Zoo Director

Zoo Director Salary and Job Information

Zoo Director Salary: $160,000.00 - $175,000.00 Annually Location: Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX Job Type: Unclassified Job Number: U0800-0126 Department: ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN Opening Date: 01/15/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Exempt

Job Description and Requirements

The City of El Paso is recruiting for the position of Zoo Director. We are seeking a highly experienced and accomplished professional with a Bachelor's degree or higher in zoo management, veterinary medicine, business or public administration or related field. This position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in zoological operation, including four years of management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading an AZA-accredited zoo in a director, deputy director, or equivalent executive role.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations, public finance, procurement, and labor relations.
• Experience with capital project delivery, bond-funded projects, or public-private partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and external partnerships supporting conservation and education missions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and insightful service-oriented leader with strong communication, leadership, and administrative abilities and have a solid understanding of current zoo operations principles, practices, and techniques.

Job Purpose and Duties

Under administrative direction, manage zoological operations and development to establish and maintain quality facilities and programs, and a safe animal and visitor environment. Typical duties include:

• Providing overall executive leadership for Zoo operations, including animal care and welfare, conservation programs, education initiatives, guest services, facilities, safety, and capital planning.
• Ensuring the Zoo maintains accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or other recognized accrediting bodies as applicable.
• Developing and implementing strategic plans that align Zoo priorities with the City's strategic goals, quality-of-life initiatives, and economic development objectives.
• Preparing and administering the Zoo's operating and capital budgets; managing revenues, expenditures, grants, and fundraising activities in coordination with City finance policies.
• Serving as the primary liaison to the City Manager, City Council, and community stakeholders, providing regular reporting on performance, accreditation status, financial condition, and major initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing personnel management, including recruitment, professional development, performance evaluation, and succession planning, consistent with municipal human resources policies.
• Leading long-range capital planning for exhibits, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, sustainability, and visitor experience.
• Representing the Zoo at professional conferences, accreditation meetings, and public events; cultivating partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and regional, state, and national agencies.
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and standards, including animal welfare regulations, workplace safety requirements, environmental regulations, and public procurement policies.
• Authorizing the hiring of staff, supervising staff directly and through subordinate supervisors, appraising employee performance, and reviewing evaluations by subordinate supervisors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Application of comprehensive knowledge of zoo operations principles, practices, and techniques.
• Application of comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing zoo operations.
• Application of considerable knowledge of budget preparation, personnel records systems, and standard general and fiscal administration policies and practices.
• Application of considerable knowledge of management and supervisory principles and techniques, pertinent federal, state, and local labor and safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, coworkers, department heads, officials, customers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to assess objectives and operational requirements to develop and implement appropriate administrative policies and procedures for the city and the department.
• Ability to manage, develop, motivate, and evaluate professional, technical, supervisory, and clerical staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to prepare and present comprehensive reports to the City Manager, Mayor, Council, City management, businesses, and the general public.

General Information

How to Apply:

To be considered, candidates must complete an online application. Candidates are encouraged to attach a cover letter and comprehensive résumé to their application. This announcement will remain posted, and we will continue to accept applications until a finalist is selected. First review of applications will take place on April 1, 2026. For the complete job specification, click here.

Hiring Salary: $160,000 - $175,000 annually, based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, plus an outstanding benefits package.

For more information or to view the recruitment brochure, please contact Human Resources Manager Julie Farmer at FarmerJA@elpasotexas.gov or call (915) 240-3177.