Director of Animal Care

Zoo Atlanta • Atlanta, GA

316d

About The Position

Zoo Atlanta seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as its Director of Animal Care. This role oversees the daily operations of the Animal Collections Department, ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing and care, team and staff development, animal and team safety, and guest experience. Reporting to the Vice President of Animal Collections and Conservation, the Director will play a vital role in advancing Zoo Atlanta's mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and engaging experiences. In addition to the strong focus on mission, Zoo Atlanta places emphasis on living our organization's values, and prioritizes a positive culture of belonging.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in animal care, with at least 7 years in a leadership or curatorial role at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium.
• Demonstrated expertise in animal husbandry and welfare practices for diverse taxonomic groups.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent decision-making, time-management, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use critical thinking and creativity to problem-solve with both internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated aptitude in multiple leadership competencies with the ability to develop teams and culture, manage through conflict and change, and develop and maintain relationships across zoo team disciplines.
• Commitment to proactively improving one's own leadership skills.
• Commitment to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and inspiring workplace, and interest in the professional development of staff and teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for all aspects of animal care, including husbandry, facility maintenance and habitat design, and emergency protocols.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive, inclusive, and motivated team culture, fostering collaboration and innovation among all animal care team members.
• Recruit, coach, mentor, evaluate, and inspire animal care management staff, ensuring continuous professional growth and alignment with Zoo Atlanta's values and goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies and practices to ensure safe, effective procedures of animal care, management, transport, acquisition, transfer, and emergency response.
• Assist in the ongoing evaluation and execution of Zoo Atlanta's Species Collection Plan, aligning with institutional priorities, key commitments, and strategic goals.
• Ensure animal husbandry practices, facilities, and safety protocols meet or exceed all USDA and AZA standards.
• Collaborate with veterinary, animal welfare, and scientific staff to design and implement species-specific care and training and enrichment programs.
• Oversee implementation of recommendations from AZA Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs), species survival plans (SSPs), and other cooperative conservation programs.
• Collaborate with the Education and Guest Experience teams to enhance visitor engagement with the animal collection.
• Develop, manage, and monitor department budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate records and generate reports on animal care activities, compliance, and performance metrics.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and interdepartmental collaboration to support Zoo Atlanta's mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree