The Vice President of Education and Conservation provides strategic and visionary leadership for all education and conservation initiatives at Zoo Knoxville. This position leads a talented, multidisciplinary team of educators and conservation professionals to design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs and experiences that engage guests, strengthen community partnerships, and advance the Zoo’s mission.

The Vice President serves as a member of the Zoo’s senior leadership team and plays a key role in shaping the guest experience, driving programmatic growth, and positioning Zoo Knoxville as a leader in conservation education locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

The Vice President of Education and Conservation will be an active ambassador for Zoo Knoxville, building relationships with community leaders, schools, conservation organizations, and supporters. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire teams, engage audiences, and promote Zoo Knoxville’s mission with passion and purpose.

Reporting to the Head of Conservation, the Senior Conservation Officer will oversee the daily implementation of our ex-situ species recovery projects, manage conservation staff, volunteers and work placements and support the Head of Conservation with developing and delivering the vision of the ZSEA Conservation Strategy at both Banham Zoo and Africa Alive Reserve.

You will combine practical daily husbandry tasks with project management and administrative responsibilities, working closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to deliver impactful, high-quality conservation programmes.

This role requires daily physical work caring for the animal and plant species within the conservation department and requires working outside in all weather conditions.

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Deadline: February 22

ZAA is recruiting a Species Survival Officer to lead delivery of the Queensland Ex Situ Conservation Assessment Project in partnership with the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. This role focuses on strategically identifying where ex situ conservation can most effectively support threatened species recovery in Queensland, mapping existing capacity across accredited institutions, and producing evidence-based recommendations. You will operate at the intersection of science, policy and conservation delivery, translating complex data into clear strategic options that strengthen real-world outcomes for species.

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Key responsibilities

• Establish and run project governance in line with the collaborative agreement

•  Systematically assess threatened species to identify where ex situ management could deliver the greatest conservation benefit

• Map existing ex situ capacity, infrastructure, expertise and biosecure facilities across ZAA-accredited institutions

• Analyse gaps, risks and constraints between conservation need and available capacity

• Develop practical, staged options for addressing gaps through collaboration and investment

• Produce high-quality reports and recommendations for government and project partners

• Engage closely with conservation experts, institutions, IUCN SSC networks and stakeholders

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Deadline: February 13

ZAA is recruiting a Species Survival Officer to deliver a best-practice coordination support framework for threatened species Recovery Teams in Queensland, in partnership with the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

This role is focused on strengthening governance, coordination, planning and stakeholder engagement so Recovery Teams can spend less time navigating systems and more time delivering real conservation outcomes.

You will act as a neutral facilitator and system steward, embedding high-quality operating structures, improving collaboration, and ensuring recovery efforts align with both government expectations and global conservation best practice.

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Key responsibilities

• Establish and manage project governance and milestone delivery

• Undertake structured needs and stakeholder assessments for Recovery Teams before engagement

• Strengthen Recovery Team governance, operating arrangements and Terms of Reference

• Facilitate meetings, workshops and conservation planning processes

• Coordinate workplans, action tracking and reporting across teams

• Build partnerships between Recovery Teams, government, IUCN SSC Specialist Groups and conservation organisations

• Support culturally appropriate First Nations engagement pathways

• Develop tools and systems that improve long-term coordination capacity beyond the project term

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Deadline: February 13

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Animal Science, Conservation and Associated Enterprises Manager to lead our licensed, award-winning Wildlife and Conservation Park and associated commercial enterprises.

This important role sits at the heart of our Animal Management, Conservation and Environmental provision, supporting learners across Further Education at York and Wakefield, Higher Education, Inclusive Learning, King’s Trust programmes, Veterinary Nursing and a growing portfolio of commercial and professional training. The successful candidate will play a key role in a sector leading teaching zoo environment, where learners develop real-world skills within a professional, compliant and conservation focused setting.

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Deadline: February 10

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of AZA's conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals

• Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff

• Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings

• Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus

• Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts

• Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception

• Participate in relevant policy coalitions

• Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group

• Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.

