Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager

Title

Animal Care Science & Innovation Program Manager

$92,081.60 - $ per year; FLSA exempt

The $92,081.60 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $ midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

02/10/2026

02/24/2026 (This position may close early or be extended depending on how many qualified applications are received.)

Regular, Full-time

Non-Represented

1

Onsite only

Animal Management

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

• 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…