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.
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
Animal Behavior and Wellbeing Coordinator
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo (United States)
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Animal Behavior & Wellbeing Coordinator to support all aspects of the Animal Behavior and Wellbeing programs at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in supporting a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to behavior management. The candidate will assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating, training, enrichment, and welfare assessment practices for all collection animals. This position reports to the Manager of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing (ABW).
Conservation Technician (x2)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (United States)
Conservation Technician I:
This position is based at the Phoenix Zoo's Johnson Conservation Center and works with ten native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Technician I is responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training volunteers and interns, participates in field conservation and research activities, provides support for conservation partnerships as assigned, and participates in guest interaction in support of the ACNC’s mission and goals.
Conservation Technician II:
This position is based at the Phoenix Zoo's Johnson Conservation Center and works with eleven native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Technician II is responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training of new staff and volunteers, participates in field conservation activities, provides support of conservation partnerships as assigned and participates in guest interaction in support of ACNC’s mission and goals.
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Deadline: December 18
Palm Oil Coordinator
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (United States)
This full time position is responsible for specifically helping to oversee the Zoo’s sustainable palm oil program as well as other conservation projects as needed. This includes maintaining the Zoo’s sustainable palm oil shopping app, developing relationships with our partners and educating other zoos and aquariums about sustainable palm oil.
Conservation Science Administrative Assistant
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)
The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support of moderate difficulty, coordinates various office activities, and does not formally supervise support staff. This position reports to a Manager/Supervisor.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
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Provide daily administrative support for assigned team and support other teams as needed.
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Review and distribute mail and emails from assigned accounts to appropriate contacts.
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Follow procedures to produce and process a variety of reports, documents, and invoices; maintain and update files and databases.
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Greet, screen, and assist visitors/callers.
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Schedule assigned director's/manager's calendar, arrange meetings, and take minutes as required.
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Organize and prepare operational materials and routine correspondence.
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May assign work schedules to staff as appropriate and provide lead guidance to administrative staff.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Education
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden (United States)
The Postdoctoral Fellow in Education is responsible for expanding the scientific scope and evaluation of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s (the Zoo) education programs. Under the direction of the Director of Education and the Senior Director of Conservation, Education, and Science, the postdoctoral fellow will conduct and publish research in one or more of the following areas: education, informal learning, child development, nature connection, behavior change, visitor studies. Research results will be used to improve and adapt education and outreach programs. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate internally across Zoo departments, serve on the Zoo’s Scientific Review Committee, and may also collaborate with university staff and other external partners and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. This position helps ensure that educational offerings meet high standards, align with the organization's strategic objectives, and contribute significantly to the Zoo's mission of connecting people with our world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action.
Conservation Portfolio Strategist
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States)
The Conservation Portfolio Strategist supports and tracks the implementation of collaborative, innovative, and impact-driven conservation strategies alongside researchers, scientists, and program managers across SDZWA's global conservation hubs. The Strategist will be focused on framing, analyzing, and providing feedback for the portfolio (consisting of 8 international conservation hubs with 30+ projects) at a strategic level and is instrumental in informing the future direction of our conservation programs. The Strategist makes recommendations on the adaptive management of our strategies to improve conservation outcomes. The Strategist will interface regularly with internal partners in CSWH and other SDZWA departments and will be expected to steward partnerships with international colleagues/government and interface with donors as needed. This position oversees the Conservation Standards Coordinator and Effectiveness Team and reports to the Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
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Leads the implementation and facilitates the future evolution of the SDZWA’s conservation portfolio. Maximizes the collective impact of our conservation work and demonstrates alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework and UN Sustainable Development Goals utilizing data, dashboards, and infographics.
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Oversees the management of the portfolio’s eight conservation hubs (each with multiple projects) to identify and evaluate opportunities that improve conservation outcomes and effectiveness; utilizes an adaptive management approach that supports decision-making and budget/resource allocation; and, ensures consistency with the Conservation Standards and appropriate documentation utilizing Miradi software.
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Leads and facilitates meetings that enhance collaboration and alignment around portfolio strategies and goals.
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Coaches and mentors team members with diverse skill sets to utilize the principles of the Conservation Standards, conservation planning, and adaptive management often without direct reporting relationships.
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Collaborates with team members to ensure our research activities and outputs align with our strategic roadmap and meet the needs of key actors and partners.
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Develops and delivers high-level presentations and reports that effectively communicate the outcomes and impact of our conservation activities to diverse audiences including partners, donors, policymakers, and the general public.
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Develops and stewards key partnerships with internal and external actors who can enhance, strengthen, and/or communicate the outcomes and impact of our conservation work.
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Supports Government Relations, Philanthropy, Communications, and Marketing teams through sharing of conservation priorities and impacts.
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
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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.
Terns and Plovers Research Assistant I - Full Time, Seasonal
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.
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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.
