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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.

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.

Job Vacancies

Zoo Research & Conservation

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Research Assistant x2 (Fixed term, Part time)

Bristol Zoo (United Kingdom)

Data collection: the successful applicants will spend time in pairs in the field (Somerset, UK) and at Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton site, during dusk and evening over the summer, collecting first-hand data on white-clawed crayfish before and after a reintroduction event. Alongside, the candidates will collect records on body-condition and weight to supplement behavioural data collected.

Data processing, analysis and reporting: the successful applicant will process collected data, analyse it and prepare a report of the research project, with the aim of publishing the report as a peer-reviewed scientific paper.

We are looking for two dynamic individuals to join our expanding, dedicated, and collaborative team with entry-level academic knowledge, experience and/or understanding of wildlife conservation. Experience and/or understanding of conservation issues and research skills is desirable.

We are particularly interested in early-career applicants with experience in running research projects, collecting behavioural data, statistical analysis and scientific paper writing. If you have experience in these areas, we would be very interested in hearing from you.

Your role will be crucial in helping us achieve our progressive research goals, focusing on conservation welfare and the impact that reintroduction events have on native and reintroduced animals. We aim to evaluate a reintroduction event of white-clawed crayfish into a stream in Somerset, by comprehensively tracking welfare indicators in both native and reintroduced animals before and after the reintroduction event. Behavioural data collection combined with body condition scoring, migration distance and site fidelity, injury and body-size will provide insight into animals’ response to this event. After 10 weeks of evening data collection, data will be processed and analysed to evaluate significance and written into a scientific report intended for peer-reviewed publication.

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Deadline: May 6

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Research Officer, Citizen Science (Fixed term)

WWT (United Kingdom)

WWT’s Conservation Evidence department comprises a rapidly growing team of scientists, which provides the evidence that underpins the work of WWT. We use a wide range of inter-disciplinary methods across the social and ecological sciences to deliver high-quality conservation science. We work in collaboration with multiple NGO and academic partners, and a number of PhD students, across the UK and overseas. Above all, we have impact: our research diagnoses problems and identifies solutions, and in doing so we shape policy and action for global wetland conservation

We're seeking a talented individual to support the coordination of citizen science and data collation in Gloucestershire and the Severn Vale waterscape. The role will involve working closely with other members of the Conservation Evidence Department, external partner organisations, engaging with other stakeholders and citizen scientists, including farmers and landowners, and liaising with WWT project teams and managers. 

This is a fixed term contract until 31st March 2027. This role is suitable for hybrid working with the requirement to spend 2-3 days a week on site or visiting field sites.

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Deadline: May 5

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Laboratory Technician

Alaska SeaLife Center (United States)

This position is responsible for providing diagnostic and research laboratory technical support for the Alaska SeaLife Center. Duties include oversight of the day-to-day quality control and analyses including but not limited to hematology, serum chemistry, microbiology (aerobic and anaerobic), urinalysis, fecal parasite exams, and water coliform tests. This position assists with and performs diagnostic and medical tasks to ensure the health and welfare of all animals, as well as supports internal and external research projects.

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Conservation and Science Technician

Walt Disney World (United States)

As a Conservation and Science Technician, you will focus on terrestrial conservation and science at the Walt Disney World Resort with a particular emphasis on urban wildlife, and an initial focus on pollinators, with the intent to broaden the role to include other taxa as well; however, we work as one multidisciplinary team to address dynamic needs where they arise across our parks and resorts to advance our team mission.

In this full time, on-site role, you will report to the Conservation Programs Manager.

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Research Scientist - Catalog Lead (Fixed term)

New England Aquarium (United States)

The Research Scientist II - Catalog Lead is responsible for leading the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program. This scientist will oversee the photo-identification catalog including reviewing scientific objectives, coordinating with software programmers, fund raising, budgeting, and reporting.

This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and work may be conducted remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

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Conservation Field/Co-Existence Manager

Oakland Zoo (United States)

The Conservation Field and Co-Existence Manager will advance Oakland Zoo’s mission by expanding and deepening our field conservation initiatives. Conservation projects will focus on human-wildlife conflict and co-existence solutions, as well as climate change and habitat loss for California native predator species.  Capacity to expand into global predator initiatives with a focus on African lions and chimpanzees will also be explored. Joining the Conservation Team, the primary responsibilities are establishing and implementing plans to conserve species such as gray wolves and mountain lions through alliance building, co-existence project expansion and creation, research-based conservation programs, community action, and behavior change strategies.

Travel: This position will be a combination of in-office and remote work. Some California travel will be required in the Bay Area and Northern California in order to collaborate with partners and programs.

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CA Ocean Conservation Policy Manager

Monterey Bay Aquarium (United States)

Under limited supervision, track state ocean policies and make recommendations for Aquarium action; build political relationships with the California Legislature and Governor’s administration; manage conservation policy campaigns; research and develop position papers; lead and participate in strategic alliances with key partners including conservation organizations, environmental justice organizations, regional community groups, businesses, and the aquarium, zoo, and museum communities; uphold the Aquarium’s core values of scientific rigor and integrity; perform other duties as required. This role is a member of a core team to design California ocean conservation policy strategies and is responsible for managing state policy strategy implementation.

