Director of Animal Care & Health

LIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT • Palm Desert, CA

2h • $115,000 - $127,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking leader to serve as Director of Animal Care & Health. This executive will shape the strategy, culture, and daily excellence of Animal Care and Veterinary Care while advancing our mission to support desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. This is an opportunity to influence the future of a modern zoo: champion outstanding animal well-being, build high-performing teams, strengthen guest connections, and turn an ambitious vision into measurable results. The role leads the animal collection, habitats, behind-the-scenes areas, veterinary partnership, nutrition, registrar functions, guest engagement programs, and the people who make this work possible. The Director will set short- and long-term priorities, advise Zoo leadership, and ensure animal care meets or exceeds AZA and USDA standards. We are looking for a visible, collaborative executive who leads with sound judgment, earns trust, welcomes feedback, and inspires others around a shared vision. The right leader will balance strategic thinking with disciplined execution and remain calm and decisive when the stakes are high.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science, or a closely related field, and at least five (5) years of direct experience at the general or departmental curatorial level in an accredited zoo or similar zoological institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrated success in program planning, budgeting, supervision, and cross-functional execution.
• Proven leadership, interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and decision-making capabilities.
• Working knowledge of contemporary animal care practices and applicable AZA and USDA standards.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid driver's license (or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable period after hire if required for assigned duties) and the ability to meet The Living Desert's vehicle operation requirements.
• This role works in office, animal, habitat, and outdoor environments, including extreme heat and exposure to dust, chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals.
• This position regularly requires moving throughout the zoo; standing and walking for extended periods; bending, reaching, climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling, crouching, and occasionally crawling.
• The position may require moving or lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Holiday, evening, and weekend work, emergency availability, and occasional travel for conferences or workshops are required based on organizational needs and available funding.
• Successful candidates must meet applicable occupational health requirements, which currently include pre-employment and periodic tuberculosis (TB) screening consistent with organizational policy and applicable law.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ZIMS, Monday.com, or LEAN processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure uncompromising standards across animal care, veterinary care, habitats, enrichment, behavioral goals, nutrition, registrar functions, and emergency readiness.
• Develop, coach, and evaluate approximately 50 team members while building an inclusive, accountable, feedback rich One Team culture.
• Lead animal collection and management planning aligned with organizational goals, field conservation impact, animal well-being, and mission.
• Set priorities, develop policies, oversee operating and capital budgets, allocating resources, and use sound data and documentation to solve problems.
• Advise Zoo administration on animals, habitats, diets, design, construction, presentations, guest engagement, and long-range initiatives.
• Maintain AZA, USDA, and organizational standards; lead emergency response functions; and ensure safe work practices and corrective action.
• Serve as a credible spokesperson and technical expert, representing The Living Desert with professionalism in routine and crisis situations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive