Director – Wildlife Rescue Centre

Miral Experiences; Al Ain; On-site; AED 300,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences is seeking a Director for the Wildlife Rescue Centre to lead strategic direction, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day operations for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs at the Centre in Al Ain.

The role requires a senior leader adept at coordinating with government agencies, conservation partners, veterinary authorities, and emergency responders to ensure ethical and welfare-compliant practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Veterinary Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in zoological, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, or related operations.
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and operational programs.
• Experience working with government agencies, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Master's Degree or higher in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Wildlife Rescue Centre's vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Drive operational planning and ensure alignment with UAE laws, licensing, and best practices.
• Oversee intake, rehabilitation, release, and long-term care programs for wildlife.
• Represent the Centre in meetings with government entities, conservation organizations, and partners.
• Promote conservation outcomes and ensure high standards of animal welfare across operations.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & financial planning

Regulatory compliance

Wildlife management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Zoology or related field

Master's Degree in Wildlife Conservation or related field

Professional certifications relevant to wildlife management

Job description

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan.

We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

About the Role

The Director – Wildlife Rescue Centre is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, operational management, regulatory compliance, animal welfare oversight, and long-term development of the Wildlife Rescue & Release Centre (WRC).

The position ensures the safe, effective, and compliant rescue, intake, rehabilitation, temporary housing, treatment, release, transfer, and long-term placement of wildlife entering the Centre. The Director serves as the principal representative of the Centre with government agencies, conservation organizations, veterinary authorities, emergency responders, enforcement bodies, and other key stakeholders.

The role is responsible for establishing and maintaining a world-class wildlife rescue and rehabilitation operation that supports animal welfare, conservation, environmental stewardship, public service, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Wildlife Rescue Centre's vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Establish annual operational priorities and business plans aligned with Al Ain Zoo's conservation and organizational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs.
• Promote a culture of safety, animal welfare, professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Ensure alignment of Centre operations with applicable legislation, organizational policies, and international best practices.

Operational Management

• Provide overall operational leadership for all functions of the Wildlife Rescue Centre.
• Ensure effective management of wildlife intake, quarantine, rehabilitation, treatment, release, transfer, and long-term care programs.
• Oversee development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure staffing, equipment, facilities, and resources support operational readiness at all times.
• Coordinate emergency wildlife rescue and response activities when required.
• Monitor operational performance and ensure efficient utilization of resources.

Animal Welfare and Rehabilitation

• Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained throughout all stages of rescue, rehabilitation, and care.
• Establish welfare assessment and monitoring programs that support evidence-based decision-making.
• Oversee development of species-specific care, rehabilitation, enrichment, and release protocols.
• Ensure appropriate veterinary support and rehabilitation planning for all animals under Centre care.
• Support ethical and welfare-focused decision-making regarding release, transfer, long-term placement, or humane euthanasia when required.

Regulatory Compliance and Government Relations

• Ensure compliance with all applicable UAE laws, regulations, permits, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain effective working relationships with government authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee chain-of-custody and documentation processes for confiscated, surrendered, rescued, and transferred wildlife.
• Support inspections, audits, licensing activities, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Represent the Centre in meetings with government entities, enforcement agencies, and regulatory stakeholders.

Conservation, Research and Partnerships

• Promote conservation outcomes through effective rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs.
• Facilitate scientific research, data collection, monitoring, and conservation initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with conservation organizations, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and zoological organizations.
• Support development of collaborative programs that contribute to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Champion the role of the Centre as a conservation and wildlife welfare leader within the UAE and region.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure responsible financial planning and expenditure management.
• Support procurement planning and asset management activities.
• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and external funding.
• Ensure resources are allocated effectively to support operational objectives.
• Lead, motivate, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary workforce.
• Ensure appropriate workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and capability development.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Support professional development and training opportunities for staff.
• Conduct performance management activities in accordance with organizational policies.

Health, Safety and Biosecurity

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture throughout all Centre operations.
• Ensure implementation of effective risk management processes.
• Oversee biosecurity, quarantine, zoonotic disease prevention, and infection control programs.
• Ensure emergency response plans are developed, maintained, and regularly tested.
• Lead investigations into significant incidents and ensure implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure safe wildlife handling, transportation, containment, and rescue practices.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Representation

• Serve as the principal ambassador for the Wildlife Rescue Centre.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with government bodies, conservation organizations, rescue partners, donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
• Support public awareness and conservation education initiatives.
• Represent the Centre at professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and industry forums.
• Promote the Centre's achievements and conservation impact through stakeholder engagement activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Environmental Science, or another relevant discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in zoological, wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, or related animal management operations.
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and operational programs.
• Experience overseeing animal welfare, operational planning, budgeting, and staff management.
• Experience working with government agencies, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Master's Degree in Zoology, Wildlife Conservation, Veterinary Science, Environmental Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications relevant to wildlife management, conservation, zoological operations, or leadership.
• Experience managing wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, or release facilities.
• Experience with confiscated, dangerous, protected, or exotic wildlife.
• Experience within internationally accredited zoological organizations, wildlife agencies, or conservation institutions.
• Experience managing emergency response and wildlife incident situations.

Shape the Future with Us

At Miral Experiences, we don’t just create world-class destinations - we create unforgettable memories for our guests and remarkable careers for our people.

From theme parks and attractions to guest services and behind-the-scenes roles, every member of our team plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences. We’re driven by passion, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and talented individuals who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. No matter your background or expertise, there's a place for you at Miral Experiences.