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.
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?
Job Vacancies
Zoo Research & Conservation
New Zealand Manager, Partnerships and Conservation
Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (New Zealand)
Based in Wellington, New Zealand, we are seeking a passionate and committed Manager to support ZAA operations on behalf of ZAA members in Aotearoa New Zealand. This role is responsible for executing the ZAA strategy within a New Zealand context, ensuring alignment with national priorities while delivering on objectives across ZAA’s strategic pillars. The role plays a pivotal part in building strong relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders, including ZAA members, government agencies, and partner organisations. You will work to connect shared objectives, advocate for operational efficiencies, and help to drive meaningful conservation outcomes. Operating in a complex environment with multiple competing priorities, this role requires strong organisational capability, excellent communication and coordination skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously.
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Key responsibilities
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Execute the ZAA strategy within an Aotearoa New Zealand context, aligning activities with ZAA’s strategic pillars and objectives
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Support and represent the interest of ZAA members in New Zealand
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Build and maintain effective relationships with ZAA members, government agencies, and key external stakeholders
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Facilitate collaboration between stakeholders on aligned objectives and maximise collective impact
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Advocate for operational efficiencies and initiatives that enhance animal welfare, biosecurity and conservation outcomes
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Coordination of national species recovery programmes in conjunction with relevant stakeholders
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Coordinate and manage multiple projects and workstreams concurrently, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes
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Provide clear communication, reporting and updates to relevant ZAA stakeholders
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Identify opportunities, risks and emerging issues affecting ZAA operations in New Zealand and respond proactively
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Deadline: March 1
Watershed Conservation Assistant (Seasonal)
Tennessee Aquarium (United States)
The Watershed Conservation Assistant advances the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium by working with conservation scientists to protect and restore stream health. They assist with the implementation of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP): Ridges to Rivers project, a project that provides southeast Tennessee’s farmers and landowners with financial and technical assistance to address resource concerns that impact aquatic animals and their habitats. This position also assists the Watershed Conservation Coordinator in creating a river protection ethic in our region to increase knowledge and awareness of life in southeastern rivers and streams by engaging citizen scientists, school groups, and community groups in experiential freshwater conservation science.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Effectively communicates with people of various backgrounds within the Ridges to Rivers RCPP Project Area regarding conservation practices that improve stream health for aquatic animals.
2. Assists with public outreach and community engagement to increase participation in freshwater habitat conservation and restoration.
3. Assists Research and Education Departments with River Teachers, a professional development workshop for local STEM educators.
4. Interfaces with conservation partners to maximize outreach and educational opportunities to farmers and landowners in the six-county RCPP area.
5. Assists Watershed Conservation Coordinator with expanding efforts for a water quality monitoring citizen science program.
6. Interact s with other Conservation Institute science staff to support ongoing research projects in the RCPP Project Area.
7. Occasionally assists with the development of online and print media.
Lecturer/Conservation Project Manager
Bristol Zoological Society/Bristol Zoo Project (United Kingdom)
Bristol Zoological Society, the conservation and education charity that runs and operates Bristol Zoo Project (previously Wild Place Project), higher education programmes and conservation projects across the world, is recruiting a Lecturer/Conservation Project Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Field Conservation & Science team.
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Main Responsibilities:
• HE Teaching and Supervision: the successful applicant will develop and lead modules (undergraduate and/or masters level) and supervise and mark research projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• Manage community-based projects within Bristol Zoological Society’s Field Conservation Programmes, in collaboration with the relevant Field Conservation Programme Managers.
• There may be occasions when the post holder is requested to work in other Society locations or carry out other duties considered reasonable by the Society or its representatives.
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Deadline: March 7
Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager
Woodland Park Zoo (United States)
As our new Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager we know you will be successful in this role because you are:
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A Scientist: You are ready to develop and manage the animal care research framework, aligning with AZA standards and institutional priorities. You are confident in your ability to facilitate and support applied research projects in animal behavior, welfare, and environmental enrichment. You can drive scientific writing and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and other professional outlets.
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An Advocate for Animal Welfare: You are eager to oversee Woodland Park Zoo’s welfare framework, including assessments and audits. You can lead the conceptualization, development, implementation, and assessment of behavioral management and enrichment strategies. Collaborating with curators, veterinarians, and keepers to ensure behavioral health and welfare are integrated into daily care practices is something you are ready to do.
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A Strong Innovator: As our new Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager, you are excited to lead the innovation portfolio for the Animal Management department, identifying and implementing technologies that improve animal welfare, staffing workflows, and guest experiences. You have the ability to evaluate and pilot emerging tools and technologies, collaborating with other departments including IT, Guest Experience, and Education to ensure alignment in strategic goals.
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A Natural Leader: You can provide training and mentorship to staff on behavioral science, welfare assessment, and research methodologies. You are excited to partner with academic institutions, technology companies, and conservation organizations to support the goals of the Woodland Park Zoo.
YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Develop and manage the animal care research framework, aligning with AZA standards and institutional priorities.
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Facilitate and support applied research projects in animal behavior, welfare, and environmental enrichment.
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Drive scientific writing and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and professional outlets.
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Represent the zoo at conferences, workshops, and AZA working groups.
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Lead the innovation portfolio for the Animal Care department, identifying and implementing technologies that improve animal welfare, staff workflows, and guest experiences.
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Evaluate and pilot emerging tools such as sensor technologies, AI-based monitoring, and interactive guest platforms.
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Collaborate with IT, guest experience, and education teams to align technological initiatives with strategic goals.
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Develop strategic plans and KPIs for animal wellness and innovation initiatives.
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Build partnerships with academic institutions, tech companies, and conservation organizations.
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Provide training and mentorship to staff on behavioral science, welfare assessment, and research methodologies.
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Deadline: February 24 (may close earlier)
Species Survival Officer – Freshwater Conservation
Dublin Zoo (Ireland)
The Species Survival Officer - Freshwater Conservation will lead the implementation of an ex situ conservation programme for the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), hosted at Dublin Zoo and delivered in close partnership with Fota Wildlife Park, and other key stakeholders. This role is a 3-year fixed-term contract and will be based primarily at Dublin Zoo. The post holder will work under the supervision of the Conservation and Science Manager, as part of the Conservation and Science Team, and will have overall responsibility for the coordination, delivery, reporting and development of the ex situ conservation programme for the white-clawed crayfish. The role will be approximately 50% dedicated to hands-on husbandry and management of white-clawed crayfish within an ex situ hatchery and associated facilities at Dublin Zoo, and 50% focused on project coordination, administration, research, reporting, stakeholder engagement, training, and education/outreach. Working closely with Dublin Zoo, Fota Wildlife Park, the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and the wider conservation community, the post holder will play a key role in implementing the IUCN Assess–Plan–Act–Network–Communicate model to support the conservation and recovery of Ireland’s native freshwater biodiversity, with a particular focus on halting the decline of the white-clawed crayfish and establishing biosecure insurance populations for future conservation translocations.
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Deadline: March 11
Support Officer, Conservation & Population Management
Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (Australia)
ZAA is recruiting a Support Officer to strengthen the operational delivery of conservation and population management programs across the ZAA member network. This role supports implementation of ZAA strategies, Regional Species Plans, and species management programs by maintaining high-quality data, documentation, coordination systems and stakeholder support processes. You will work closely with the Conservation and Population Management team, ZAA members, Species Management Program position-holders, and sector partners to ensure conservation programs are well supported, well-coordinated, and operating efficiently. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys structured problem-solving, data management, and supporting complex conservation programs through strong operational systems.
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Deadline: February 27
Vice President of Education and Conservation
Zoo Knoxville (United States)
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.
