​Job Responsibilities:

Animal Welfare Leadership and Policy Management and Implementation

·       Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a science-based MWG animal welfare strategy, integrating the Five Domains model and aligning with EAZA/ZAA/SEAZA accreditation standards.

·       Oversight & Governance: Chair and organise the internal animal welfare working group and provide secretarial support for Animal Welfare & Ethics Committee (AWEC), ensuring robust review and endorsement of welfare-related initiatives.

·       Policy & Frameworks: Develop and evolve MWG’s Animal Welfare Master Plan, Policy, Operational Standards, and Assessment Frameworks.

·       Lead and develop a high-performing team to achieve animal welfare and corporate goals. Provide guidance, coaching, and regular performance feedback to support individual growth and team effectiveness.

Animal Welfare Management

·       Cross-departmental Collaboration: Work closely with and support Animal Behaviour and Programmes, Animal Care (Ops), Veterinary Health and other teams to embed welfare principles and practices across operations.

·       Training & Capacity Building: Lead staff development in welfare competencies, including welfare assessment, enrichment, behavioural management, and ethical decision-making.

·       Monitoring & Reporting: Oversee welfare assessments, audits, and reporting mechanisms to ensure validity, transparency and accountability.

Advancing Animal Welfare Science

·       Animal welfare research support and execution: Lead and facilitate research initiatives focused on animal welfare across MWG parks. Ensure alignment with latest animal science, global best practices and contribute to the development of evidence-based welfare practices.

·       External organisational collaboration: Develop and foster strong partnerships with key external stakeholders including academic institutions and global zoo networks and access external resources to complement internal resources to advance animal welfare science.

·       Presentation and publication of findings and best practices: Disseminate research outcomes and welfare innovations through professional presentations, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

​Join us as part of a dynamic team where our mission is to Lead Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources. Be a part of a transformative team and culture by working on projects optimizing animal care, health and welfare along with guest experience and messaging.  

As the Aquatic Behavior Science fellow, you will co-lead and project manage scientific studies focused on understanding animal behavior, sensory systems and cognition in the context of applied animal care and welfare, as you collaborate with stakeholders within the Science Operations team to contribute to science-based animal care.

This is a one-year project hire based at Disney’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends®, and you will report to the Science Operations Manager.

​Our Conservation and Education trainees will join us on a full time (35 hour), 12 month fixed term basis, working with us from September 2025-August 2026. You’ll be based predominately from our Chester Zoo site with regular travel across the project area.

You’ll gain a range of hands-on experience and insight into UK biodiversity conservation work, by shadowing and working alongside colleagues from Chester Zoo and our partners. There will be an opportunity to gain relevant work-based qualifications too.

Day to day activities might include supporting workshops, talks and community events and getting stuck into hands-on, practical conservation activities.

This trainee position is intended as an opportunity for those with little or no prior work experience to gain the skills, knowledge and exposure to pursue a career in conservation. Whilst experience may be limited, a passion for nature and wildlife is an absolute must for this role. You might have recently studied for a relevant qualification, been involved in conservation action as a volunteer or this could be your first time venturing into this field.

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Deadline: August 31

​The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Vice President and Chief Animal Welfare Officer (CAWO) who is responsible for all aspects of animal care and welfare throughout all National Aquarium Operations. The CAWO leads, plans, and holds accountability for the activities of the Animal Care and Welfare (ACW) group, which includes Animal Care, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Rescue, Dive Programs, Life Support Systems, Dolphin Sanctuary and Scientific Research. Serves as liaison between ACW and all other departments. Represents the National Aquarium at multiple levels, including professional associations, government agencies (local, national, and international), Board committees and media. Is responsible for the integration and enhancement of animal care and welfare research activities across departments.

The CAWO works at a peer level with the Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COFO) to coordinate efforts between these teams and the Aquarium’s Guest Experience, Planning and Design, and Operations teams. Leads a team of 90+professionals in developing and managing an annual operating budget of $8.5 million plus a robust program of capital projects ranging from minor maintenance and repairs to multimillion-dollar capital projects.

In addition to operational responsibilities, the CAWO holds leadership responsibility for advancing the National Aquarium’s Dolphin Sanctuary project, which envisions moving the Aquarium’s colony of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to the world’s first oceanwater dolphin sanctuary by 2028. Among other factors, this includes supporting or leading facility planning, moving and acclimation training, fundraising, talent development and governmental permitting.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the CAWO actively participates in organization-wide policy decisions, strategic planning, fundraising strategy, Board relations, resource allocation and representation of the National Aquarium mission and brand. Peers include Chiefs of Strategy, Mission, Operations/Finance and Philanthropy.

​Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking a full-time Director to lead the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. The Fisher Center conducts innovative, multidisciplinary research to deepen our understanding of primate behavior, biology, and cognition, enhance the welfare and management of apes in human care, and support the conservation of wild chimpanzee and gorilla populations.

Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation and Science, the Director will provide strategic and visionary leadership, overseeing all aspects of the center’s operations while serving as an ambassador for the Fisher Center across the scientific, zoological, and conservation communities. This work includes leading research initiatives, fostering internal and external collaborations, ensuring scientific integrity, and cultivating partnerships that extend the reach and impact of the center’s work. The Director will maintain and grow the zoo’s longstanding relationship with its conservation partner, Congo-Apes while overseeing various long-term projects, such as our behavioral monitoring and touchscreen programs and Project ChimpCARE.

