fish habitat data from multiple sites

  3. Enters sampling data into an electronic database and perform other computer tasks as needed

  4. Other duties include disinfecting and maintaining equipment, assisting with other lab and field work as needed, and interacting with Conservation Institute science staff to support ongoing research projects

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Deadline: November 7

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Animal Behavior and Wellbeing Assistant
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo (United States)

We are seeking a part-time Animal Behavior and Wellbeing Assistant under the direction of the Manager of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing (ABW). This position will assist the ABW team while working along with the keeper staff to support all aspects of the day-to-day husbandry, training, enrichment, and welfare requirements for the animals in our collection.

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The Animal Behavior and Wellbeing team currently works with a wide variety of animals in various taxa. The focus of the ABW department is to promote wellbeing through progressive behavior management. The program consists of collection animals each having specific outlined objectives or teaching points that support the mission of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals, their habitats, and their conservation.

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Research Scientist
New England Aquarium (United States)

We seek a Research Scientist to join and grow with the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program. This scientist will oversee the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (NARWC) Sightings & Effort Database (SED), which contains sightings and effort data for right whales and other marine species collected along the east coast of the US and Canada. They will lead the migration of the SED to NEAq, then oversee all database operations, including facilitating data submission, quality control, storage, and data access. They will undertake database improvement projects as needed. Finally, this scientist will lead independent research projects that advance conservation outcomes for marine species.

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This is a full-time (35 hours per week) grant-funded position with one year of funding and the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work will be conducted primarily remotely with occasional in-person meetings. Work hours are flexible with remote meetings occurring between 9 am – 5pm EST Monday – Friday. A laptop will be provided, but an adequate workspace and high-speed internet connection are required, as well as residence in one of the following states: MA, RI, NH, ME, NY, or VT.

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Conservation Training Officer
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust/Jersey Zoo (Jersey)

To support the work of Durrell Conservation Academy in the delivery of our conservation training programmes, in line with our vision to create a global community of conservation professionals rewilding the world. In particular, this role will be responsible for delivering and improving the administrative processes in support of our Training Academy, including the advertising of our courses, alongside in-person and online training of conservation professionals, and contributing to engagement with our alumni network.

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Deadline: November 2

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Conservation Impacts & Partnerships Senior Director
Woodland Park Zoo (United States)

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensure all conservation initiatives are strategically aligned to reduce threats and improve trends for priority species and landscapes. Provide strategic leadership to develop and execute implementation plans to align conservation efforts with institutional priorities outlined in the Woodland Park Zoo’s Strategic Plan and Conservation Strategy.

  • Strengthen and grow place-based conservation programs, including regional efforts in the Pacific Northwest and partnerships with NGOs around the world, while remaining responsive to emerging conservation opportunities globally.

  • Advance the zoo’s leadership in catalyzing a social movement for conservation through public engagement, policy influence, field programs, and partnerships that foster widespread conservation behavior change.

  • Champion inclusive and equitable conservation practices by actively decolonizing narratives, centering leadership from tropical, southern, Indigenous, and historically excluded communities, and ensuring equitable access to resources and recognition.

  • Build and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships with individuals and groups that are advancing community-led conservation, developing and deploying groundbreaking technologies, and inspiring collective action and behavior change for conservation regionally and globally.

  • Collaborate with local, national, and international partners to identify ways that zoo staff members can contribute to their success; collaborate with zoo colleagues to identify areas of expertise that could be leveraged to advance partners’ priorities.

  • Engage in professional societies or networks to foster strong relationships with key partner organizations, individuals, and stakeholders to harness support and enhance the zoo's organizational impact on wildlife conservation and climate change mitigation. This may include (but is not limited to) IUCN, Species Survival Commission (SSC), CITES, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), GEF, bilateral and multilateral agencies, US Government, and Washington State agencies.

  • Stay abreast of important trends (including policy changes, technological, social, and economic) that could potentially impact the organization and advise executive leadership on opportunities. Utilize external best practices to benchmark standards, monitor costs, and key trends in biodiversity conservation.

  • In partnership with the zoo’s Development team, ideate funding and revenue solutions to support conservation initiatives, including private donors, institutional foundations, government agencies, multilateral funding organizations, and earned revenue options.

