Director of Animal Care & Health

Description

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking leader to serve as Director of Animal Care & Health. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and providing leadership to approximately 50 team members through managers, supervisors, and direct reports, this executive will shape the strategy, culture, and daily excellence of Animal Care and Veterinary Care while advancing our mission to support desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.

This is an opportunity to influence the future of a modern zoo: champion outstanding animal well-being, build high-performing teams, strengthen guest connections, and turn an ambitious vision into measurable results.

Unique Opportunity

Lead the animal collection, habitats, behind-the-scenes areas, veterinary partnership, nutrition, registrar functions, guest engagement programs, and the people who make this work possible. Set short- and long-term priorities, advise Zoo leadership, and ensure animal care meets or exceeds AZA and USDA standards.

We are looking for a visible, collaborative executive who leads with sound judgment, earns trust, welcomes feedback, and inspires others around a shared vision. The right leader will balance strategic thinking with disciplined execution and remain calm and decisive when the stakes are high.

Forward leadership

• Animal care and well-being: Ensure uncompromising standards across animal care, veterinary care, habitats, enrichment, behavioral goals, nutrition, registrar functions, and emergency readiness.
• People and culture: Develop, coach, and evaluate approximately 50 team members while building an inclusive, accountable, feedback rich One Team culture.
• Collection and conservation strategy: Lead animal collection and management planning aligned with organizational goals, field conservation impact, animal well-being, and mission.
• Operational excellence: Set priorities, develop policies, oversee operating and capital budgets, allocating resources, and use sound data and documentation to solve problems.
• Cross-functional leadership: Advise Zoo administration on animals, habitats, diets, design, construction, presentations, guest engagement, and long-range initiatives.
• Safety and compliance: Maintain AZA, USDA, and organizational standards; lead emergency response functions; and ensure safe work practices and corrective action.
• Public presence: Serve as a credible spokesperson and technical expert, representing The Living Desert with professionalism in routine and crisis situations.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science, or a closely related field, and at least five (5) years of direct experience at the general or departmental curatorial level in an accredited zoo or similar zoological institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrated success in program planning, budgeting, supervision, and cross-functional execution.
• Proven leadership, interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and decision-making capabilities.
• Working knowledge of contemporary animal care practices and applicable AZA and USDA standards.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with ZIMS, Monday.com, or LEAN processes is a plus.
• Valid driver's license (or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable period after hire if required for assigned duties) and the ability to meet The Living Desert's vehicle operation requirements.

Working in the desert

• This role works in office, animal, habitat, and outdoor environments, including extreme heat and exposure to dust, chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals.
• This position regularly requires moving throughout the zoo; standing and walking for extended periods; bending, reaching, climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling, crouching, and occasionally crawling. The position may require moving or lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Holiday, evening, and weekend work, emergency availability, and occasional travel for conferences or workshops are required based on organizational needs and available funding.
• Successful candidates must meet applicable occupational health requirements, which currently include pre-employment and periodic tuberculosis (TB) screening consistent with organizational policy and applicable law.

Make an impact for desert species:

If you are ready to lead exceptional teams, advance animal well-being, and help shape a forward-thinking future for The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, we invite you to apply. Please visit the Living Desert website to fill out an online application at www.livingdesert.org for this position. To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references. The cover letter should include how you will be key in moving The Living Desert mission forward. Position will remain open until filled.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on organizational needs.