Chief Conservation Officer/Deputy CEO
Chester Zoo (United Kingdom)
The Chief Conservation Officer/Deputy CEO (CCO) will be responsible for directing and further developing the conservation plan and leading and integrating the Animal and Plant, Conservation Education & Engagement, and Conservation Science and Policy and Field Programmes departments into one ‘Conservation’ directorate. They will also work as part of a collaborative and cohesive executive team to support the development of and ensure effective delivery of the strategic plan. The CCO will support the development of the sustainability agenda and associated plans, ensuring that the organisation takes steps to reduce the global threats to biodiversity presented by climate change. Furthermore, they will act as Deputy CEO, supporting the CEO and overseeing day to day operations and decision making in the zoo in their absence.
The ideal candidate will be an exceptional, strategic leader with a strong understanding of and passion for global conservation issues. They will bring a collaborative and collegiate approach, strong communication skills, excellent people management skills and experience, commercial acumen and the ability and standing to be a strong advocate for the organisation and to influence at senior level in the relevant arenas.
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Deadline: January 6
Research Pinesnake Technician
Memphis Zoo (United States)
The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and energetic individual for a 2-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research to support the recovery of the federally Threatened Louisiana pinesnake (LPS). Working with Memphis Zoo Senior Conservation Biologist and the LPS Post-doc Research Fellow, the Research Technician will assist with and support research to improve Louisiana pinesnake population recovery in the wild and assist in development and execution of reptile conservation research.
The Technician will work with the post-doctoral fellow to primarily 1) help develop and execute tracking techniques to study the behavior and physiology of zoo-bred snake movement patterns, habitat use, acclimation and survival at the reintroduction site and 2) help develop and run qPCR assays for in-house disease screening using qPCR of Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) and Cryptosporidium spp. to improve health and biosecurity. The technician may also help with sample collection and tissue cataloging for on ongoing disease monitoring of wild snake populations at the release site; genomic lineage assessment of the captive assurance colony and wild populations; and assist with reproductive procedures for assisted reproductive research. The zoo population of pinesnakes, held by four facilities including the Memphis Zoo, may be used to develop and test new field tracking and physiological monitoring techniques.
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.
Curator for Ex Situ Conservation
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (Cambodia)
ACCB is seeking a passionate and dynamic a Curator for Ex-situ Conservation to join our team of passionate conservationists. The successful candidate will work with the team on continuing, improving, and further establishing of conservation management programs for some of Cambodia’s rarest bird and chelonian species such as the Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Bengal Florican, Southern River Terrapin, Elongated Tortoise, and other threatened species native to Cambodia. The role involves supporting various activities at ACCB, including environmental education projects and engaging with visitors and local communities. The Curator for Ex-situ Conservation is required to live on-site and is expected to be on call for emergencies. If you are dedicated, motivated, and eager to make a difference in conservation in Southeast Asia, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Senior Curator, Animal Behavior and Welfare
Dallas Zoo (United States)
This position will facilitate the behavioral evaluation of husbandry programs and the development and management of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment initiatives across the Animal Care and Welfare Division. The incumbent will be responsible for developing keeper staff to implement and evaluate effective behavioral management practices. This position oversees a progressive department of animal care professionals, managing behavioral and ambassador programs, animals, and associated facilities of the Behavior Department. This team provides outstanding care to a diverse collection of animals, including birds, small mammals, ectotherms, and any living components of seasonal/rotating exhibits. This position is responsible for the creative and strategic direction of the Animal Behavior and Welfare department and will plan and direct the management of all Animal Ambassador programs. The Senior Curator will serve as the primary contact and liaison for the Behavior Department and provide leadership and supervision to animal care staff. This position will be responsible for staff training and development and implementing effective animal management practices. This role reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Animal Care and Welfare. Direct reports include the Applied Behavior Manager and Ambassador Animal Experiences Director.
Conservation Policy Manager
Seattle Aquarium (United States)
The Conservation Policy Manager will lead policy and advocacy efforts related to advancing ocean health, environmental justice, and our conservation priorities at the local, state, and federal levels, under the strategic direction of the Senior Director of Conservation Programs. Priority policy issues currently include plastic pollution, wildlife and ecosystem recovery, environmental justice, voting rights, climate change, and marine protected areas.
All positions at the Aquarium support our SALISH Values (Sustainable, Awe-Inspiring, Learning and Improving, Inclusive Community, Scientific Integrity, Honoring Place). As a part of our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We adopted a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategic plan and Regenerative Plan. We envision a future in which ocean and coastal communities survive and thrive, where we can meet the needs of the present while building more resilient and equitable systems for the future.
Work carried out by the person in this role is anticipated to include leading Aquarium advocacy efforts in the Washington state legislative session and our engagement in several policy-related coalitions, including Plastic Free Washington; supervising and supporting two policy staff (one permanent and one seasonal); building relationships with external partners; leading multi-faceted policy campaigns; and integrating DEIJ and regenerative practices throughout team management and policy work. We work within a short, fast-paced Washington state legislative session each year from January through March or April, in which bills move quickly and the window for influencing decisions can be extremely narrow. Federal policy processes are year-round, and the pacing and deadlines associated with things like rulemaking tend to allow more time.