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Life Sciences Manager - Mammals

Zoos Victoria - Healesville Sanctuary (Australia)

The Life Sciences Manager-Mammal team leads and empowers the keeping team to create a positive workplace culture, provide high quality animal care, and support impactful visitor experiences.  The Life Sciences Manager will work closely with the other Life Sciences Managers and the General Manager of Life Sciences to deliver the objectives of the Life Sciences department and Zoos Victoria across Healesville Sanctuary. We are looking for a candidate with the skills to develop and maintain positive and effective relationships in a dynamic zoo environment. 

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Deadline: April 23

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Life Sciences Manager

Zoos Victoria - Healesville Sanctuary (Australia)

We are looking for a Life Sciences Manager to join our Life Sciences leadership team at Healesville Sanctuary.  This is an exciting opportunity to lead a newly formed Life Sciences team.  The Life Sciences Manager role will oversee the Tasmanian Devil and Guthega Skink conservation breeding programs, the Detection Dog Program, and the Platypus and Reptile sections.  They will be responsible for enabling continuous improvement to animal husbandry, animal welfare and visitor experiences at Healesville Sanctuary.  The Life Sciences Manager will work closely with the other Life Sciences Managers and the General Manager of Life Sciences to deliver the objectives of the Life Sciences department and Zoos Victoria. We are looking for an experienced manager with the skills to develop and maintain positive and effective relationships in a dynamic zoo environment. 

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Deadline: April 23

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Recovery Ecology Post Doctoral Associate

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)

The Post-Doctoral Associate oversees research projects and performs a variety of assigned research and diagnostic activities, while completing post-doctoral training in a specialized area of scientific research. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Oversee assigned research projects.

  • Collect, process, and enters research data.

  • Perform experiments and measurements.

  • Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.

  • Establish and maintain databases.

  • Document research methodology and results.

  • Prepare progress reports.

  • Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.

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Animal Health Lab Technician (Part-time)

Walt Disney World Resort (United States)

As the Animal Health Lab Technician, you will provide clinical diagnostic laboratory services to the animal populations at Disney and work to ensure the highest quality of laboratory support. Your technical support will include Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Seas with Nemo & Friends, and TriCircle D Ranch. Daily operation will include partnership with others in the Animal Health (veterinary technician, veterinarian, medical records, pathology, and keeper teams) and Animal Care teams in Animals, Science and Environment (ASE). We are a busy, high energy, team-oriented practice.

This position is a part-time position reporting directly to the Veterinary Practice Manager.

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Exhibits Technician II - Stranding Response and Research Scientist

Virginia Aquarium (United States)

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center seeks an Exhibits Technician II - Stranding Response and Research Scientist. This position serves as a working lead within the Stranding Response Program team of staff, volunteers, and interns in assigned areas or during stranding response events involving live and dead stranded sea turtles and marine mammals.

Primary areas of responsibility will be assigned based on candidate experience and skill level, as well as programmatic needs, at the time of hire. Primary focus for Tech II staff can include: rehabilitation and live animal care and husbandry; necropsy and post-mortem assessments; sample management and quality control (QC); data assessment and reporting; data curation and quality assurance/quality control (QAQC); field response logistics, coordination and equipment management; research project activities or project design; volunteer management. Regardless of assigned primary responsibilities, all members of the Stranding Response Program team need to have / develop foundational skills and working knowledge in all of these areas due to the rotational coverage to fit programmatic needs and seasonal fluctuations in stranding activities.

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Director, Research & Evaluation

Shedd Aquarium (United States)

Reporting to the Vice President of Learning & Community, the Director of Research and Evaluation will support data-informed planning and decision-making, providing data support and insights and demonstrating expertise and skills specific to social science research, impact evaluation, data analytics, and technical writing. Work may include evaluation of program design, learning and engagement impacts on individuals, and broader community outcomes. Evaluation efforts will incorporate a lens of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion aligned with Shedd’s goal to nurture a sense of belonging among guests and participants.

Working extensively and in close collaboration with multiple departments, the Director of Research and Evaluation plans and executes projects and initiatives following the needs of the organization, managing the intake process, and working closely with leadership to assess and prioritize projects to meet institutional and programmatic needs and priorities. The director will lead staff, volunteers, and contracted support to ensure best practices, high-quality data and analysis, and effective communication of Shedd’s research and evaluation efforts.

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Research Scientist - Aerial Observer

New England Aquarium (United States)

We are seeking a highly motivated Assistant Research Scientist I to participate in aerial surveys for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in New England waters. Duties will include serving as an observer on all aerial surveys, quality checking data, coordinating with other observers and the flight crew, and the analysis of vertical photographs for the detection and identification of marine mammal and turtle species. The majority of the office work will involve reviewing photographs for marine species.

This is a full-time, 1-year, grant-funded position with the possibility for extension. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package. This position is primarily a fieldwork position, requiring 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. Non-fieldwork can be conducted remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

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