Assistant Director, AZA Population Management Center

Lincoln Park Zoological Society; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to many Chicago kulture

On-site parking

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Networking with AZA and LPZ teams

Job summary

Lincoln Park Zoo is hiring an Assistant Director for the AZA Population Management Center (PMC). You will supervise the PMC logistics team and guide demographic and genetic analyses, SSP/Safe programs, and Studbooks planning.

The role blends science, strategy, and independent responsibility within a collaborative team at a historic Chicago landmark. You will lead operational processes, mentor staff, and represent LPZ across AZA committees and external partners, with travel to conferences and

Qualifications

• We welcome applicants with a master's degree or equivalent management experience in zoo/conservation.
• Experience supervising staff, interns, or volunteers is preferred.
• Interest in science administration and population management is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Lead the PMC team and guide operational processes for population management activities.
• Provide strategic direction for SSPs, SAFE programs, and Studbooks coordination.
• Collaborate with AZA committees and institutional partners across programs.
• Represent the LPZ and PMC at meetings and conferences; travel as needed.
• Develop and mentor staff; oversee software tools and data analysis workflows.

Skills

Project management

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

ZIMS for Studbooks

PMx

PMCTrack

Microsoft Office

R

Job description

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

Help shape the future of animal populations across AZA zoos and aquariums

Join the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Center (PMC) at Lincoln Park Zoo and play a pivotal leadership role in advancing the science and management of cooperatively managed animal populations. As Assistant Director, you will combine scientific expertise, strategic decision-making, and independent responsibility to help guide the PMC's work in support of AZA Animal Programs, including Species Survival Plans® (SSPs), SAFE Programs, and AZA Studbooks. Working with a highly specialized team of scientists, you will provide leadership for key operational functions, directly supervise the PMC logistics team, and apply population management science to strengthen the long-term viability of zoo, aquarium, and associated wild populations.

Essential Job Functions

Supporting AZA Populations

• Work with SSP and SAFE program leaders from AZA zoos and aquariums to prepare pedigree (studbook) databases for analysis, complete standard demographic and genetic analyses on the populations, facilitate meetings with partners, collaboratively develop recommendations for future breeding and transfers in these cooperatively managed animal programs, and write reports
• Manage multiple concurrent population management projects while ensuring quality, timeliness, and partner engagement
• Assist (via email, internet conferencing, or in person) SSP and SAFE program leaders with questions related to database analyses and population management
• Provide training on population management topics to zoo and aquarium professionals
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of population management software
• Conduct and/or participate in research and development of techniques for demographic, genetic, or other related topics included in the management of animal populations

Supervising and Mentoring

• Supervise the PMC logistics team – currently, the Senior Planning Coordinator, PMCTrack Coordinator, and Program Assistant
• Lead the logistics team in developing operational processes, improving efficiency, prioritizing troubleshooting, and ensuring smooth operation and excellent customer service to the AZA Community
• Collaborate on future hiring of PMC staff, as needed
• Train and mentor new staff
• Participate in PMC strategic planning
• Supervise interns and teen research apprentices, as needed
• Identify team professional development opportunities

Leading and Liaising

• Contribute to the advancement of population management practices and policies.
• Advise AZA Committees and Scientific Advisory Groups
• Represent the PMC Director in their absence, as needed
• Travel and professionally represent the PMC, AZA, and LPZ at meetings and conferences
• Provide leadership and strategic guidance on population management initiatives across AZA animal programs
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with AZA committees, program leaders, and institutional partners.

• Support AZA's continued SSP reimagination

Collaborating and Sustaining PMCTrack Software

• Collaborate with the LPZ Alexander Center to guide software prioritization and development
• Coordinate communication to the AZA community about functionality updates
• Influence policy and best practices on PMCTrack administration with AZA and the PMC Team

Representing and Helping Lincoln Park Zoo

• Provide educational and communication outreach to internal Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZ) colleagues and the general public via LPZ activities
• Participate in zoo-based committees as needed or guided by individual interests.
• Availability to occasionally work Lincoln Park Zoo special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evening, weekend, or holiday, as required.

Location and Flexibility

• Hybrid position, based in Chicago.
• Combination of remote and in-office work, with a requirement to be in the office at least three days per week.
• Ability to work at a desk/computer for seven hours per day.
• Opportunities for travel to AZA conferences and professional meetings.

• Must be able to occasionally work on weekends, to participate in conferences or other tasks.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities of a Successful Candidate

• We welcome applications with a master's degree as well as management professionals with relevant zoo, aquarium, conservation, population management, or any other relevant experience.
• Experience in supervising staff, interns, or volunteers preferred
• Interest in science administration

• Experience with zoo and aquarium based population management of Animal Programs (e.g., SSPs, SAFE, Studbooks) and software (e.g., ZIMS for Studbooks, PMx, PMCTrack) as well as Microsoft Office and R
• Excels at project management, detail-oriented, capable of handling multiple tasks, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong scientific and professional written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with speaking publicly to a variety of audiences
• Excellent interpersonal communication and facilitation skills; able to work effectively with diverse partners and lead large-group discussions with tact and flexibility
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, general public, and others within the AZA
• Willingness to participate in the Lincoln Park Zoo's team based approach to success

SALARY RANGE

$73,000-$75,000

Our Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!