Zoological Manager - Animal Ambassadors

Located three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106‑acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. Founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest, this City of Dallas‑owned but privately managed zoo is a thriving example of a successful public‑private partnership. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for 35 years, the Zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.

The Dallas Zoo is seeking a leader to join our Animal Ambassador Experiences team. Ambassador Animals cares for a diverse collection of birds, mammals, and reptiles that participate in programs both on and off Zoo grounds. These animals are featured in dynamic, guest‑centered experiences designed to inspire connection while prioritizing animal well‑being. Our program is focused on implementing welfare‑driven practices that emphasize choice and control and immersive experiences that allow animals to demonstrate natural behaviors and guests to form meaningful connections.

This position works closely with the other Zoological Manager, Associate Curator, and Senior Curator to lead a team of Zoologists and oversee daily operations within assigned ambassador areas. The Zoological Manager is responsible for personnel management, training and development of staff, and implementation of effective husbandry, training, and enrichment programs to ensure exemplary animal care. The Manager serves as a primary contact and liaison for their area and supports the delivery of high‑quality ambassador programming that aligns with the Dallas Zoo’s mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.

• Organize, coordinate, and establish priorities for assigned section’s daily activities, overseeing animal care staff and providing both written and oral instructions.
• Develop, implement, and communicate all aspects of the animal program, ensuring effective documentation, accurate records, and clear communication with direct reports, curatorial, and veterinary staff.
• Mentor, develop, and evaluate employees for professional growth, including writing and reviewing annual performance plans and appraisals.
• Lead by example and maintain familiarity with all aspects of animal training and husbandry routines.
• Proactively identify, oversee, and participate in operant conditioning, behavioral management, and environmental enrichment programs; collaborate with Associate Curators/Curator and Behavioral Husbandry staff regarding training goals, behavioral management plans, and introductions (including mixed species).
• Organize and appropriately delegate tasks to Assistant Supervisors and Lead Zoologists.
• Hire and train animal care staff in all aspects of husbandry, including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance.
• Develop and maintain protocols, programs, and ambassador‑specific SOPs to meet and exceed USDA and AZA standards, including animal handling, transport, program use, and public presentation.
• Regularly observe and monitor the health and welfare of animals in the area.
• Prepare and maintain records of animal management including daily behavior, breeding behavior, restraint, and routine and non‑routine medical procedures.
• Confer with veterinary staff regarding health and preventative medicine programs, report relevant health concerns, and assist with treatments and procedures as necessary.
• Oversee animal propagation and breeding programs, ensuring staff and facilities are prepared and protocols are implemented and monitored.
• Coordinate and manage safe animal capture, restraint, and transfers (within the zoo and between institutions) in compliance with professional and veterinary standards.
• Work closely with curatorial staff on institutional collection planning and animal acquisition/deacquisition.
• Ensure exhibits and facilities meet high standards of animal welfare, aesthetics, and regulatory compliance; prioritize exhibit enhancement projects, participate in renovations, and communicate facility needs through appropriate channels.
• Follow all safety protocols to ensure the safety of animals, staff, and…