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
Program Assistant, Wildlife Trafficking Alliance
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (United States)
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA) to support the implementation of AZA’s Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and related initiatives. This role provides administrative, communications, and programmatic support that helps contribute to partner engagement, internal and external communications, meeting coordination, and data tracking that advance AZA’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Advisor on Wildlife Trafficking. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
Responsibilities
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Provide administrative and programmatic support for the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance’s core operations, including maintaining records, tracking action items, coordinating communications, and supporting meetings through scheduling, agendas, materials, and minutes.
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Support wildlife trafficking programs and initiatives at the program-management level by tracking activities and deliverables, maintaining reporting schedules, compiling program updates, and assisting with internal and external reporting.
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Support demand-reduction and public-engagement initiatives at the project-delivery level—including campaigns and transportation-hub outreach—by coordinating deployments, managing materials, working with partners, and collecting participation and reach data.
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Manage WTA communications, partner engagement, and resources, including shared inboxes, newsletters, toolkits, databases, and responses to general inquiries.
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Support data management, internal tracking systems, website updates, and provide limited administrative and data support for confiscations-related activities, including maintaining databases and supporting vetting or review committee meeting logistics.
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Provide administrative support to WTA working groups, advisory committees, and partner networks, including posting documents, administering surveys, maintaining governance records, and supporting virtual and in-person meetings and events.
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Assist with special projects, data compilation, basic reporting, conference and event support, and other clerical or programmatic duties as assigned.
Post Doctoral Associate, Elephant Communication
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
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Oversee assigned research projects.
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Collect, process, and enters research data.
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Perform experiments and measurements.
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Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
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Establish and maintain databases.
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Document research methodology and results.
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Prepare progress reports.
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Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.
Conservation Genetics 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
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Oversee assigned research projects.
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Collect, process, and enters research data.
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Perform experiments and measurements.
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Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
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Establish and maintain databases.
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Document research methodology and results.
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Prepare progress reports.
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Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.
Research Coordinator II (Seasonal)
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)
The Research Coordinator II conducts assigned research activities and oversees research operations in a specialized area of conservation science; and may provide lead guidance to assigned staff. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science Department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
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Carry out research collections of animals, plants, or biological samples and/or initiatives with human communities.
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Coordinate program related activities.
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Develop, update, and implement associated research plans, engagement tools, training procedures, and data analysis.
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Oversee assigned laboratory, field, diagnostic, or research collection operations, equipment, supplies, and facilities.
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Document, summarize, and analyze data.
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Interpret research findings and revises procedures necessary to achieve desired results.
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Prepare progress reports and other documentation as required for management and granting, permitting or other oversight entities.
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Oversee assigned area(s) and supervises assigned staff.
Assistant Manager, Animal Behaviour and Programmes
Mandai Wildlife Group/Singapore Zoo (Singapore)
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To assist Manager in general administration, operational and fiscal activities including but not limited to: staffing levels, production, operation, budgetary goals and other duties assigned.
2. To assist in managing the department’s operations and procedures.
3. Assist in the daily care and maintenance of animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and providing enrichment activities.
4. To undertake research and compile, review and recommend new program concepts in line of the department’s goals.
5. Monitor animal behaviour and identify potential welfare issues, reporting to the manager immediately.
6. To recommend department’s expenditure with regards to show development and animal training.
7. To assist in managing the budget for the maintenance of the department.
8. Makes recommendations and decisions regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; reviews employee performance reports prepared by subordinates and rates employee performance.
9. To review and assist in managing the total care and maintenance of the collection of animals in the department.
10. Responsible for the planning, developing, coordinating and supervising of all animal related programs and matters in the department
11. To delegate and assign responsibilities to department’s staff
12. Assist Manager in meeting show production and venue productivity and quality goals.
13. Assist in planning and coordinating animal show schedules, including rehearsals, show day logistics, and backstage management.
14. Supervise show presenters and handlers during operations and delivery of programmes, ensuring smooth transitions and adherence to safety procedures.
