Director of Wildlife

African Safari Wildlife Park; Port Clinton (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continued education opportunities

Free park admission for you and family

In-park discounts on experiences

Paid time off

Subsidized health insurance

Job summary

African Safari Wildlife Park, located in Ohio, seeks a Director of Wildlife to lead the animal care program, uphold welfare standards, and manage regulatory compliance. You will guide the animal care team, oversee transfers, and collaborate with veterinarians to maintain excellence in care and safety.

The role requires senior leadership, extensive knowledge of husbandry and accreditation standards, and a passion for conservation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field or equivalent experience.
• 6–10 years in zoo/wildlife or related management with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, nutrition, and health.
• Experience with USDA regulations and accreditation standards.
• Experience supervising and developing animal care staff.
• Must pass pre-employment screening and have valid driver’s license.
• Flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
• Physical ability to perform outdoors and lift up to 70 pounds.
• Ability to work with diverse teams and partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of animal care and welfare programs.
• Develop and maintain welfare programs including nutrition, veterinary care, enrichment, and habitat management.
• Ensure daily care aligns with regulatory requirements and standards.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and staff on health plans and procedures.
• Assist with veterinary procedures as appropriate.
• Monitor welfare and address concerns promptly.
• Develop safe guest encounters and educational programs.
• Coordinate acquisitions, transfers, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise and mentor Wildlife Department staff; manage hiring.

Skills

Leadership

Animal care management

Regulatory compliance

Staff training

Budgeting

Communication

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/Wildlife Biology/Animal Science

Tools

AnimalCare Software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Director of Wildlife (Full-Time)

African Safari Wildlife Park, one of the top family destinations in the Shores & Islands Ohio region, is entering a period of significant growth and investment. Guided by our mission, we are dedicated to inspiring connections between people and wildlife while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.

We’re looking for talented individuals who are passionate about animals, wildlife conservation, and providing amazing guest experiences to embark on this exciting journey with us! Whether you’re an expert in animal care, a leader in guest services, or an advocate for conservation, there’s a place for you on our team.

As the Director of Wildlife, you will oversee the strategic and operational management of the Park’s animal collection, including animal care, welfare, husbandry, regulatory compliance, and collection planning. This position is responsible for ensuring that the Park maintains the highest standards of animal care while supporting our mission of connecting people with wildlife. The Director of Wildlife will lead and develop the animal care team, oversee regulatory and accreditation requirements, coordinate animal acquisitions and transfers, and work closely with veterinary professionals and other park departments.

In addition to providing leadership to the Wildlife Department, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to assist across various departments, maintain a positive attitude, and exhibit a passion for animal welfare, conservation, and continued professional growth. Leadership, organization, adaptability, communication, and teamwork are key qualities for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Care and Welfare

• Manage and supervise all aspects of the Park’s animal care and husbandry programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain animal welfare programs, including nutrition, preventative health, veterinary care, enrichment, husbandry, and habitat management.
• Ensure animals receive appropriate daily care in accordance with established husbandry practices, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Collaborate with veterinary professionals and animal care staff to develop and implement preventative health and treatment plans.
• Assist with veterinary procedures, animal restraint, treatments, and other animal health needs as appropriate.
• Monitor animal behavior, condition, and welfare and ensure concerns are identified, documented, and addressed promptly.

Animal Programs and Guest Experiences

• Work closely with other park departments to develop safe, engaging, and educational animal encounters and guest experiences.
• Ensure animal programs prioritize animal welfare, employee safety, and guest safety.
• Assist in developing educational opportunities that spark an appreciation for wildlife and support the Park’s mission.
• Evaluate existing animal experiences and recommend improvements based on animal welfare, safety, operational needs, and guest experience.
• Develop and maintain long-term plans for the Park’s animal collection that align with the Park’s mission, facilities, operational capabilities, and strategic goals.

