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

Genomics Technician (Fixed term)
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland - Edinburgh Zoo (United Kingdom)
Responsibilities:
– Acting as a catalyst to advance agreed priorities in orchid species assessments (for inclusion on both the IUCN Red List and Green Status, tracking extinction risk and species recovery potential). This could include, for example,
Conducting species specific background research
Researching and composing assessments for priority species
Acting as a reviewer of assessments before publication
Striving to align national and international assessment processes for the Red List and the inclusion of priority species
– Facilitating or supporting species conservation planning for priority species, or species groups, with key partners across in situ and ex situ populations, utilising an IUCN SSC One Plan Approach.
– Contributing to communication, capacity or networking efforts to grow awareness and engagement in aspects of orchid conservation locally, regionally or globally.
– Helping to mobilize shared conservation action priorities for orchids with key partner communities.
– Writing proposals, reports and scientific papers
– Leading multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings, both in person and using virtual platforms
– Networking between the Wilhelma Team, the SSC Chair’s Office and other stakeholders
– Promoting the partnership between the Wilhelma and the IUCN SSC /IUCN Red List: Delivering various media and conference opportunities for the general public, the IUCN SSC and wider conserva tion community.
– Participating in and completing with the required score the training and education through the IUCN SSC, IUCN Red List, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) and others
– Taking on additional tasks as required
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Deadline: August 8

Species Survival Officer - Orchids
Center for Species Survival - Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten (Germany)
Responsibilities:
– Acting as a catalyst to advance agreed priorities in orchid species assessments (for inclusion on both the IUCN Red List and Green Status, tracking extinction risk and species recovery potential). This could include, for example,
Conducting species specific background research
Researching and composing assessments for priority species
Acting as a reviewer of assessments before publication
Striving to align national and international assessment processes for the Red List and the inclusion of priority species
– Facilitating or supporting species conservation planning for priority species, or species groups, with key partners across in situ and ex situ populations, utilising an IUCN SSC One Plan Approach.
– Contributing to communication, capacity or networking efforts to grow awareness and engagement in aspects of orchid conservation locally, regionally or globally.
– Helping to mobilize shared conservation action priorities for orchids with key partner communities.
– Writing proposals, reports and scientific papers
– Leading multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings, both in person and using virtual platforms
– Networking between the Wilhelma Team, the SSC Chair’s Office and other stakeholders
– Promoting the partnership between the Wilhelma and the IUCN SSC /IUCN Red List: Delivering various media and conference opportunities for the general public, the IUCN SSC and wider conserva tion community.
– Participating in and completing with the required score the training and education through the IUCN SSC, IUCN Red List, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) and others
– Taking on additional tasks as required

Species Survival Officer - Reptiles
Center for Species Survival - Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten (Germany)
Responsibilities:
– Acting as a catalyst to advance agreed priorities in reptile species assessments (for inclusion on both the IUCN Red List and Green Status, tracking extinction risk and species recovery potential). This could include, for example,
Conducting species specific background research
Researching and composing assessments for priority species
Acting as a reviewer of assessments before publication
Striving to align national and international assessment processes for the Red List and the inclusion of priority species
– Facilitating or supporting species conservation planning for priority species, or species groups, with key partners across in situ and ex situ populations, utilising an IUCN SSC One Plan Approach.
– Contributing to communication, capacity or networking efforts to grow awareness and engagement in aspects of reptile conservation locally, regionally or globally.
– Helping to mobilize shared conservation action priorities for reptiles with key partner communities.
– Writing proposals, reports and scientific papers
– Leading multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings, both in person and using virtual platforms
– Networking between the Wilhelma Team, the SSC Chair’s Office and other stakeholders
– Promoting the partnership between the Wilhelma and the IUCN SSC /IUCN Red List: Delivering various media and conference opportunities for the general public, the IUCN SSC and wider conserva tion community.
– Participating in and completing with the required score the training and education through the IUCN SSC, IUCN Red List, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) and others
– Taking on additional tasks as required.

Program Assistant, Animal Programs
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (United States)
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Animal Programs to support our Animal Programs team within the Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences (CMWS) department. This role maintains databases and prepares various departmental reports and communications. It serves as a key point of contact providing excellent member services and support to AZA groups, partners, and the general public. The position works closely with multiple AZA committees, scientific advisory groups, and internal teams.
This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Director, Population Management Strategy. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Senior Conservation Officer
ZSEA Banham Zoo (United Kingdom)
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.
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.
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Deadline: July 25

Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare (Veterinarian)
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Sierra Leone, West Africa)
TCS is currently seeking a full-time Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare (Veterinarian) to oversee the health and welfare of over 120 resident chimpanzees in alignment with the highest standards of care.
The Senior Manager of Animal Health & Welfare leads and coordinates the Veterinary and Animal Welfare Departments. Responsibilities include direct oversight of chimpanzee health, supervision of the animal care team, coordination of interns, volunteers, and researchers, and involvement in general sanctuary operations, including infrastructure, staff management, and administrative duties.
This position reports to the Operations Manager and Programme Director and liaises closely with the Head of Maintenance and Camp Supervisor.