15. Collaborate with other departments to enhance the overall visitor experience.
16. Maintain strict adherence to all animal welfare regulations, safety protocols, and facility standards.
17. Conduct regular safety inspections and ensure necessary documentation is updated.
18. Address any safety concerns promptly and implement corrective actions.
19. Other duties assigned by HOD.
Species Survival Officer, HPAI Preparedness (6-month Fixed-Term)
Zoo and Aquarium Association (Australia)
This role will assess and document the capacity of Australian zoos and aquariums to support emergency extraction, short-term holding, release or translocation, closed management and active metapopulation management for priority threatened species. The position will produce a time-stamped inventory of sector infrastructure, expertise, resources, constraints and readiness, and translate this information into practical decision-support outputs for the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, state and territory authorities, and relevant partners.
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This is a coordination, analysis and decision-support role. It does not approve extraction, vaccination, movement, release, translocation or long-term ex situ management. Instead, it will help decision makers understand what capacity exists, what constraints need to be addressed, and what actions may be feasible under different emergency response scenarios.
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The role is best suited to someone with strong project coordination, stakeholder engagement, analytical and written communication skills. Experience in species conservation, emergency wildlife response, zoo and aquarium operations, biosecurity, veterinary systems, recovery planning or government conservation programs would be valuable.
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Deadline: July 14
Conservation Zoologist
Brevard Zoo (United States)
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is best known for its flagship campus, Brevard Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. ECZF is also known for its large portfolio of conservation projects, including endangered species breeding, imperiled species rehabilitation, wide-scale habitat restoration and monitoring of threatened species.
The Conservation Zoologist is responsible for completing the daily care of the animals in ECZF’s conservation animal collection, as well as the maintenance of animal habitats and enclosures. This position will participate in field work related to our conservation animal species, as assigned, and will communicate with partners, coworkers, volunteers, guests, and the public effectively and professionally to achieve program goals.
Head Veterinarian & Director of Animal Wellbeing
Turtle Back Zoo (United States)
Nestled within the scenic South Mountain Reservation, the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is a vibrant 30-acre haven for 150 different domestic and wildlife species, managed by the nation's oldest county park system. We're proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2006 and hold an American Humane Certification since 2017, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of animal care.
Exciting Opportunity: We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as our Head Veterinarian. This pivotal role will lead our brand-new, state-of-the-art Animal Wellness Center! As a key member of the Zoo’s Leadership Team, you will not only provide elite clinical care but also oversee the daily operations, strategic management, and administrative functions of our cutting-edge 10,000 sq. ft. medical facility.
Your Role: Leadership & Clinical Excellence
As the Head Veterinarian, you will lead our veterinary department, overseeing a team that includes an ACZM diplomate, full-time veterinary technicians, and interns. You will be a primary driver of the zoo’s animal management strategy, ensuring that our wellness programs are proactive, integrated, and world-class.
Research Assistant (WildGenes)
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (United Kingdom)
To assist with the implementation and dissemination of conservation genetics projects, to agreed standards and under the appropriate guidance and support within the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) WildGenes team.
Some of the things you’ll do:
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To take responsibility for delivery of conservation genetic projects being run by the WildGenes team, to include experimental design, analysis, administration and reporting
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Undertake analyses on a wide variety of genetic datasets, including mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and SNPs generated via RADseq, target capture or genome resequencing (where required)
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To contribute to the dissemination of WildGenes research through the preparation of project reports and/or manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journal.
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Where required, work closely with the research scientists on bioinformatic analyse and assist the Research Scientist(s), in conducting literature reviews, as well as qualitative and quantitative research
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Ensure the cycle of monitoring, evaluating, and learning is part of project design and reporting.
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Ensure that, where appropriate, scientific activities follow the guidance from relevant bodies of authority.
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Deadline: July 31
Research Scientist (WildGenes)
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (United Kingdom)
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join our Conservation Team as a Research Scientist. Based within the RZSS WildGenes team at Edinburgh Zoo this role will involve working within a small team of technicians and post-doctoral level research scientists working together to deliver on around 15-20 conservation genetic projects annually.
In this role you'll initiate, implement and disseminate conservation genetics projects as part of the WildGenes team, to agreed standards under appropriate guidance and direction, in support of RZSS’s vision and mission.