Leadership and Staff Management

• Manage, supervise, schedule, and provide directions to zookeepers and other Wildlife Department employees.
• Works closely with park managers to recruit, interview, and hire animal care staff (full time and seasonal) as needed.
• Works closely with corporate office staff to complete all company hiring documents.
• Train and mentor Wildlife Department employees on animal husbandry, safety, department procedures, regulatory requirements, and company expectations.
• Develop and coordinate staff training plans and encourage continued professional development.
• Establish daily and weekly priorities and ensure assigned animal care responsibilities and department projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Promote a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation

• Ensure compliance with applicable USDA regulations, ZAA accreditation standards, and other local, state, and federal requirements.
• Maintain required animal-related permits, licenses, certifications, records, and documentation.
• Coordinate and prepare for regulatory inspections and accreditation reviews.
• Conduct regular self-audits and inspections to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements and Park standards.
• Stay current on changes to animal welfare regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to animal care, welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Animal Transfers and Acquisitions

• Oversee animal acquisitions, transfers, dispositions, and other changes to the Park’s animal collection.
• Coordinate animal transportation logistics, including transport planning, scheduling, documentation, permits, and communication with participating institutions.
• Ensure animal transfers and acquisitions are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, Park policies, and animal welfare standards.
• Evaluate potential acquisitions and dispositions based on animal welfare, available facilities, social needs, collection planning, and the Park’s long-term goals.

Registrar and Animal Records

• Utilize Animal Care Software and other appropriate record-keeping systems to maintain accurate and complete animal records.
• Ensure animal records include appropriate information related to identification, husbandry, veterinary care, transfers, breeding, behavior, and other relevant activities.
• Maintain required regulatory and institutional documentation related to animal collection.
• Ensure animal records are completed accurately and in a timely manner by Wildlife Department employees.

Administration

• Oversee purchasing and inventory of animal feed, husbandry supplies, equipment, enrichment materials, and other department needs.
• Maintain organized department records, schedules, policies, procedures, and other administrative documentation.

General Tasks

• Respond to animal-related emergencies and urgent department needs during park operating hours and after hours when necessary.
• Work closely with all park departments to support daily operations, special events, and guest experiences.
• Assist with emergency preparedness and response activities involving animals, employees, and guests.
• Oversee and assist with animal emergency procedures, including animal escapes and other wildlife-related incidents.
• Assist with the development and enforcement of park policies and procedures related to animal care, welfare, safety, and operations.
• Assist in other departments and perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field such as Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Animal Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Minimum of 6–10 years of professional experience in zoo, wildlife, exotic animal, or related animal management, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, enrichment, nutrition, and preventative health practices.
• Strong knowledge of USDA requirements, ZAA accreditation standards, and other regulations applicable to zoological facilities.
• Experience managing diverse animal collections.
• Experience supervising, training, and developing animal care employees.
• Experience with animal transfers, acquisitions, transportation, and associated documentation preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and pass pre-employment screening.
• Regular and dependable attendance.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.
• Use private vehicle for work-related tasks on occasion.
• Must provide a negative TB test and have a recent tetanus vaccination.
• Flexible schedule requiring availability for weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and animal-related emergencies as needed.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and perform labor-intensive tasks, including lifting and moving up to 70 pounds.
• Must be able to be on your feet for several hours.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs and ladders.
• Ability and willingness to work safely around a diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals.

Necessary Skills

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively manage, mentor, and develop team members.
• A team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues across multiple departments.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, veterinary professionals, regulatory officials, other zoological institutions, and guests.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, welfare, and professional animal care practices.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in situations involving animal welfare and safety.
• Highly organized and capable of functioning independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and animal care needs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on animal welfare, safety, regulatory compliance, and accurate record keeping.
• Proficiency with AnimalCare Software or similar animal record-keeping systems.
• Microsoft Office Literate.
• Basic Office and Organization Skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to the Park’s unique needs.

What We Offer:

• Opportunities for further education and development.
• Team member appreciation days and parties.
• Free admission for yourself and family & friends on your days off.
• In-Park Discounts on retail and select animal encounters.
• Paid Time Off with increasing accrual rates over tenure.
• Subsidized health insurance.