Chief Animal Care & Health Officer

Living-Desert-DBA-the-Living-Deser; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens seeks a visionary Director of Animal Care & Health to guide animal care, veterinary services, and conservation programs. Reporting to the COO, you will lead about 50 staff through managers and supervisors to ensure excellence across habitats, nutrition, and welfare.

You will shape strategy, build high-performing teams, and ensure compliance with AZA and USDA standards while maintaining guest engagement and operational discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science, or related field, plus 5+ years in accredited zoo setting.
• Proven leadership, interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and decision-making capabilities.
• Working knowledge of contemporary animal care practices and applicable AZA and USDA standards.
• Experience with ZIMS, Monday.com, or LEAN processes is a plus.
• Valid driver's license (or ability to obtain one) and ability to meet vehicle operation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee animal care, veterinary care, habitats, enrichment, nutrition, registrar functions, and emergency readiness.
• Coach and evaluate approximately 50 team members while fostering an inclusive One Team culture.
• Lead animal collection and conservation planning aligned with goals and mission.
• Set priorities, develop policies, oversee budgets, and allocate resources using data.
• Advise Zoo leadership on animals, habitats, diets, design, construction, and guest engagement.
• Maintain AZA, USDA, and organizational standards; lead emergency response functions.
• Represent The Living Desert as a credible spokesperson in routine and crisis situations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Conflict resolution

Decision making

Budgeting

Program planning

Cross-functional work

Animal care practices

MS Word & Excel

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science, or related field

Tools

ZIMS

Monday.com

LEAN processes

Job description

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens seeks a visionary Director of Animal Care & Health to guide animal care, veterinary services, and conservation programs. Reporting to the COO, you will lead about 50 staff through managers and supervisors to ensure excellence across habitats, nutrition, and welfare.

You will shape strategy, build high-performing teams, and ensure compliance with AZA and USDA standards while maintaining guest engagement and operational discipline.