• Perform other duties as requested

CREW is committed to training the next generation of scientists, with a primary focus on feline health, welfare, and reproductive physiology. The IMLS Scholar position seeks to provide immersive, hands-on experience in the field of zoo conservation science to an early career scientist. The successful candidate will work closely with, and be mentored by CREW scientists, including the Director of the Imperiled Cat Signature Project, Dr. Lindsey Vansandt. Responsibilities will include sample processing for and performance of hormone immunoassays, vaginal cytology slide staining and analysis, post-thaw semen analyses (including morphological analysis, immunostaining, and heterologous in vitro fertilization), data entry, and data analysis. Participation in assisted reproduction procedures (such as reproductive examinations, semen collection, gamete rescue, and artificial insemination) will be offered to foster professional growth and development. Additionally, candidates may have the opportunity to design, lead, and take ownership of an independent project, depending on their interests and skills.

This role provides an exceptional, immersive training opportunity for a highly motivated early-career scientist eager to translate cutting-edge –omics technologies into practical tools for wildlife monitoring and conservation. The Post-Doctoral Scientist will play a central role in advancing an IMLS-funded project supporting CREW’s Polar Bear Signature Project, with an emphasis on developing and validating molecular approaches that can be deployed to better understand and conserve bears (Ursidae). Rather than discovery alone, this work is intentionally geared toward advancing understanding of reproductive processes while identifying and rigorously validating physiological biomarkers that can be translated into reliable, scalable tools, such as biomarker-based assays and monitoring techniques, to improve conservation and management decision-making for both zoo-managed and wild bears.By linking controlled studies in zoo-managed populations with applications relevant to free-ranging bears, the research generated through this position will directly inform strategies for monitoring, managing, and conserving bear populations both in situ and ex situ.

Working closely with the team at Dublin Zoo, the IUCN Species Survival Commission, relevant government and NGO stakeholders and the wider conservation community, the post holder will play a key role in implementing the IUCN Assess-Plan-Act-Network-Communicate model to assess extinction risk, identify conservation needs, help plan effective and coordinated measures, mobilise conservation action, communicate conservation successes and network with governmental and NGO partners. This position will support assessments to help inform species conservation prioritisation for Ireland (eg, IUCN Red List Assessments, Key Biodiversity Area identification, National Assessments, situation analyses, etc). In doing this, the position will help to dramatically expand the understanding of the conservation needs of Irish species; laying the much-needed foundation to also focus on convening and facilitating prioritised conservation planning and mobilising the implementation of key actions and policy across the conservation of these species. This position will also support the ex situ management of native Irish species at Dublin Zoo, including supporting project administration, reporting and public dissemination. 

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Deadline: February 7.

The Research Associate I will be a part of the Conservation Genetics team working in the stem cell lab. It is an entry level position for someone with a BS or MS in cell/molecular biology, biotechnology, or related field. Apply for this position if you are someone who has an interest in stem cell applications and conservation genetics and is excited to explore multiple ways to apply technology to save species. The position will assist with the development, maintenance, differentiation, and cryopreservation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the living cell collections of the Frozen Zoo®. There will also be an emphasis on characterization of these lines through gene expression (RNAseq and quantitative PCR), immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. Applicants must have knowledge of standard laboratory procedures and equipment, excellent skills in methods of sterile technique and laboratory safety practices. Hands on experience in cell culture including culturing and freezing somatic and/or stem cells is beneficial. The applicant must have the ability to take direction, follow through on assignments and work independently, but working as part of a team is essential. Schedule flexibility and the ability to work on weekends and holidays is also highly desirable. The applicant must also be adaptable to a dynamic workload, have critical thinking skills, and be neat and well organized with laboratory data.

The Dr. Mike Cranfield Summer Research Extern will be responsible for performing research project(s) that focus on topics relevant to the Zoo’s collection animals and/or conservation initiatives. Based on the clinical research, the Research Extern will develop a formal manuscript for journal publication. Primary authorship with submission of the manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal will be encouraged, but is not guaranteed. In addition, the Veterinary Research Extern may have the opportunity to shadow veterinary staff and assist veterinary staff in hospital operations and animal care, as well as participate in local field work. Additionally, the Veterinary Research Extern will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

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Deadline: February 14

The Country Director is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of ACCB’s programs, operations and strategic development in Cambodia. This includes ensuring conservation goals are effectively implemented, maintaining high standards of animal care, building partnerships, leading fundraising efforts, guiding a diverse team, and representing ACCB nationally and internationally.

