Senior Director of Animal Care

SALARY & FLSA:    $142,604.80 - $228,155.20 is our designated annual salary range for this FLSA exempt role.

The $142,604.80 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $185,380.00 midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 08/20/2026

CLOSING DATE: 09/14/2026

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: On Grounds

DEPARTMENT: Animal Management

 

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Senior Director of Animal Care, we know you will be successful in this role because you are a:

• Team Leader: You have strong leadership skills and a proven track record of exceptional talent management, engagement, and motivation of a diverse team of managers.
• Excellent Communicator: Your strong communication skills, both verbal and written, make you the perfect spokesperson for the zoo when addressing media inquiries and participating in national committees and programs related to animal management.
• Advocate: You can develop and implement policies and practices that prioritize the physical and psychological well-being of animals.
• Innovator: You lead continuous improvement practices through partnerships, technology solutions, and ethical population management strategies.
• Successful Accreditation Story: You have experience in ensuring compliance with all animal-related regulations, accreditations, and certifications such as AZA, American Humane, and USDA licensure.

 

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and motivate the Animal Care leadership team to lead the dedicated team in providing world-class care for our diverse animal residents.
• Strategically focus on Animal Care programs and partnerships aligned with the zoo’s mission and long-range plan.
• Set an example as a visible, transparent, and accessible leader, reflecting the zoo’s culture and values.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff members.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team by setting expectations and providing regular feedback.
• Establish performance metrics and goals for the team, which includes conducting performance evaluations and provide guidance for improvement.
• Develop strategic plans for animal management, health, and welfare, including measurable indicators of performance.
• Coordinate conservation work with AZA programs, emphasizing ethical population management beyond Species Survival Plans.
• Lead innovation through partnerships and technology solutions for animal welfare, health care, and population sustainability.
• Support animal plans for construction and remodeling, ensuring proper care, welfare, and population management.
• Represent the zoo at national and international professional organizations, actively participating and leading AZA programs.
• Collaborate with operational leaders for revenue-generating animal experiences, emphasizing DEAI goals.
• Design, track, and manage multiple projects, including construction, with a focus on deadlines and measurable outcomes.
• Develop and maintain an impartial Animal Management and Welfare Concern Process for addressing concerns.
• Ensure compliance with animal-related regulations, including AZA accreditation, American Humane certification, and USDA licensure.
• Manage budgets for Animal Management, Health, and Welfare, handling expenses and revenues.
• Engage in fundraising with the Development Department to advance the zoo’s mission.
• Stay informed about scientific developments, and foster research.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s (B.A. or B.S) degree in a liberal arts or life sciences related field from an accredited educational institution and ten (10) or more years of experience in zoo animal care including animal health, welfare, or population sustainability programs.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships with other zoos, animal providers, government a