Chief Animal Care & Welfare Officer

Woodland Park Zoo; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid holidays and personal days

Vacation and sick leave benefits

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tuition reimbursement

Free zoo membership and staff tickets

Job summary

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle seeks a visionary leader to guide Animal Management, ensuring world-class care, health, and welfare for diverse residents. This FLSA-exempt role combines strategic oversight, accreditation compliance, and cross‑disciplinary partnerships to advance the zoo’s mission.

You will recruit, coach, and mentor staff, set clear performance goals, and drive conservation initiatives with AZA, American Humane, USDA, and researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in zoo animal care.
• Partnership-building with zoos, government agencies, communities.
• Inspires and marshals resources to advance animal care goals.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• WA state driver’s license and residence in Washington.

Responsibilities

• Lead Animal Care leadership to provide world-class care for animals.
• Strategic focus on Animal Care programs aligned with the zoo’s mission.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff.
• Establish performance metrics and conduct evaluations.
• Coordinate conservation work with AZA programs.
• Represent the zoo at national/international organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Advocacy

Innovation

Accreditation knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or life sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Job description

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle seeks a visionary leader to guide Animal Management, ensuring world-class care, health, and welfare for diverse residents. This FLSA-exempt role combines strategic oversight, accreditation compliance, and cross‑disciplinary partnerships to advance the zoo’s mission.

You will recruit, coach, and mentor staff, set clear performance goals, and drive conservation initiatives with AZA, American Humane, USDA, and researchers.