Associate Director of Animal Care

Creating champions for wildlife.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director(s) of Animal Care (ADAC) oversees the daily management of the Zoo’s animals and staff. This position collaborates with the Director of Animal Care to develop short-term and long-range animal plans in support of the organization’s mission.

The ADAC ensures the sustainability of the Zoo’s animal populations and manages staff in various related activities. The ADAC advances zoo mission through participation in conservation, welfare programs, and AZA programs on behalf of Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

We are looking for someone with a passion for working with people and a background in herptile management. This position will oversee the zoo’s most diverse animal residents, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds as well as the Ambassador Program.

Opened in May 2024, this person will oversee the zoo’s newest exhibit, Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah, that houses a variety of wildlife, notably the zoo’s center for native amphibian conservation.

Additionally, this person will be critical in developing the animal plan for the future of the zoo - the zoo is poised to launch a 10-year facilities masterplan, which will include a focus on growing and diversifying engagement in AZA’s Species Survival Plan with respect to reptile and amphibian programs.

At the Zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to work hard to support the zoo towards its mission.

As we finalize our master plan, you'll be at the forefront of transforming animal habitats into immersive, awe-inspiring experiences that not only educate but inspire action.

Join our dynamic team at Utah’s Hogle Zoo and play a vital role in shaping the future of animal care and conservation!

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports directly to the Director of Animal Care and serves on the Zoo’s leadership team. This position directly supervises the assigned Animal Care Supervisors.

PERKS

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance.
• The Zoo is a part of the Utah Retirement System and makes a 10% contribution to an employee’s retirement. This includes an additional opportunity to make contributions to a 401K plan within URS.
• $3000 relocation allowance for qualifying new employees.
• Vacation days : New employees accrue up to 13 days annually of vacation time.
• Sick days : New employees accrue up to 10 days annually of sick time.
• Nine paid holidays in the year.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families paid for by the Zoo.
• Employee long-term disability insurance paid for by the Zoo.
• Various employee reimbursements and contributions including wellness activities and professional development.
• Every employee receives a free Zoo Card that allows admission to the employee and up to 5 guests. It also provides free carousel and train rides, as well as free admittance to ZooLights and BooLights.
• 50% discount on concessions and discount on gift shops items.
• Tickets at Work membership, which provides discounts and offers on theme parks, shows, sporting events, and travel.
• Awesome coworkers who care about animals and each other!

ABOUT UTAH’S HOGLE ZOO

For over 90 years, Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been a loved and trusted part of the community. Located within Salt Lake City proper, the Zoo is nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain range at the mouth of Emigration Canyon.

The Zoo spans over 42 acres and is home to a diverse collection of animals. Be a part of the Zoo as we share our newest exhibit, Wild Utah.

Make your contribution to a rich tradition of elevated behavior husbandry, guest engagement, professional development, and top animal wellbeing.

Being only minutes from both a vibrant downtown and national wilderness area, Salt Lake City is a dream for cultural aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

This city has it all from professional sports teams, theater, cultural attractions, universities, nightlife, and many green spaces.

From mountain ranges to deserts, Utah is home to five National and 45 State parks.

If all of this sounds exciting to you, then come and excel with us at Utah’s Hogle Zoo!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees safe, proper and humane programs and protocols for all aspects of the animal collection including : sanitation, health, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, behavioral husbandry, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.
• Ensures compliance with USDA, USFWS and AZA.
• Assists in the preparation of the department’s annual operating and capital budget review and submission; administers and monitors budgets.
• Collaborates on the development and review of policies concerning resident animal planning and management.
• Plans and coordinates animal acquisitions and deaccessions of the assigned collection in collaboration with the Animal Care Supervisor(s).
• Directs animal loans, trades, sales, and purchases according to the Zoo’s animal plan.
• Prepares and coordinates animal shipments into and out of Utah’s Hogle Zoo.
• Collaborates with the veterinary staff in the medical care of the collection.
• Assists in the design and development of new animal exhibits and holding facilities.
• Recruits and directly supervises Animal Care Supervisors and oversees all animal care staff, interns and volunteers.
• Assists in the development of the Zoo’s animal welfare and behavioral enrichment programs.
• Actively participates in AZA animal programs and related organizations.
• Assists in developing a records system that documents activities and events with the animal collection and department.
• Represents the department and Utah’s Hogle Zoo at professional meetings, conferences, or in the media.
• Participates in a professional network (, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, IUCN, etc.).
• Commitment to the zoo’s mission and conservation efforts.
• Ability to work over 40 hours a week as needed and work varied hours and schedules.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.

Experience Required

Perks

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance. Retirement Benefits : The Zoo is a part of the Utah Retirement System and makes a 10% contribution to an employee’s retirement.

This includes an additional opportunity to make contributions to a 401K plan within URS. Vacation time accrual : (New employees accrue up to 13 days annually of vacation time.

New employees accrue 4 hours of vacation leave after the first full pay period following the first of the month following 30 days of continuous employment.

Sick time accrual : (New employees accrue up to 10 days annually of sick time.) New employees accrue hours of sick leave after the first full pay period following the first of the month following 30 days of continuous employment.

Nine paid holidays a year when they occur after the first of the month following 30 days of continuous employment. Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families paid for by the Zoo.

Employee long-term disability insurance paid for by the Zoo. Various employee reimbursements and contributions to wellness activities, professional development, uniform, and certain work-clothes.

Moving expense reimbursement for qualifying new employees. Every employee receives a free Zoo Card that allows admission to the employee and up to 5 guests.

It also provides for free carousel and train rides, as well as free admittance to ZooLights and BooLights. Part-Time / Seasonal employees also receive a ZooCard.

Employees receive a 50% discount on concessions and discount on gift shops items (some exclusions apply). Employees receive a Tickets at Work membership, which provides discounts and offers on theme parks, shows, sporting events, and travel.

Awesome coworkers who care about animals and each other!

Salary

$70k-$78K / Year