  • Manage program budgets and contribute to fundraising efforts by providing content for grants, donor cultivation, and reporting in collaboration with the Development team.

  • Work across all zoo departments to identify short and long-term priorities and to help develop program branding strategies, messages, calls to action, and storytelling narratives that increase our conservation impact.

  • Collaborate with the Evaluation & Impact team to define, monitor, and communicate conservation metrics and outcomes that demonstrate tangible progress toward reducing threats and improving trends for priority species and landscapes. Foster a culture of adaptive management grounded in data, evaluation, and continuous learning.

  • Ensure cross-team coordination various teams across the zoo such as Animal Care, Learning, Engagement, Communications, Guest and Volunteer Engagement teams to ensure that conservation goals, messages, and efforts are woven throughout the zoo’s operations and public-facing programs.

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Senior Conservation Manager, Restore Our Shores
Brevard Zoo (United States)

Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.

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Brevard Zoo’s Restore Our Shores program has engaged tens of thousands of citizens in science-based restoration of our local estuary, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). We have a unique opportunity to dramatically improve the health of the IRL, which was once considered the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, by working to support restoration projects. Currently, the Zoo is engaged in restoration work focused on oysters, clams, seagrasses, and mangroves, as well as other native shoreline plants. The Senior Conservation Manager, Restore Our Shores (ROS), is responsible for overseeing these restoration efforts, as well as managing staff and field-operations associated with the Restore Our Shores (ROS) program.  

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Research Technician in Amphibian Conservation (Field/Lab)
Memphis Zoo (United States)

The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 1-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience in amphibian ecology, field biology, and conservation.  

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The purpose of this Research Technician is to assist in Memphis Zoo’s efforts towards amphibian conservation. Working with the Amphibian Conservation Postdoc, the Research Technician will largely focus on the dusky gopher frog recovery program, which is one of Memphis Zoo’s top-tier wildlife conservation priorities, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research projects in the Amphibian Lab. We seek candidates who are passionate about amphibian conservation and eager to apply their skills to contribute to both in situ and ex situ conservation and research (See Memphis Zoo website and list of of recent publications).

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Conservation Technician
National Aquarium  (United States)

The National Aquarium is seeking a passionate and dedicated Conservation Technician to join our dynamic Conservation Programs team. This position will support coordination and components of Conservation Program initiatives including Field Conservation and Conservation Community Engagement programs, with a strong focus on the Harbor Wetland exhibit and Fort McHenry Wetland.  

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Coordinates and implements daily maintenance activities for the Harbor Wetland exhibit and the Fort McHenry Wetland, including weeding, pruning, watering of plants, debris removal and general trail maintenance. 

  • Manage ongoing maintenance projects, such as airlift swaps, water quality monitoring, visitor engagement, and biodiversity surveys of Harbor Wetland. 

  • Support and oversee volunteer participation in Harbor Wetland, the Fort McHenry Wetland and other Conservation Programs activities, ensuring program logistics, volunteer safety, and tracking are maintained.  

  • Engages and communicates with National Aquarium staff, stakeholders, and partner organizations to leverage resources and build opportunities for engagement and conservation initiatives.

  • Participates in outreach events, focusing on environmental stewardship and connecting participants to National Aquarium conservation efforts.

  • Participates in the evaluation of project results and preparation of summary reports.

  • Participates in Conservation Programs Department staff meetings and other internal meetings as necessary.

  • Supports mentorship of unpaid staff including interns, Aquarium Conservation Team volunteers and other episodic volunteers as directed.

  • Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

  • Support company mission.

  • Adhere to all oganizational and departmental policies and procedures.

  • Other duties as assigned or required.

  • Responsible for following National Aquarium policy and ethics guidelines.

  • Responsible for completing assigned work in an efficient and timely manner.

  • Responsible for equipment, supplies, vehicles, facilities, and personnel associated with field projects.

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Pacific Pocket Mouse Research Associate I 
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance  (United States)

The Research Associate I performs assigned laboratory, wildlife/plant care, field duties and/or training initiatives in support of a variety of research, endangered species propagation, and/or community initiatives. The position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science Department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care, and/or field duties, depending on the assignment.