Post-Doctoral Scientist in Community Cat Research (CREW)
Cincinnati Zoo (United States)
Research Scientist in Community Cat Welfare & Non-Surgical Fertility Control
The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (http://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation/crew) is seeking to hire a Research Scientist to advance the health, welfare, and humane management of community cats. This full-time, two-year position is funded by the Joanie Bernard Foundation and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
A Unique Opportunity to Shape the Future of Community Cat Management:
This isn't just a research role; it's a chance to be at the forefront of animal welfare science, working directly with cats on projects with global implications. As our Research Scientist, you will be deeply immersed in translational research spanning feline reproduction, behavior, wellness, and community-based management strategies. This role offers a unique pathway to become a recognized expert in feline welfare and non-surgical fertility control, rapidly evolving fields with immense potential for impact. You will work in a highly collaborative environment, interacting closely with external research partners and stakeholders across animal welfare, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, and public health.
Key Responsibilities and Impact:
A primary deliverable of this position is leading a systematic review of trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) literature using PRISMA guidelines. The resulting peer-reviewed publication is intended to be a foundational resource, informing future research, identifying critical knowledge gaps, and guiding evidence-based best practices in TNVR implementation worldwide.

Chief Animal Conservation Officer
Shedd Aquarium (United States)
Shedd Aquarium is seeking a strategic and visionary Chief Animal Conservation Officer (CACO) to lead the organization’s animal husbandry, conservation research, and animal health efforts. The CACO will be a key member of Shedd’s Executive Leadership Team, shaping and executing initiatives aligned with the Centennial Commitment—Shedd’s bold strategic plan for impact and growth.
This role requires a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of animal operations and conservation, a proven record of executive leadership, and the ability to build strong, collaborative teams across departments. The CACO will drive innovation, elevate care standards, and represent Shedd’s mission across diverse scientific, public, and policy arenas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
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Provide visionary leadership across animal care, animal health, and conservation research departments.
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Drive strategic initiatives and organizational priorities in alignment with Shedd’s Centennial Commitment.
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Develop and support high-performing teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
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Ensure the highest standards of animal well-being, including continuity of care and guest engagement.
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Represent Shedd Aquarium to external audiences, funders, national and international partners, and scientific bodies.
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Oversee complex resource planning, including staffing, budgeting, and long-term sustainability goals.
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Advance Shedd’s visibility and influence in regional, national, and international conservation networks.

Wildlife Conservation Coordinator
Oregon Zoo (United States)
Be the catalyst that transforms wildlife conservation in the Pacific Northwest. As the Oregon Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Coordinator reporting to the Conservation Manager, you'll harness our unique platform to secure vital funding, shape influential policy, and forge powerful partnerships that directly protect endangered species. This rare opportunity puts you at the intersection of public engagement and tangible conservation impact, where your strategic vision will mobilize communities, advance participatory science, and create collaborative solutions between community partners and conservation experts.
Join us to amplify the Oregon Zoo's conservation legacy while pioneering innovative approaches that connect people with nature and inspire meaningful action for wildlife.
As the Wildlife Conservation Coordinator, you will
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Research, identify and support government grant management for species recovery and other conservation programs.
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Identify and support opportunities for ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) partnerships and coordinate tours and relationship-building initiatives in support of the Oregon Zoo Foundation’s conservation fundraising efforts.
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Identify and coordinate opportunities to mobilize public action for wildlife, including outreach campaigns, participatory science and private landowner initiatives.
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Work with agency and non-profit partners to identify shared conservation priorities in the Pacific Northwest, and coordinate with zoo and Metro departments to leverage resources to advance those priorities through ongoing programs and campaigns.
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Represent the Oregon Zoo within Pacific Northwest conservation coalitions and events.
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Develop and deliver presentations to make a case for supporting Oregon Zoo conservation efforts and elevate Oregon Zoo’s conservation brand.
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Coordinate state and regional policy efforts in support of wildlife conservation priorities, including public-facing campaigns, advocacy, legislative and relationship-building efforts.

Research Scientist
Tennessee Aquarium (United States)
The Research Scientist advances the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) by conducting field and laboratory research in support of programs in aquatic conservation biology. This individual conducts field surveys of aquatic species to determine conservation status or to measure stream community health. They also collect, analyze, and interpret genetic data to inform recovery and reintroduction strategies. They regularly assist in recording, compiling, and interpreting scientific data for grant reports, scientific collecting permits, and contracts. The Research Scientist also disseminates research results to a wide variety of audiences and mentors research fellows, advanced science students, and other partner institutions.

Reintroduction Manager
Tennessee Aquarium (United States)
The Reintroduction Manager supports the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. This individual develops and implements science-based reintroduction and translocation programs for aquatic species of conservation concern, primarily in the southeastern United States. They also lead a team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal Reintroduction Biologists and Assistants in providing daily husbandry while ensuring high water quality in recirculating systems for animals such as Lake Sturgeon, Brook Trout, and Laurel Dace. This individual directs fieldwork necessary to assess the status of current or potential reintroduction programs, as well as develop strong working relationships with reintroduction partners inside and outside the Aquarium to advance scientific knowledge of best practices in reintroduction science and reach program goals for Aquarium programs.

