Animal Welfare Research Coordinator

City of Oklahoma City•Oklahoma City, OK

4d•$53,351 - $66,689•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Conservation & Science team at the Oklahoma City Zoo as our next Animal Welfare Research Coordinator, where cutting-edge research meets hands-on impact in advancing animal wellbeing! If you’re passionate about turning data, training, and enrichment into real improvements for animal care while collaborating with zoo experts, this is your chance to make a wild difference. Job Summary: The Conservation and Science department is responsible for guiding development and continuity of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s (OKC Zoo) behavioral husbandry, research, and conservation programs across all departments. One of the department’s goals is to continuously improve animal wellbeing through innovative, data-guided training, enrichment, and welfare programs. Systematic research (including behavioral monitoring) is used to inform animal management and wellbeing. Under general supervision, the role of the Animal Welfare Research Coordinator supports OKC Zoo’s mission by developing, managing, and evaluating applied animal welfare and research activities aimed at improving care of Zoo animals and advancing scientific understanding about animal wellbeing. This role will collaborate with scientists, curators, and veterinarians in animal husbandry and health care management to ensure animal wellbeing; contribute to the development of the animal wellbeing program through staff development in the form of continued education; and assist in the development of zoo animal welfare philosophy and policy

Requirements

Minimum 1 year experience designing and conducting animal behavior and/or welfare research.
Master’s degree in psychology, biology, zoology, anthropology, or related field, particularly with a focus in animal behavior, health, or welfare science.
Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and completion of Health and Safety Institute training within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous research experience in an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium setting is preferred in at least one of the following areas: animal behavior, endocrinology, health, data science.
Graduate degree may be substituted for relevant experience at an AZA-accredited institution.
Doctorate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct research on zoo animal welfare, analyze data, and communicate results through internal and external channels, including peer-reviewed publications
Coordinate applied animal welfare research-related activities in conjunction with the Curator of Research and animal management teams.
Create, refine, and maintain new and existing databases to oversee data analysis and dissemination, using accessible reports, especially via Power BI dashboards and SharePoint.
Prepare data summaries, visualizations, and briefing documents to support evidence-based discussions and decision-making by the Zoo’s Animal Wellbeing Committee
Engage with the zoo and aquarium and broader scientific community to exchange new and best practices, ensuring the highest possible standards for OKC Zoo animal welfare programs.
Translate scientific principles of behavior and welfare to practical applications by helping teams analyze and understand the motivations behind behaviors, address undesirable behaviors, and create solutions to motivate desirable behaviors.
Train staff for data collection and on the use of equipment and software. Assist with the selection and purchasing of equipment and software as needed.
Develop and teach classes and workshops for Zoo staff on a range of welfare and research topics.
Foster collaboration with universities to expand animal welfare research and promote innovation in wellbeing monitoring and animal enrichment.
Consult and cooperate with scientists, curators, veterinarians, and animal care staff in animal husbandry and health care management to ensure animal welfare.
Coordinate and supervise interns, students, and volunteers.
Develop and conduct presentations in both formal and informal settings.
Collaborate with other OKC Zoo departments to implement the Zoo’s strategic plan.
Participate in conservation activities to support OKC Zoo’s mission.
Foster constructive attitudes and team cohesion among staff; positively communicate and collaborate with Zoo personnel and professional colleagues.
Practice and model the Zoo’s values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership.
Take personal accountability for performing at a high level and completing all assigned tasks in a timely manner, to include meeting all deadlines.
Work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, to include wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.