Lead Zoo Specialist: Animal Welfare & Education Leader

Wpraweb; Oshkosh (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oshkosh is seeking a knowledgeable Lead Zoo Specialist to help run daily operations at Menominee Park Zoo. You’ll lead animal care staff, supervise volunteers, and contribute to exhibits, grounds, and educational programming.

The role emphasizes advanced husbandry, staff leadership, and operational support under the Park Services and Events Manager, shaping a high‑quality visitor experience for the Oshkosh community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field.
• Three to five years of professional animal husbandry experience, preferably with North American species.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Preferred background includes exhibit construction, basic carpentry, facility repairs, or grounds maintenance; familiarity with USDA/DNR/AZA standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to Zoo Specialists, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Assist with scheduling, workflow coordination, staff training, and performance feedback.
• Support budgeting, procurement, inventory management, and operational planning.
• Perform and oversee routine husbandry for captive wild and domesticated animals.
• Prepare diets and feed animals according to established schedules.
• Monitor animal health, behavior, enrichment, and breeding activity.
• Maintain records related to animal care, health, and compliance.
• Assist with veterinary care, animal restraint and transfer, and exhibit inspections.
• Educate the public on animals, conservation, and zoo policies.
• Maintain facilities and grounds, landscape, clean, snow removal, and upkeep.
• Lead development and delivery of educational and conservation programs.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Leadership

Public engagement

Staff coordination

Operations management

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field

Tools

Exhibit construction

Carpentry basics

Facility repairs

Grounds maintenance

Job description

City of Oshkosh is seeking a knowledgeable Lead Zoo Specialist to help run daily operations at Menominee Park Zoo. You’ll lead animal care staff, supervise volunteers, and contribute to exhibits, grounds, and educational programming.

The role emphasizes advanced husbandry, staff leadership, and operational support under the Park Services and Events Manager, shaping a high‑quality visitor experience for the Oshkosh community.