Animal Care Professional, Lead

About the role

The Animal Care Professional, Lead is responsible for performing daily animal husbandry and supporting animal care and welfare, including maintaining high standards of care, serving as a resource for staff, and providing operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager.

Responsibilities

• Performs and models advanced animal husbandry, wellbeing, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance practices, ensuring consistency with established protocols and high standards of care.
• Observes, documents, and communicates animal behavior, health, and welfare concerns; maintains accurate animal records; and supports safe animal handling, restraint, transport, and operational procedures.
• Provides functional leadership by training, guiding, and supporting staff; serves as a resource and point of contact to promote consistent, safe, and effective animal care practices.
• Supports departmental operations and planning, including exhibit improvements, guest engagement, and cross-functional coordination, and provides operational coverage in the absence of the Zoological Manager, as assigned.

Requirements

• Advanced experience in animal care is required, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.
• Demonstrates critical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize, organize, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and support operational needs.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal formats and collaborates effectively across teams to support a positive, safe, and welcoming work environment.
• Maintains strong attention to detail and proficiency with required computer systems and animal recordkeeping tools.
• Demonstrates knowledge of animal husbandry practices (including species-specific care as applicable), a commitment to excellent guest service, and an interest in supporting conservation-focused work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or be willing to complete training and certification as a condition of the role.
• May be required to operate Zoo-owned vehicles (including golf carts), powered equipment, and/or ride or attraction systems. In such cases, must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with Zoo policy.
• May be required to travel on occasion.

Benefits

Details about benefits are not specified in the job posting.

Pay

The estimated salary range for the Animal Care Professional, Lead is $31,150 - $53,599 per year.

Schedule

Work schedules are based on operational needs and may include any combination of weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.