Zoo Director

Overview

Salary: $ - $ Annually

Location:

Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Number: U

Department: ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN

Opening Date: 01/15/2026

Closing Date:
Continuous

FLSA:
Exempt

• Provide overall executive leadership for Zoo operations, including animal care and welfare, conservation programs, education initiatives, guest services, facilities, safety, and capital planning.
• Ensure the Zoo maintains accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or other recognized accrediting bodies as applicable, including leading accreditation preparation, documentation, inspections, and continuous compliance efforts.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align Zoo priorities with the City’s strategic goals, quality-of-life initiatives, and economic development objectives.
• Prepare and administer the Zoo’s operating and capital budgets; manage revenues, expenditures, grants, and fundraising activities in coordination with City finance policies.
• Serve 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.
• Oversee personnel management, including recruitment, professional development, performance evaluation, and succession planning, consistent with municipal human resources policies.
• Lead long-range capital planning for exhibits, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, sustainability, and visitor experience.
• Represent the Zoo at professional conferences, accreditation meetings, and public events; cultivate partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and regional, state, and national agencies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and standards, including animal welfare regulations, workplace safety requirements, environmental regulations, and public procurement policies.
• Authorize the hiring of staff. Supervise staff directly and through subordinate supervisors. Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors. Provide for training and development. Enforce personnel regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. As the appointing authority, interview applicants and hire, terminate, transfer, discipline, or initiate other employee status changes.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in zoo management, veterinary medicine, business or public administration or related field.
• Minimum of eight years of professional zoological operation experience, including four (4) years of management experience.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License or equivalent from another state by date of appointment.

• 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.

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.

If you are looking for an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in one of the best run and progressive cities in the United States while enjoying an exceptional quality of life, the City of El Paso is the place for you!

General

Purpose:

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

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…