Are you passionate about?

…Providing exceptional care for animals?

…Saving wildlife and wild places?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, inclusion and personal contribution?

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo.

 Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions. Attracting more than 500,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

The Zoo is located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. Stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offer a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts.  Named the first UNESO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, the City is a delight for foodies with a lively and developing dining, arts and cultural scene, and a lovely wine country just thirty minutes away. With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking an Animal Care Manager. A bachelor’s degree in biological science plus five years supervising Zoo Keepers at an AZA accredited facility is required.

The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually.  Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years. 

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Overview:  The Animal Care Manager position is responsible for supervising, mentoring, and evaluating the Animal Care Supervisors.  The manager will be responsible for overseeing the husbandry for all animal areas of the Zoo.  At times this position may be doing direct animal care and habitat enhancements.  This position works collaboratively with the Veterinarian Team, Animal Well-being, Facilities, Events and Education Departments. 

 Reports To:   Director of Animal Care.

Responsibilities:

• General duties:

Supervises and trains Animal Care Supervisors.  All Animal Care Supervisors will directly report to this position and they collectively oversee 30 Zoo Keepers and over 250 animals. 

 Works with Animal Care Staff, Animal Wellbeing, and Veterinary Teams with regards to wellness, health, training, enrichment, and daily care. 

Oversees collection planning with the Director of Animal Care.  Reviews animal records and manages animal transactions.

Facilitates preventative maintenance and ensures safety in work areas.

 Works collaboratively with the animal welfare committee, training & enrichment committee, education department, events team and safety team.

Helps plan renovations and new designs of animal buildings and habitats, developing short and long-term strategies to activate and refresh exhibits and providing new opportunities for programming that connects guests with animals and conservation.

Works with the Registrar to ensure permits are up to date and related reporting is completed.

 Assists with all accreditation materials for animal and Zoo safety and monitors compliance with all guidelines, procedures, protocols and regulations related to animal care.

 Ensures animals and animal habitats are guest ready for when the Zoo is open to guests.

• Safety

Ensure safety policies and procedures are communicated and carried out.

 Oversees the downed animal emergency response team and regularly schedules training and drills.  

• Supervisory duties:

 Delivers annual performance reviews for direct reports and provides work plan goals for the coming year.  Provides timely feedback on performance throughout the year.

Participates in recruitment, selection and hiring decisions.  Is involved in promotion and status changes and makes recommendations.

Supervises and schedules direct reports and ensures appropriate coverage for the animal care team.

Trains animal care team and ensures compliance with safety policies and practices.

Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources and direct supervisor.

Coaches and mentors Supervisors and provides development and leadership opportunities to increase depth and span of experience.  

Completes 90-day reviews for direct reports and creates a work plan with goals.

• Administrative Functions
• Other Duties as Assigned

 Comfortable with animal data software systems such as Animal Care Software and ZIMS

 Comfortable reaching out to other AZA Zoos regarding animal care topics.

 Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies.

 Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.

 Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures and completes all training as required.

 Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• 5 years supervising Zoo Keepers required.
• 5 years in animal care at an AZA accredited facility.
• Bachelor’s degree – biological science related preferred.
• Expertise in capture and restraint.
• Experience working with a wide range of taxon, elephant experience is a plus.
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Employee should be assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take direction and be quick to act or change direction as needed.
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Employee is expected to work outside and must be comfortable working in cold or hot weather conditions.
• Employee should be able to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50+ lbs. on occasion), must be comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THIS EXEMPT POSITION IS $75,500 - $88,731.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept. 

JOB CODE: 9102ACM