​As Science Manager, you are charged with leading a small team with whom you collectively provide anessential contribution to the success of the Association’s scientific activities. As Manager of the ScienceTeam, you are responsible for overseeing the activities of the EAZA Veterinary Committee and the EAZAResearch Committee, including on nutrition, biobanking and cryopreservation, and reproductive biology. Inyour role you will work together with other members of the EEO including the Population ManagementCentre and the Animal Programme and Conservaton coordinators overseeing health and welfare activities.The EAZA Research Standards and the veterinary standards outlined in the EAZA Standards for the WelfareAccommodation Management of animals are key documents under your supervision and theirimplementation and progression are among you and your team’s key priorities. As part of your role, you willalso manage the publication of the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) and maintain relationshipswith relevant stakeholders in particular universities and other scientific partner organisations.

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Deadline: September 4

• 0.6 FTE Part Time, Fixed Term role - Up to 12 months

• Band 5 - Salary from $103,517 p.a. full-time equivalent + 12% superannuation

• Based at Zoos Victoria Corporate Office with flexibility to work from home or at other properties

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This role will design and deliver social research projects to support Zoos Victoria's social research agenda. This may include, but is not limited to, social impact evaluation of community conservation behaviour change campaigns, contributing to research to inform the development of future campaigns and programs, and projects exploring ways to increase zoo visitor welfare literacy and engagement in conservation behaviours.

This role will suit someone with a behavioural science background who has experience designing, analysing, and reporting on social research. You will have experience in survey development and statistical analysis, ideally using R. You will be comfortable working to deadlines and with a range of stakeholders from research and non-research backgrounds.

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Deadline: August 25

We seek an Assistant Research Scientist to join the long-standing right whale research team as part of the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program (KMMCP). The position is split between North Atlantic right whale photo-identification catalog research and coordination between the Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program and other departments within the New England Aquarium, as well as external groups. The catalog research will involve right whale photo-identification processing, including image management, data entry and coding, and data quality control. The role will also involve operations support for the program, including budgeting, grants tracking, organizing and tracking deliverables, and internal and external collaboration.

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 from 9 am – 4:30 pm EST (35 hours/week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period each day), and work will be conducted primarily remotely. A laptop will be provided, but a private, high-speed internet connection is required for remote work, as well as residence in one of the following states: MA, RI, NH, ME, NY, and VT.

The Histotechnologist is the sole histotechnologist performing and managing operations in a histotechnology laboratory that prepares animal samples for microscopic examination, conducts assigned research activities, maintains equipment and may provide lead guidance to staff. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Perform histology tasks and procedures, including tissue processing, tissue embedding, microtomy, mounting, staining, and immunohistochemistry.

• Develop, update, and implement related histotechnology procedures, including quality control.

• Oversee assigned laboratory operations and facilities.

• Oversee maintenance and organization of laboratory equipment, reagents, and chemicals.

• Oversee research collections of biological samples of FFPE blocks.

• Select, process, and maintain filing systems of FFPE blocks.

• Maintain records, inventories supplies, and prepares necessary purchase requisitions.

Oglebay Good Zoo is seeking applicants for a 6-month stipended Wildlife Conservation Apprenticeship to assist with regional conservation activities occurring at the zoo or in local states in coordination with appropriate wildlife agencies.

Daily responsibilities will include:

• Assist in the care of head-started Eastern hellbenders

• Assist in the care and management of zoo pollinator garden spaces

• Assist in the management of zoo compost operations

• Assist in data collection and equipment maintenance for avian acoustic recording units on zoo and resort property

• Assist in the documentation of bird window strikes on zoo and resort property

• Assist animal care team with raptor rehabilitation activities

• Assist in the development of spotted turtle soft-release facility

Additional responsibilties will include:

• Participating in field surveys assessing populations of Eastern hellbenders

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40-hr per week position with a monthly stipend of $833 and free housing and utilities on property.

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  

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.   

• Provide visionary leadership across animal care, animal health, and conservation research departments. 

• Drive strategic initiatives and organizational priorities in alignment with Shedd’s Centennial Commitment. 

• Develop and support high-performing teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and accountability. 

• Ensure the highest standards of animal well-being, including continuity of care and guest engagement. 

• Represent Shedd Aquarium to external audiences, funders, national and international partners, and scientific bodies. 

• Oversee complex resource planning, including staffing, budgeting, and long-term sustainability goals. 

• Advance Shedd’s visibility and influence in regional, national, and international conservation networks. 

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

• Research, identify and support government grant management for species recovery and other conservation programs. 

• 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. 

• Identify and coordinate opportunities to mobilize public action for wildlife, including outreach campaigns, participatory science and private landowner initiatives. 

• 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.

• Represent the Oregon Zoo within Pacific Northwest conservation coalitions and events. 

• Develop and deliver presentations to make a case for supporting Oregon Zoo conservation efforts and elevate Oregon Zoo’s conservation brand.

• Coordinate state and regional policy efforts in support of wildlife conservation priorities, including public-facing campaigns, advocacy, legislative and relationship-building efforts.

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.

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

• Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.

• Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current projects (e.g., biological samples).

• 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.

• Maintain supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions.

• Assist with repair and maintain of equipment and supplies.

• Learn and master project or program processes.

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.

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.