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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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Marine Mammals - Director of Animal Care and Conservation
Brookfield Zoo (United States)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is excited to announce we are seeking a Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation to provide leadership to our Marine Mammal program and team of talented Animal Care Specialists. 

 

Bringing extensive, high-level expertise in marine mammal care, the Director will be closely involved in managing the marine mammal species that includes social groupings, managed breeding, behavioral enrichment and operating conditioning programs.  In our newly renovated Dolphin Bay, the Director will continue innovations in animal care bringing incredible conservation & educational stories to life that drive public engagement and community action.  As a people-first manager who balances supportive coaching with clear, encouraging guidance, you will continue to strengthen a high performing team of animal care specialists and build future leaders in marine mammal care & conservation.    

 

Be a part of BZC’s Next Century Plan charting a bold future of Key Projects expanding wildlife habitats and transcending conventional zoo design for a fully immersive experience.  

 

The Director of Marine Mammal Care & Conservation contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by leading the overall direction and operations of the marine mammal department/taxon specialty in accordance with BZC’s long-range plans for animal care, welfare, and conservation. 

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Conservation Manager International (Fixed term)
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (United Kingdom)

To plan, organise, develop and manage aspects of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Conservation programmes project suite, with a particular focus on international field projects supported by RZSS.


The role is based within the RZSS Conservation Department at Edinburgh Zoo and will work with Conservation Project Officers, the Head of Department and other relevant stakeholders to deliver project objectives. You will have oversight of all international projects supported by RZSS and line management responsibility for the conservation project officers including those with staff with departmental support functions. You will support the Head of Department with monitoring and evaluation of the RZSS Conservation Strategy and liaises with stakeholders across RZSS to incorporate strategy monitoring and evaluation into conservation project work where relevant. 

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Deadline: October 13

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Administrator & Assistant, Animal Health, Welfare & Science
Brookfield Zoo (United States)

The Administrator & Assistant, Animal Health, Welfare & Science is a non-union, full-time, hourly position grade 05H with an expected hiring range of $23.80 - $26.18 per hour.  Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing a full range of administrative and clerical support functions for the Animal Health, Welfare & Science department (AHWS).  

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

*  Provide general administrative support to the Animal Health, Welfare, & Science department comprised of Veterinary Services, Zoo Nutrition Services, and Animal Welfare Science.
*  Provide direct administrative support to the Senior Vice President of Animal Health, Welfare & Science, Director of Operations-Animal Health, Welfare & Science, Vice President of Animal Welfare Science, and Director of Nutrition.
*  Provide clerical support to the AHWS department including but not limited to managing phone calls, email communications, addressing visitor needs, making travel arrangements, scheduling meetings, reserving rooms, preparing reports, filing and organizing documents, recording meeting minutes, handling mailings and shipments, maintaining electronic department files and databases, ensuring the AHWS SharePoint page is up to date and well organized, maintaining the AHWS central calendar, and assisting the Senior VP and Director of Operations in staff scheduling. 
*  Provide accounting, invoicing, and client relations support for the Radiology Consulting Service.  Communicate with clients and radiologists and facilitate study submissions as required.  
*  Provide administrative, clerical, and client relations support for the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database program.
*  Maintain office equipment and coordinate inspections/repairs as needed. Inventory and maintain office supplies for the department.
*  Maintain, file, and manage electronic and hard copy patient medical records as directed.      
*  Under direction of the Director of Operations-Animal Health, Welfare & Science, assist in tracking and scheduling examinations and medical procedures for the animal collection. Work with external consulting veterinarians to coordinate scheduling, record acquisition, and logistics. 
*  Under direction of the Director of Operations-Animal Health, Welfare & Science, assist in tracking and coordinating annual inspections and servicing of hospital and laboratory equipment. 
* Provide support to the Veterinary Education Program by monitoring and organizing student applications. Assist with scheduling rotations and coordination of on-site visits. Coordinate logistics related to student rotations and shadowing participants.
*  Provide dedicated support to the animal shipment transaction program by working closely with the Animal Care and Programs division and the Registrar to gather, organize, and process medical records and generate certificates of veterinary inspection. Communicate with various regulatory agencies to obtain accurate testing and permitting requirements and relay those requirements to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
*  Provide support to the Animal Welfare and Research committees by gathering and organizing application proposal materials, maintaining spreadsheets, scheduling meetings, and recording meeting minutes.  
*  Liaise with hospital volunteers assigned to AHWS projects to ensure understanding and accurate completion of assignments.
* Assist with departmental purchase order creation, order placement, invoice acquisition and processing, expense reports, staff reimbursements, and account monitoring.  
* Ensure all hospital common areas are maintained in a clean, organized manner and are professional in appearance. Assist with management and maintenance of the physical facility (interior and exterior).  Communicate with the Plant & Facilities department as needed with regards to open work orders.
*  Interact with zoo guests, staff, and visitors as requested, including general reception functions and basic abilities to give guided tours through the facility.
* Serve as the safety representative for the Animal Hospital and perform routine fire extinguisher and safety equipment inspections; attend safety meetings to ensure department compliance and preparedness. 
Other related duties as assigned. 