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Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of ACCB.

• Serve as country representative of ACCB in collaboration with the Cambodian authorities

• Oversee wildlife breeding and release programs.

• Ensure high standards of animal welfare and conservation best practice.

• Lead and develop national and international staff.

• Represent ACCB to government authorities, partners and donors. • Lead fundraising, donor relations and financial oversight.

The Conservation Field and Co-existence Manager will advance Oakland Zoo’s mission by expanding and diversifying our field conservation initiatives, focusing on human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and habitat loss solutions for California native predator species - with capacity to expand into global predator initiatives. Joining the Conservation Team, the primary responsibilities are establishing and implementing plans to conserve species such as gray wolves, mountain lions, and African lions through alliance building, research-based conservation programs, community action, and behavior change strategies.

Wildlife Conservation and Co-existence Program Management

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• Research, identify and develop field programs with various partner organizations to support holistic conservation strategies and maximize conservation impact

• Co-create and manage effective, long-term plans that leverage local knowledge systems and values, and support capacity-strengthening to improve the status of ecological and human well-being

• Collaborate across departments, aligning Oakland Zoo resources with conservation field initiatives

• Develop and operationalize robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for future field conservation efforts, including research, protection/restoration, community engagement and education

Conservation Leadership

• Create relevant alliances might include that local non-governmental organizations, International Union for the Conservation of Nature programs, California state conservation strategies, and AZA initiatives to build alignment, strengthen partnerships and optimize conservation actions. 

• Participate in the planning and implementation of Conservation Department initiatives and help inform Oakland Zoo’s strategic and campus planning work

• Work collaboratively with other Oakland Zoo departments like Learning & Engagement and Marketing to ensure staff and public engagement reflects our conservation mission and work

• Complete other duties as needed and assigned

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Animal Wellbeing to support the Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences (CMWS) department. This role provides administrative and programmatic support for AZA’s animal wellbeing initiatives, including the implementation of AZA’s Strategic Framework for the Wellbeing of Animals, and program support to the Animal Health and Welfare Committees. The position serves as a key point of contact for AZA members, partners, and the public, and works closely with internal teams, committees, and advisory groups.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Director, Animal Wellbeing. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and programmatic support to the implementation of AZA’s Strategic Framework for the Wellbeing of Animals, including initiatives related to advancing science, communications, population management, fundraising, and partnership building; this includes composing minutes, compiling information collected at workshops, data analysis, drafting surveys and presentations, drafting and distributing communications, and scheduling meetings.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and promotion of new/revised animal wellbeing documents and related resources, maintain a centralized system for and support the Animal Care Manual, Ambassador Animal Guideline, and Welfare Indicator Guide submission, review, and dissemination process, review draft documents, track status through the review process, coordinate open comment periods, and track accountability for these publications.

• Provide administrative support to the Animal Health and Welfare Committees and related working groups, including reviewing and posting documents, administrating surveys, composing minutes, scheduling meetings, and maintaining records. 

• Provide administrative support to the Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund program.

• Maintain AZA website pages and areas of departmental databases related to animal wellbeing.

• Collaborate with other AZA departments to develop resources, write and review education, training, and media content, and disseminate information related to animal wellbeing initiatives.

• Assist with the solicitation and editing of bimonthly Animal Wellbeing spotlight articles and feature article submissions from the community for AZA’s Connect publication; ensure articles are submitted to the Communications team on schedule.

• Manage email communications for animal wellbeing resource accounts, and answer general inquiries related to AZA’s Strategic Framework for Animal Wellbeing.

• Develop and maintain SOPs for the development and maintenance of Animal Wellbeing processes.

• Assist departmental staff with special projects and clerical duties.

• Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.

• Perform other duties as requested.

This is a two-year position funded by Bailey Endowment Fund, intended to support the Zoo's Key Commitment to Research, specifically focused on scientific inquiry of non-human primates. Zoo Atlanta has a diverse non-human primate collection and holds one of the largest gorilla and orangutan zoological populations within North America.

