Zoological Manager - Animal Ambassadors

### Description
** JOB SUMMARY
** 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.
** SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*
* • 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 the public; serve as a member of the Dallas Zoo Emergency Response Team.
• Complete incident reporting and documentation, ensure follow-up discussions occur, and communicate safety or facility issues to the Curator in a timely manner.
• Under Curator/Associate Curator direction, communicate with vendors, purchase equipment and supplies, and obtain estimates for small capital projects for annual budgeting.
• Keep current with…