Head of Animal Care & Exhibit Operations

Living Planet Aquarium; Draper (UT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, UT seeks a Director of Zoological Operations to guide daily animal care, exhibitry, and life-support systems. You will lead a large, diverse team of zoological science experts and work with Veterinary, Education, and Facilities teams to meet the institution's mission.

The role requires a four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences, 8+ years of direct care experience, and 5+ years in a supervisory position with budget responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in zoological or biological sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight years of direct experience caring for and training specified taxa.
• Five years in a supervisory curator-level role with staff, budget, and collection management responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication; presentation skills.
• Commitment to animal care, welfare, and exhibits; leadership of a diverse team.
• Experience with departmental administration, budgeting, and cross-department collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day zoological operations and strategy for animal care, exhibitry, and environmental quality.
• Oversee Curatorial Team and Zoo Ops managers, coordinating with Veterinary and Guest Services.
• Ensure health, welfare, nutrition, enrichment, and exhibit integrity for the living collection.
• Maintain zoological records and data integrity across systems like TRACKS.
• Collaborate to maximize resource impact and ensure safety and policy compliance.
• Represent the Aquarium in AZA programs and external partnerships.

Skills

Staff management

Budget management

Leadership

Communication

AZA standards

Education

Bachelors in zoological/biological sciences

Tools

TRACKS system

Job description

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, UT seeks a Director of Zoological Operations to guide daily animal care, exhibitry, and life-support systems. You will lead a large, diverse team of zoological science experts and work with Veterinary, Education, and Facilities teams to meet the institution's mission.

The role requires a four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences, 8+ years of direct care experience, and 5+ years in a supervisory position with budget responsibilities.