The Role
Supports daily operations of the Dallas Zoo’s Large Mammals Hoofstock section, including animal husbandry, staff supervision and training, veterinary support, reproduction, behavioral management, enrichment, exhibit maintenance, safety, records, and emergency response. The role works directly with species such as hippos, giraffes, okapi, ostriches, and kudu, while ensuring high standards of animal welfare and facility care.
Summary Generated by Built In
JOB SUMMARY
The Dallas Zoo is seeking two Assistant Zoological Managers to join our Large Mammals Hoofstock Team. Working closely with the Zoological Manager, this position supports the day-to-day operations of the section and assists in ensuring exceptional animal care and welfare. The Large Mammals Hoofstock team currently cares for a diverse collection of species, including Nile hippopotamus, okapi, giraffe, greater kudu, blue duiker, and ostrich.
This role is responsible for covering daily routes as assigned, supporting animal husbandry programs, and maintaining associated facilities. The Assistant Zoological Manager serves as the primary contact for the assigned section in the absence of the Zoological Manager and provides support and mentorship to animal care staff.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assist in organizing and coordinating assigned section’s daily activities, overseeing animal care staff in all areas, and delegating tasks per leadership team’s direction;
• Lead by example: maintain familiarity with all aspects of husbandry routines, assisting if needed;
• Assist in the hiring of, then train, animal care staff in all aspects of husbandry: diet preparation,
feeding, cleaning and maintenance of exhibits;
• Assist in the implementation of protocols and operating procedures to maintain high level of
sanitation, animal care, and safety;
• Observe and monitor animals regularly for health and behavioral issues;
• Assist with veterinary treatments and procedures, reporting relevant animal health situations to
veterinarians and curator;
• Oversee animal propagation, sharing expertise with staff, ensuring that facilities and staff are well
prepared prior to relevant breeding events;
• Coordinate safe animal capture and restraint, as well as transfer within the zoo, in compliance with
professional industry standards;
• Coordinate, perform, and train staff for safe handling, restraint, translocation of animals within
assigned work section potentially including dangerous and/or venomous species;
• Communicate thoroughly and efficiently and ensure accuracy of records in all areas of responsibility;
• Actively manage, and participate in, operant conditioning and environmental enrichment programs
for animals within the section;
• Ensure exhibits meet high standards of animal welfare and aesthetics: prioritize exhibit enhancement
projects, participate in renovations, and demonstrate effective exhibit maintenance strategies;
• Follow all safety protocols, understanding the Assistant Zoological Manager’s role in emergency
procedures, and serving as a member of Dallas Zoo’s Emergency Response Team;
• Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, or a related field is preferred, but not required;
• Must have knowledge of animal husbandry, with at least seven years preferred of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with Hoofstock)
• Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex challenges;
• Demonstrated interest and expertise in management, reproduction of diverse species;
• Comprehensive knowledge of reproduction, as well as neonate care preferred;
• Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral management, including operant conditioning philosophy,
techniques and terminology, as well as benefits and goals of environmental enrichment;
• Ability to remain aware and alert while working around potentially dangerous animals at all times;
• Incumbent should have broad interests in research, behavior and conservation;
• Excellent facilitation, as well as communication skills, both oral and written;
• Comfort with computer software: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point;
• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, must be self-directed;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees &
zoo guests;
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs
and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs;
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends;
• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather;
• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test;
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, or a related field
- Knowledge of animal husbandry
- At least seven years of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility, ideally with hoofstock
- Expertise in management and reproduction of diverse species
- Knowledge of reproduction and neonate care
- Knowledge of behavioral management, operant conditioning, and environmental enrichment
- Ability to work safely around potentially dangerous animals
- Excellent facilitation and oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to establish effective relationships with management, employees, and zoo guests
- Ability to perform physical duties, including lifting up to 50 pounds and climbing stairs and ladders
- Availability to work weekends, holidays, outdoors, and in hot or inclement weather
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
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The Company
What We Do
Dallas Zoo is a nonprofit zoological organization and the largest zoo in Texas, caring for more than 2,000 animals representing 406 species. Founded in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest, it is owned by the City of Dallas but privately managed. Its work centers on animal care, conservation, education, and engaging visitor experiences, supported by employees and volunteers.