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Director of Conservation Biotechnologies
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)

The Director of Conservation Biotechnologies is responsible for the overall direction, planning, coordination, and implementation of a scientific research program that supports and is aligned with the conservation objectives and strategy of the SDZWA. The Director will oversee an integrated scientific group, encompassing our conservation genetics, reproductive sciences, and biodiversity banking teams. The Conservation Biotechnologies department takes an integrative and innovative approach; applying an array of scientific disciplines to support strategies (e.g., genetic rescue, population assessment and management, assisted reproduction) designed to safeguard and restore biodiversity and to manage wildlife populations in situ and ex situ. Scientific disciplines practiced within the Biotechnologies department include cryogenic biobanking of living cells and gametes (which comprise the SDZWA Frozen Zoo®), advanced population genomics, advanced reproductive technologies, cell biology, endocrinology, stem cell biology, bioinformatics and more. The Director of Conservation Biotechnologies is a subject-matter expert in either conservation genetics/genomics, reproductive sciences, cellular biology, or biodiversity banking, with a high level of fluency in the other disciplines. This position requires a proven track record of innovating, applying, and critically evaluating scientific approaches for biodiversity conservation, as well as a strong record of collaboration across sectors.

As a leadership position in the Conservation Science Wildlife Health (CSWH) department, the Director of Conservation Biotechnologies communicates the SDZWA conservation vision and strategy to their team, identifies and prioritizes projects that strengthen connections with other teams in CSWH, departments within SDZWA, external partners, and has a working knowledge of approaches/tools used by the SDZWA to ensure activities support conservation outcomes (e.g., The Conservation Standards). The Director of Conservation Biotechnologies will develop and steward strategic collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGO's, academic institutions, and local communities. The Director will have a proven track record for successful grant writing and team leadership. Working knowledge of regional, national, and international conservation frameworks and conventions is essential.

The Director is a member of the Conservation Science leadership team, and is responsible for monitoring, reporting, and communicating the Conservation Biotechnology team's conservation and science outcomes. The Director will contribute to organizational conservation strategic planning and fundraising, including securing grant funding through various sources.

Additional responsibilities of the Director of Conservation Biotechnologies include budget development and oversight, internal and external communications, ensuring that the team complies with ethical, safety and other guidelines as defined by SDZWA policies and procedures. The Director drives team cohesion and morale and serves to effectively connect the team to the broader CSWH department and with our strategic conservation objectives. This position will report to the Vice President of Wildlife Conservation Science.

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Zoological Conservation Assistant 
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (United States)

The City’s Community Services Department is seeking a part-time Zoological Conservation Assistant (Zoological Assistant - H) to assist with the planning and implementation of its wildlife conservation program at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.  

