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

Woodland Park Zoo•Seattle, WA

28d•$76,107 - $114,150•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

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.