The post-doctoral fellow will develop and conduct original research projects, with the potential to collaborate with other established researchers, both within Zoo Atlanta, and externally with other zoos, universities, or others. Opportunities to teach or co-teach courses at local universities may be available, as well as mentoring undergraduate researchers from those institutions, as well as Zoo Atlanta research interns.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and participate in research related to non-human primate behavior, welfare, cognition, population management, conservation, or other biological disciplines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new studies designed to advance your field of expertise

• Work in close association with other zoo research and animal-care staff

• Maintain and develop collaborations with external researchers

• Mentor undergraduate researchers and interns

• Participate in training data collectors

• Communicate research results in staff seminars, scientific journals, conference presentations, and popular publications

• Work with the education department to ensure integration of research into educational programs

• Support the Zoo's education mission through teaching

Responsible to lead the strategic direction and management of the Life Sciences department. This role encompasses oversight of conservation, education and research, project management, and collaboration with key stakeholders to facilitate breeding, animal exchanges and become part of European and American animal associations.

The Neuman-Lee Lab at Arkansas State University (A-State), in partnership with Dr. Sinlan (Sheila) Poo of Memphis Zoo, is seeking a motivated, organized, and independent Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on an Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) funded project. The funded work links nine zoological organizations in the United States to build a collaborative network to develop an interactive database focused on reptilian immunology. Leveraging the existing diversity of living reptilian collections, the funded project will connect zookeepers, veterinary staff, and researchers together to establish basic immunological parameters across reptilian taxa.

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The Fellow will be responsible for:

• Working closely with zoo staff from various departments and backgrounds to create a positive, collaborative, and productive cross-agency partnership 

• Analyzing samples using a variety of techniques, such as microbiocidal assays, qPCR, and flow cytometry

• Leading the development of an immunological database

• Mentoring, nurturing, and developing research capacity of graduate students and undergraduate students working on this project

• Training and building up research capacity in zoo staff (including keepers, curators, animal health staff, researchers, educators, etc.) across the collaborating institutions.

• Effectively communicating science through formal publications and scientific presentations

• Engaging in science communication with the public

• Fostering a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment

The Assistant Director of Conservation Action oversees the planning, operations, and evaluation of Shedd’s conservation action efforts that activate people and communities to act for animals. Shedd’s conservation action work utilizes an equity lens to restore and protect natural areas, prevent future environmental degradation, and mobilize various stakeholders and communities to act for a healthier future.  

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The assistant director is responsible for managing all aspects of implementing environmental restoration projects and delivering conservation action outreach programs. Working closely with other Shedd departments, the assistant director will contribute to interdepartmental collaboration, coordinate training and education on key conservation issues, centralize important resources for conservation messaging, and track outputs and outcomes. The assistant director also manages external partnerships, playing a key role in developing new relationships and delivering on collaborative efforts with nonprofits, elected officials, businesses, community groups, and others. 

The Conservation Science Summer Fellowship is a 12-week program in which undergraduate students work directly with a mentor from the Conservation Science team on a specific laboratory, field, and/or community-based project. During that time, the Fellow gains hands-on experience while completing their project under the supervision of a mentor and then presents their research findings to SDZWA staff, donors, and collaborators at the end of their 12-week Fellowship.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.

• Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current project.

• Prepares reports and presentations to communicate research findings.

• Collect and record data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.

• Prepare, arrange, and maintain data.

• Manages project timelines and ensures research objectives are met.

• Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation initiatives.

Fellowships available:

1. Disease Investigations

2. Population Sustainability, Conservation Technology

3. Conservation Planning and Strategy

4. Recovery Ecology, Burrowing owl

5. Recovery Ecology, Kangaroo Rat

6. Conservation Genetics, Stem Cell

7. Conservation Genetics, Cell Culture

8. Community Engagement 

9. Plant Conservation 

10. Reproductive Sciences 

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We seek to hire a Research Scientist 1 to join and grow with the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program. Our team has developed a low-cost, open-source, customizable smart acoustic recorder that can be deployed in different configurations to monitor signals and noise levels at sea and in New England Aquarium (NEAq) exhibits. This scientist will continue developing these systems, utilize them to make inferences about the effects of noise on marine species in different environments, and help make them broadly available to the greater research and conservation communities.

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This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position with a comprehensive benefits package. This is a two-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension depending on funding. Work will be conducted primarily remotely with occasional in-person meetings at both our workspace in Portland, ME and NEAq in Boston, MA. Occasional international travel may be required. Typical work hours are flexible with remote meetings occurring between 9 am – 5 pm 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.