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The Junior Museum and Zoo is a local family destination that serves children, birth to age 8, through its science exhibits and zoo, and children to age 11 through its school programs and summer camps. Approximately 117,000 visitors enjoy the Museum and Zoo each year and 23,000 take part in its science lessons and field trips at the Museum, in local schools, and in local open spaces. The Junior Museum’s mission is to engage a child’s curiosity in science and nature, and its zoo works to support animal conservation efforts in natural spaces.

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Moonlit Sanctuary is seeking an experienced, conservation-focused Threatened Species Coordinator to help advance Moonlit Sanctuary’s mission to save species from extinction.


Reporting to the Manager – Life Sciences, the Threatened Species Coordinator will contribute to current and future conservation programs, undertake species coordination of critically endangered Orange Bellied Parrots, assist with threatened species population management and reporting requirements, engage in evidence-based decision making, and work collaboratively with team coordinators and external partners.


This is a program coordination, population-management and reporting role. Responsibility for practical animal husbandry/care and people management belongs with team taxa Coordinators.

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Deadline: September 27

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Conservation Researcher
SeaLife Weymouth (United Kingdom)

Our Conservation, Welfare & Education team delivers conservation and research projects across marine and freshwater environments and we’re now looking for a Conservation Researcher to help deliver our local conservation work, beginning with an exciting seagrass restoration project.

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You’ll oversee the day-to-day delivery of the project, from nursery operations and data collection through to field restoration, monitoring and surveys. You’ll also organise and lead dive and snorkel operations, ensuring they are delivered safely and in line with relevant health, safety and licensing requirements.

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Working with local authorities, government bodies, universities and conservation partners, you’ll help develop and deliver research into seagrass restoration. You’ll have the opportunity to test new restoration methods, support seed planting and transplantation, and contribute to wider marine conservation projects.

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The role will also provide opportunities to get involved in skate and seahorse research, conservation impact assessments and other conservation initiatives. You’ll work closely with the SEA LIFE aquarium team, supporting our ex-situ conservation facilities and contributing to a small proportion of aquarist duties.

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You’ll also help communicate our conservation work through reports, presentations and educational displays, as well as supporting funding applications and assessing the impact of conservation projects.

This is a 12-month fixed-term role, 37.5 hours per week, based at SEA LIFE Weymouth, with the possibility of extension to be confirmed.

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Deadline: September 14

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Biobank Operations Coordinator
Zoological Society of London (United Kingdom)

As Biobank Operations Coordinator, you will play a key role in developing the ZSL Biobank into a valuable resource for scientific research. This new role will develop and implement ZSL’s biobanking processes, streamline and optimise workflows, identify opportunities for automation, and support the development of information management systems and data-sharing platforms, ensuring efficient, compliant and impactful Biobank operations.

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This position is based at the Institute of Zoology in Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY. Travel to the Whipsnade site may also be required if necessary. The standard working days for this role are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

This role is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, working 3 days per week, with a salary of £22,054.80 per annum including London Weighting (FTE £36,758)

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Deadline: September 15.

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As the Duke Lemur Center Research Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing one of the world's leading centers for primate research, conservation, and education. You'll work alongside researchers, veterinarians, animal care professionals, and institutional leaders to support groundbreaking scientific discovery while promoting the highest standards of animal welfare and research excellence.

In this role, you'll help shape and coordinate innovative research programs that contribute to our understanding of primate biology, conservation, evolution, and health while fostering collaboration across Duke University and the global scientific community.

 

You will provide leadership for research operations, biological sample management, regulatory compliance, project coordination, and staff development. You will serve as a trusted partner to researchers and key stakeholders while ensuring research activities are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with institutional standards.​

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Animal Welfare Coordinator
Blackpool Zoo (United Kingdom)

We are committed to excellence in animal care, welfare, and conservation and are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Animal Welfare Coordinator to play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare across our collection.

Working under the guidance of the Welfare/Records & Legislation Officer you will help develop and roll out Blackpool zoos new Animal welfare monitoring and compliance program supporting behavioural assessment and helping us to fulfil our commitment to ensure excellence and continuous improvement within the park’s operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to be part of Blackpool Zoos future welfare management of all its species, and it is essential that the candidate has the passion to make a difference.

