Woodland Park Zoo

Compensation

Full Description

TITLE: Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager SALARY & FLSA: $92,081.60 - $138,132.80 per year; FLSA exempt The $92,081.60 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $115,107.20 midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates. OPENING DATE: 02/10/2026 CLOSING DATE: 02/24/2026 (This position may close early or be extended depending on how many qualified applications are received.) JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time UNION: Non-Represented OPENINGS: 1 LOCATION: Onsite only DEPARTMENT: Animal Management HOW DO YOU ZOO? More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo. Who You Are As our new Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager we know you will be successful in this role because you are: • A Scientist: You are ready to develop and manage the animal care research framework, aligning with AZA standards and institutional priorities. You are confident in your ability to facilitate and support applied research projects in animal behavior, welfare, and environmental enrichment. You can drive scientific writing and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and other professional outlets. • An Advocate for Animal Welfare: You are eager to oversee Woodland Park Zoo’s welfare framework, including assessments and audits. You can lead the conceptualization, development, implementation, and assessment of behavioral management and enrichment strategies. Collaborating with curators, veterinarians, and keepers to ensure behavioral health and welfare are integrated into daily care practices is something you are ready to do. • A Strong Innovator: As our new Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager, you are excited to lead the innovation portfolio for the Animal Management department, identifying and implementing technologies that improve animal welfare, staffing workflows, and guest experiences. You have the ability to evaluate and pilot emerging tools and technologies, collaborating with other departments including IT, Guest Experience, and Education to ensure alignment in strategic goals. • A Natural Leader: You can provide training and mentorship to staff on behavioral science, welfare assessment, and research methodologies. You are excited to partner with academic institutions, technology companies, and conservation organizations to support the goals of the Woodland Park Zoo. Your Primary Responsibilities • Develop and manage the animal care research framework, aligning with AZA standards and institutional priorities. • Facilitate and support applied research projects in animal behavior, welfare, and environmental enrichment. • Drive scientific writing and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and professional outlets. • Represent the zoo at conferences, workshops, and AZA working groups. • Lead the innovation portfolio for the Animal Care department, identifying and implementing technologies that improve animal welfare, staff workflows, and guest experiences. • Evaluate and pilot emerging tools such as sensor technologies, AI-based monitoring, and interactive guest platforms. • Collaborate with IT, guest experience, and education teams to align technological initiatives with strategic goals. • Develop strategic plans and KPIs for animal wellness and innovation initiatives. • Build partnerships with academic institutions, tech companies, and conservation organizations. • Provide training and mentorship to staff on behavioral science, welfare assessment, and research methodologies. Preferred Qualifications • Ability to speak a language in addition to English. Qualifications • Master’s or Ph.D. in Animal Behavior, Zoology, Psychology, Animal Welfare Science, or related fields. • Minimum 5 years of experience in animal welfare, behavioral research, or zoo/aquarium operations. • Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and publication. • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. • Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards and animal welfare frameworks. • Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. • Experience with technology integration in animal care or research settings is highly desirable. • Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role. • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history. Benefits The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including: • Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents • 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays • Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year. • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  • Tuition reimbursement  • Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days  • 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks   • Free staff parking  • 403(b) Retirement Plan SELECTION PROCESS Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org. Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews. Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.