Animal Care Manager (Herpetology, Ichthyology, and Life Support Systems)

SALARY & FLSA: $76,107.20 - $114,150.40 per year; FLSA exempt

The $76,107.20 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $95,128.80 midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 11/26/2025

CLOSING DATE: 01/04/2025 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

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 Animal Care Manager, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• You’re an experienced and knowledgeable animal care professional – With a strong background in Herpetology, Ichthyology, and Life Support Systems, you bring deep expertise in animal husbandry, welfare, enrichment, and behavioral management for ectotherm species.
• You’re a supportive and effective leader – You excel at supervising and developing keepers and lead keepers, setting clear expectations, coaching for growth, and holding teams accountable to high standards of care and safety.
• You’re a clear communicator and strong collaborator – You work seamlessly with veterinary teams, curators, operations staff, and other departments, contributing to population planning, protocol development, medical procedures, and section-wide coordination.
• You’re organized, adaptable, and aligned with our mission – You manage complex daily operations, maintain accurate records, support conservation and breeding programs, and navigate change with professionalism—always prioritizing exceptional animal welfare and the zoo’s core values.
  
  

Your Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise the daily care, wellbeing, and assigned taxon.
• Oversee animal care needs, including annual and as-needed diet reviews, habitat maintenance, and evaluation of animal and keeper areas.
• Ensure annual welfare assessments are completed for 100% of the animal population under supervision.
• Develop and implement welfare, enrichment, and behavioral management programs for the section.
• Supervise exhibit maintenance, enhancements, and repairs in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Directly supervise Lead Keeper and Keepers, promote team performance by setting clear goals, provide feedback, support professional development, and hold staff accountable to deliver identified outcomes in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities, values, and Standards of Conduct.
• Provide input to the Curator on long-range population management planning, animal records, census data, and reporting.
• Assist with animal acquisitions and dispositions, including handling, transport, and shipment logistics.
• Draft, review, and implement written protocols for animal care and keeper safety, including risk assessments and emergency drills.
• Coordinate with the veterinary team to ensure optimal animal health care, including support during medical procedures and pre-shipment requirements.
• Responsible for breeding programs aligned with organizational and ex-situ conservation goals.
• Support or lead research projects related to the zoo’s animal population and research priorities.
• Manage section operations in the absence of the Curator, under the direction of the Senior Director of Animal Care.
• Represent the department and Woodland Park Zoo at cross-departmental meetings, conferences, and media engagements as requested.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including work during weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with and training staff on venomous species of reptiles.
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree in zoological or biological sciences, or a related discipline; or
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience directly working with and managing ectotherms including herpetology and ichthyology in an aquarium and/or zoological agency, and two (2) years of experience supervising staff.
• Demonstrated leadership in supervising, motivating, and developing animal care staff with a strong commitment to empowering teams and fostering professional growth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and animal data management systems such as ZIMS.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt, manage change, and build collaborative relationships.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.
  
  

Benefits

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  
• Free staff parking 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
  
  

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at www.zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.