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Key Responsibilities

·       Monitor and assess animal welfare across all species.

·       Conduct behavioural observations and welfare audits.

·       Ensure compliance with UK zoo licensing requirements.

·       Maintain accurate animal records using ZIMS.

·       Support inspection preparation and documentation.

·       Provide expert advice to animal care teams.

·       Develop and implement welfare improvement initiatives.

·       Lead and develop the Enrichment committee.

·       Work with the zoos research dept to identify appropriate welfare projects.

·       Present findings to all stakeholders in various formats

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Deadline: August 30

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Giraffe Center - Administrative and Research Assistant
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (United States)

This position will assist in the development and integration of the Giraffe Center into the zoo community through administrative work and data collection. The position requires a positive and exemplary demeanor when interacting with members, clients, donors, staff, and the peripheral giraffe community. Adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and standards is essential, with a strong emphasis on promoting teamwork. This position requires the ability to efficiently manage their time and take initiative with little supervision. 

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Researcher II, Community Engagement
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)

The Researcher II develops programs for scientific research; conducts independent and collaborative research in a specialized area of biological or social sciences; and supervises assigned research/laboratory operations. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Oversee and conduct data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results applied to conservation programs; publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Plan, design, organize, supervise, and conduct independent and collaborative projects.

  • Develop scientific research programs in a specialized field of study.

  • Determine study subjects, research parameters and methodology, and cost requirements.

  • Evaluate funding sources and obtains necessary funding and establish research.

  • Coordinate with animal care and veterinary staff regarding sample collection, disease trends, and reproductive status; provides samples to collaborative researchers.

  • Prepare progress reports and prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

  • Oversee assigned area(s) and supervises assigned staff.

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Aerial Observer - Assistant Research Scientist
New England Aquarium (United States)

The Assistant Research Scientist II in EcoMAP serves as an observer on aerial surveys of whales, dolphins and sea turtles in New England waters. They are responsible for sightings and effort flight logs, data quality checking, and submission to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium sightings database. Submission to the sightings database ensures we meet our grant reporting deliverables. They are also responsible for photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identifications, and processing and facilitating submission of right whale data to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Identification database. Submission to the identification database requires independent judgement when making decisions about photograph processing to ensure data accuracy. Finally, the Assistant Research Scientist II will act as lead observer in the plane in the absence of survey coordinator or Principal Investigator (PI). Acting as the lead observer requires independent judgement when making decisions about survey protocols, which are significant to staff safety, ensuring permit compliance, and accurate data collection.

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This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. This position requires some irregular hours and some long days on flight days. Occasional work on weekends and holidays will also be required for fieldwork. The usual hours for non-fieldwork will be Monday - Friday, 9a - 5p with flexibility based on the fieldwork schedule, which represents a 35-hour week, with a 1-hour unpaid meal period each day. Non-fieldwork can be conducted remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT. Candidates must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from New Bedford airport as early as 7am.

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Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation
Brookfield Zoo (United States)

Brookfield Zoo is seeking a dynamic, innovative and collaborative leader for our Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation in support of our advancing the highest standards of animal care, welfare and sustainability.  Standing on the brink of our 100th anniversary in 2034, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s ambitious Next Century Plan will transform our campus with dynamic animal habitats and wild landscapes. As the animals in our care are at the heart of BZC, the focus will be on strengthening and diversifying our animal population by introducing new species that strategically align with the Next Century Plan while curating an animal population that reflects conservation priorities.  The Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation will also focus on strengthening employee engagement, supporting employee development and collaborate with leadership on philanthropy, infrastructure, guest experiences and programming. 

 

The Vice President of Animal Care & Conservation serves as senior leadership manager for the Animal Care & Programs group. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with Senior V.P. and ACP managers to establish, implement, and maintain high quality standards for animal care and welfare. Oversees husbandry programs for the animal collection, working closely with other departments to integrate activities related to animal nutrition, veterinary care, animal acquisition/disposition, breeding, recordkeeping, animal behavior, conservation, and environments.  

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