EAZA Animal Welfare Coordinator
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (the Netherlands)
As Animal Welfare Coordinator, you are a vital member of the Field Conservation and Science team in the Species Conservation Department. Your role is to support advancing evidence-based animal welfare policy, standards and practice for zoos and aquariums. Cooperation and coordination with the EAZA Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG), EAZA Ex situ Programmes (EEP) and animal management related EAZA committees and working groups are an important part of your responsibilities. You will be responsible for contributing to Members and Candidates for Membership professional development regarding animal welfare; firstly, through the organisation of appropriate training, networking-events and capacity building activities, secondly through supporting ongoing development of EAZAs standards, policies and guidelines to ensure that they reflect the latest animal welfare research, and thirdly by representing EAZA with internal and external stakeholders.
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Deadline: January 1, 2025
Program Assistant - Aquatic Populations
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (United States)
Under general supervision, performs various duties to support sustainability of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA’s) branded programs, especially pertaining to the advancing the sustainability of aquarium and aquatic species. Responsibilities include: maintaining portions of departmental databases and AZA website; providing administrative support to the Larval Fish Program; preparing and editing reports; maintaining accurate records related to the department’s work; and completing other duties as needed. Supports the work of the Aquatic Collections Sustainability Committee, Animal Population Management Committee and relevant Scientific Advisory Groups, and other AZA bodies. Reports to the AZA Director of Population Management Strategy.
Chair, Senior Scientist - Krause Marine Mammal Conservation Program
New England Aquarium (United States)
We are looking for an experienced research scientist to join our team as the Chair of our Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program (KMMCP) in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. The Anderson Cabot Center is the Aquarium's dedicated research arm. The Aquarium is committed to using the deep technical and scientific expertise of the Anderson Cabot Center to protect marine species. By joining the Aquarium, you will have the opportunity to amplify the impact of science as part of this integrated conservation organization.
As the KMMCP Chair, you will lead and support a team of 10-12 researchers dedicated to understanding and protecting the North Atlantic right whale. Existing research and staff expertise in this program is primarily focused on individual-based studies, including using photo-identification and biological samples collected from vessel-based surveys and drones to monitor the health and demographics of this species and assess human impacts. KMMCP staff lead the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium and Catalog, which are examples of long-standing collaborations among the community of right whale researchers. We are seeking someone who can guide this passionate team and contribute their own research to support our conservation goals related to protecting marine species. While expertise in the conservation of marine megafauna is preferred, we encourage applicants with a broad range of ecological expertise. This position provides opportunities for growth in programmatic focal areas, including new fieldwork opportunities, data collection methodologies, scientific inquiries, and taxa.
Postdoctoral Researcher - Center for Zoonomics
Zoo New England (United States)
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience in genomics and bioinformatics to help move forward innovative research exploring diseases of zoo and wildlife species, with emphasis on heart disease in captive meerkats and gorillas. The candidate will have the unique opportunity to work with genomic data from over one hundred gorillas to investigate deleterious genetic variation and its impact on the health of this endangered species. The candidate will also have opportunities to design results for population managers.
The qualified candidate will have a PhD in statistical, population genetics, or conservation genomics (or equivalent) and proficiency in genomic data analysis and interpretation of genetic variation. Experience with R, a Unix computing environment, and knowledge of at least one scripting language is strongly desired. Familiarity with next-generation DNA sequencing data and human or animal heritable disease or pathogens will be beneficial. A range of tasks may include bioinformatic analysis to identify genetic markers associated with heritable disease in managed captive or wild populations of various taxa, evaluation of deleterious variation, and analyses of heritability of heart disease.
Assistant Professor of Zoo and Conservation Science
Drake University (United States)
The Environmental Science and Sustainability Department at Drake University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Zoo & Conservation Science. Candidates with backgrounds in animal behavior, behavioral husbandry and training, endangered species conservation, vertebrate zoology, primatology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have experience doing research and / or coordinating student intern projects in an AZA-accredited zoo environment, as well as possess a PhD or be ABD in a related field. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
Candidates will teach a 3/3 course load, including courses in animal behavior, ethological methods, endangered species conservation, and zoology courses in their field of expertise. Successful candidates will have experience conducting collaborative research and supervising student internships with a variety of captive species, particularly endangered species. Candidates who can engage undergraduate students in meaningful roles in ongoing research are especially welcome.
Research Technician in Amphibian Conservation (Field/Lab)
Memphis Zoo (United States)
The Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and highly energetic individual for a 1-year Field and Lab Research Technician in the Department of Conservation and Research. Specifically, the Memphis Zoo is seeking a candidate with experience in amphibian ecology, field biology, and conservation.
The purpose of this Research Technician is to assist in Memphis Zoo’s efforts towards amphibian conservation. Working with the Amphibian Conservation Postdoc, the Research Technician will largely focus on the dusky gopher frog recovery program, which is one of Memphis Zoo’s top-tier wildlife conservation priorities, with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research projects in the Amphibian Lab. We seek candidates who are passionate about amphibian conservation and eager to apply their skills to contribute to both in situ and ex situ conservation and research.