Senior Manager, Animal Training & Welfare Programs

Miral Experiences; Al Ain; On-site; AED 450,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Manager of Animal Training and Behavioural Programs to lead and advance training, welfare monitoring, and ambassador animal initiatives across our zoological portfolio. The role integrates operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, and evidence-based welfare science into daily operations to enhance visitor engagement and animal care.

Reporting to the executive leadership, you will partner with curators, veterinarians, and conservation teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (Animal Behaviour, Zoology, Psychology, etc.).
• Doctoral degree or advanced qualification in related fields (herpetology, conservation, evo biology, etc.).
• Postgraduate qualifications relating to animal learning, welfare science, or training methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and continuous improvement of all animal training and behavioural management programs across the institution.
• Establish and oversee training frameworks based on positive reinforcement, protected contact, and welfare science; ensure consistency across departments.
• Develop cooperative medical training programs to reduce stress during veterinary procedures and improve preventive healthcare.
• Collaborate with Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare teams to identify behavioural solutions enhancing patient care, welfare, and veterinary outcomes.
• Lead development of enrichment programs, welfare monitoring systems, and data collection for welfare assessment and decision-making.
• Contribute to welfare assessment programs through environmental enrichment, social management, habitat modifications, and training interventions.

Skills

Animal training

Behavioural management

Welfare science

Leadership

Evidence-based practices

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Animal Behaviour or related discipline

Doctoral degree or advanced qualification in related fields

Postgraduate qualifications in animal learning or welfare science

Job description

Miral Experiences in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Manager of Animal Training and Behavioural Programs to lead and advance training, welfare monitoring, and ambassador animal initiatives across our zoological portfolio. The role integrates operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, and evidence-based welfare science into daily operations to enhance visitor engagement and animal care.

Reporting to the executive leadership, you will partner with curators, veterinarians, and conservation teams