  • Collect, collate, maintain, process, and analyze records relevant to current projects (e.g., data and biological samples).

  • Collect, record and analyze data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.

  • Document, file, and maintain records.

  • Conduct a variety of assigned research, husbandry, and training activities.

  • Work with team of administrative assistant to maintain supply inventories and prepare purchase requisitions.

  • Ensure laboratory, wildlife/plant care, and field equipment are properly maintained and calibrated and coordinates repairs and maintenance of equipment and facilities with administrative assistant.

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Population Sustainability Post Doctoral Associate
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance  (United States)

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Post Doctoral Associate in quantitative ecology to assess key population dynamics questions across three species that can be identified to the level of the individual from photographic methods: African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus), reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata), and Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). The Fellow will have access to a combined 20+ years of sorted camera trap data across the three programs and will be expected to lead analyses and publications on population density, population dynamics, and habitat associations. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Ecology, Mathematical Biology, Wildlife Conservation and Management, or similar field of study, with very strong analytical and quantitative skills. Applicants should have a proven record of population modeling, including spatial capture-recapture models, ideally for closed and open populations, as well as multi-species occupancy models. Advanced knowledge of R and Bayesian modeling (e.g. JAGS or NIMBLE) is required. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaborative research and productivity, be familiar with endangered species conservation, and have demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets to parameterize population models. The Fellow will have opportunities to design and implement field protocols for population models, including the use of cameras and DNA from passive collections, as well as advance new statistical approaches. In this effort, the Fellow will work with a multidisciplinary team within Conservation Science, including population and behavioral ecologists, conservation geneticists, and computer science engineers, as well as a diverse collaborative network of field teams in both Kenya and Peru.

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Director of Animal Care and Conservation
Wildlife Prairie Park (United States)

Wildlife Prairie Park has often been referred to as a jewel in the Midwest. Located just outside of Peoria, IL, this 1,800-acre zoological park is home to more than 180 animals representing over 60 native Illinois species, including wolves, bison, black bear, elk, cougars, and otters. Since opening in 1978, Wildlife Prairie Park has remained dedicated to its mission of conservation, education, and recreation.
 
The Director of Animal Care and Conservation is a key member of the executive team, responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and daily management of the Park’s animal care, conservation and education programs. This position advances animal welfare, habitat management, staff performance and development, educational programming while leading the Park toward ZAA accreditation. The Director ensures compliance with all zoological regulatory agencies, partners with veterinary professionals, fosters community and professional engagement, and implements sustainable practices that create an enriching environment for animals, guests, and staff.
 
This role also plays a vital part in revenue development through innovative programs, partnerships, and collaborations that attract funding opportunities and support attendance growth. The Director works closely with the executive team to ensure strategic alignment, cohesive leadership, and operational excellence across the Park while upholding the highest ethical standards in animal care and conservation.

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Conservation and Recovery Specialist
White Oak Conservation (United States)

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 17,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.      

Position Purpose: 


The Conservation and Recovery Specialist will work as part of the White Oak team to maintain exceptional standards of animal care and facility management, focusing on White Oak’s species recovery programs. The goal is to support and expand these programs to achieve conservation targets, including assisting with restoration of populations such as the whooping crane, Mississippi sandhill crane, Florida grasshopper sparrow, and American red wolf through rearing and release initiatives. While the primary focus of this position is avian recovery programs, it also involves work with other taxa, including carnivores and potentially amphibians. Experience with passerines and/or canids is preferred.

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Conservation Curator
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (United States)

​Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is seeking a skilled collaborator and leader to take our conservation program to the next level. The Conservation Curator role will lead transformative conservation programs, represent our mission on local and global stages, and collaborate with dedicated teams within and beyond the Zoo. By fostering innovation and building connections, the Conservation Curator will help shape the future of conservation and empower others to join in this important work.

The ideal candidate is a passionate conservation professional with strong leadership, communication, and program management skills, capable of advancing impactful conservation initiatives locally and globally. They are a strategic thinker and relationship-builder who can manage funds with precision, inspire diverse audiences, and represent the Zoo as a leader in conservation.

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