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Deadline: July 15
Conservation Project Officer (Project support) - Fixed Term
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (United Kingdom)
RZSS are the lead partner for Saving Wildcats, the first reintroduction project for wildcats in the UK dedicated to their recovery through captive breeding for release and threat mitigation. This role provides an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK's leading reintroduction projects and contribute long-term conservation for the species.
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Carry out a varied range of project support activities to ensure the smooth running of the Saving Wildcats partnership project, including administrative, financial, and project communications in support of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS’s) vision and mission.
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In addition, provide further support to key conservation department activities (e.g. community engagement events, field monitoring, ex-situ management, and invertebrate projects) alongside Saving Wildcats’ Outreach and Engagement Manager.
This is a fixed term position, expected to last until 31 March 2029.
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Deadline: July 12
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Conservation, Community and Research Lead
Berkshire College of Agriculture (United Kingdom)
You will be the College lead for the strategic development, operation, and quality assurance of our Animal Centre’s conservation, research, and public education provision. You will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of an effective engagement strategy that aligns with BIAZA requirements, ensuring that our animal and livestock collections provide an outstanding learning environment for students and the public alike. You will guarantee that our research and conservation systems are robust, ethically sound, and used to continuously improve both animal welfare and biodiversity of the BCA site.
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We are looking for someone who can build and lead our Conservation, Community and Research activity, ensuring we continuously reach the KPI's set out in the relevant strategies. We seek someone who has significant experience in managing public education programs at a senior level within the zoological, land-based or further education sector. You will also be passionate about developing a high-performing, supportive, and challenging culture for staff and learners - one that is rooted in the core college values and dedicated to sector-leading best practices in sustainability, animal welfare, and industry engagement.
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Deadline: July 19
Research Assistant
Lincoln Park Zoo (United States)
Assist with conducting touchscreen research with chimpanzees and gorillas housed at the Regenstein Center for African Apes. Also provide support for the following: touchscreen research with Japanese macaques housed at the Regenstein Macaque Forest; behavioral observations of chimpanzees, gorillas, and macaques; scoring data associated with the Goualougo Video Analysis Laboratory (Congo Apes, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo); and, research or administrative tasks for Project ChimpCARE.
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This is a 2-year position with the possibility for renewal or extension based on continued funding and satisfactory job performance.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV/resume.
Bioinformatics & Research Technician / Research Associate
Memphis Zoo (United States)
The Memphis Zoo is seeking a motivated and creative Bioinformatics & Research Technician / Research Associate for a one-year appointment focused on applying data science, bioinformatics, and quantitative methods to zoo data and increasing connectivity between zoo and museum biodiversity research. This position will collaborate closely with the Arctos Consortium to support the establishment and advancement of an accessible database for the Memphis Zoo Genome Resource Bank.
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This position will contribute to a project focused on increasing the accessibility, interoperability, and long-term impact of biological collections and cryopreserved samples by modernizing biobank data infrastructure and integrating zoo collections into global biodiversity information networks. Working at the interface of museum science, biodiversity informatics, conservation biology, and data management, the successful candidate will help develop scalable systems that support scientific discovery, species conservation, and cross-institutional collaboration.​
Sustainability & Behavior Change Manager
The Living Desert Zoo (United States)
The Sustainability and Behavior Change Manager plays a critical role in advancing our mission by transforming how our organization, and our guests, care for desert ecosystems. This is a unique opportunity to shape both operational sustainability and human behavior in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This role offers opportunities to innovate, lead cross-functional initiatives, and contribute to a growing body of work in conservation behavior change within the zoo and aquarium field.
The Sustainability and Behavior Change manager oversees sustainability operations of the zoo and designing and evaluating evidence-based behavior change strategies that inspire sustainable actions among staff, volunteers, and guests. Reporting to the Vice President of Learning and Impact and working closely with the Learning & Community Engagement Curator and other department managers to ensure The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens mission, vision and messaging are professionally delivered to the public.
Director of Conservation Medicine
The Wilds (United States)
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Conservation Medicine program at The Wilds, advancing the health and sustainability of managed wildlife populations through excellence in clinical care, conservation research, and collaborative partnerships. This role integrates veterinary medicine, population health, and conservation science to support The Wilds’ mission and global conservation initiatives. Serves as a key member of the senior leadership team.