Director, Animal Welfare Science Program
Lincoln Park Zoo (United States)
Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking a full-time Director to lead its Animal Welfare Science Program. This program takes a strategic, science-driven approach to advancing animal welfare and maximizing positive outcomes for animals in our care and beyond. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, the Director will provide visionary leadership and oversee all aspects of the program’s operations. This includes strategic visioning in collaboration with senior leadership, implementation and evaluation of program activities, integration with animal care, scientific oversight, authoring scientific publications, managing scientific staff, budgeting, public speaking, engaging with donors, maintaining leadership within the AZA community, and collaborating with the zoo’s accredited sanctuary and animal advocacy partners. This position is in-person a minimum of 3 days per week; fully in-person preferred.

Post-Doctoral Scientist in Community Cat Research
Cincinnati Zoo (United States)
The selected candidate will be immersed in translational research focused on feline reproduction, behavior, wellness, and community-based management strategies. A key responsibility—and the primary deliverable—of this position is leading a systematic review of trap-neuter-return (TNR) literature using PRISMA guidelines. The resulting peer-reviewed publication will serve as a foundational resource to inform future research, identify knowledge gaps, and guide evidence-based best practices in TNR implementation. In addition, the post-doctoral scientist will support several active research studies, including developing non-surgical sterilants, evaluating long-term vaccine immunity, analyzing dietary intake through stable isotope analysis, and advancing evidence-based husbandry practices. The position involves direct interaction with cats, including participation in clinical procedures, behavioral assessments, sample collection, and routine husbandry activities as part of ongoing research studies. This is a highly collaborative position involving close interaction with external research partners and stakeholders in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, and public health..

Pacific Pocket Mouse Research Assistant I
San Diego Zoo Widlife Alliance (United States)
The Research Assistant assists with some or all of the following tasks: the gathering and analysis of research data from the laboratory or the field; attending to the needs of animals in managed care, plants, biological samples, and/or community members. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
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Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.
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Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current projects (e.g., biological samples).
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Prepare, arrange, and maintain records for sample and/or wildlife shipments.
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Collect and record data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.
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Document, file, and maintain records.
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Maintain supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions.
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Assist with repair and maintain of equipment and supplies.
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Learn and master project or program processes.

Behavioral Research Intern (part-time, paid)
Lincoln Park Zoo (United States)
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes offers opportunities for aspiring primatologists to gain valuable experience in a rigorous scientific environment and be part of a long-term program in behavioral primatology. Encouraging and training the next generation of primatologists is a key aspect of our mission and since 2004 we have provided professional-development opportunities to more than 200 early career primatologists from around the world.
Successful applicants will collect observational data on the behavior and space use of Japanese macaques living at Lincoln Park Zoo. All data are collected using ZooMonitor software, an application developed by Lincoln Park Zoo to record animal behavior.
In addition to collecting observational data, interns have professional development opportunities including the chance to participate in the Center’s journal club and attend talks as part of the zoo’s LPZooU Seminar Series.
Every intern must commit to working two full days per week (10AM- 4:00PM, Monday-Thursday) for a minimum of 12 months with the possibility to extend for an additional 12 months.
We will be accepting 2-3 new interns with a proposed start date of August/September 2025.

Research Scientist, Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology
Lincoln Park Zoo (United States)
As a Research Scientist in the Alexander Center, you'll have the opportunity to lead your own projects aligned with the Center’s priorities and collaborate with others on exciting initiatives. You’ll work with the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group and become certified in conducting Population Viability Analyses (PVA). You’ll lead partnerships with external conservation organizations to build high-impact research collaborations. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to support analysis and publication on a variety of projects with multiple zoo science centers, including the AZA Population Management Center (PMC), a team responsible for the management of ex situ populations, and scientists in our Tanzania Conservation Research Program. These projects include diving into our rich, long-term datasets such as a 24-year demographic study on elephants in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, a long-term dataset on lions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, and a 25-year dataset on zoo species management.

San Clemente Island Wildlife Care Research Assistant
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)
The Research Assistant assists with some or all of the following tasks: the gathering and analysis of research data from the laboratory or the field; attending to the needs of animals in managed care, plants, biological samples, and/or community members. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
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Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.
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Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current projects (e.g., biological samples).
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Prepare, arrange, and maintain records for sample and/or wildlife shipments.
-
Collect and record data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.
-
Document, file, and maintain records.
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Maintain supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions.
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Assist with repair and maintain of equipment and supplies.
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Learn and master project or program processes.

Research Technician - Aerial Observer
New England Aquarium (United States)
We are seeking a highly motivated Aerial Observer Research Technician to participate in aerial surveys for whales, dolphins and sea turtles in New England waters. Duties will include serving as an observer on six to ten aerial surveys per month; quality checking data; coordination with other observers and the flight crew; and 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 grant-funded position with at least 12 months of staffing provided; additional service may be afforded only if additional grant funding is secured. Flying schedules will cover dates throughout the year including weekends and holidays. The successful applicant will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training.
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 field work 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.

