Zoo Assistant Director

City of El Paso, TX; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

City of El Paso, TX is seeking a senior administrator to plan, organize, and oversee daily El Paso Zoo operations, projects, and activities. The role involves directing department divisions, setting operational plans, and ensuring high-quality visitor experiences across multiple zoo initiatives.

The incumbent will analyze data, prepare reports, and help define short- and long-term goals, budgets, and staffing resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.
• Six years of zoological operations experience, including four years of managerial experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and assist in the daily management of El Paso Zoo operations, projects and activities.
• Oversee, plan, and direct department divisions to achieve attendance and per-capita targets.
• Develop and implement operational plans, budgets, and policies.
• Supervise personnel, enforce rules, and manage hiring decisions.
• Represent the department with city leadership and community groups.

Skills

Zoo management

Operations management

Leadership

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Job Details

• Salary : $100,494.78 – $135,667.96 Annually
• Location : Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX
• Job Type: Unclassified
• Job Number: U0805-0626
• Department: ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN
• Opening Date: 06/18/2026
• Closing Date: Continuous
• FLSA: Exempt

Requirements

MOS Codes: None

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public Administration, or a related field, and six (6) years of zoological operations experience, including four (4) years of managerial experience.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.

General Purpose

Under general direction, plan, organize, and assist in the daily management of El Paso Zoo operations, projects, and activities.

Typical Duties

Assist in planning, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the El Paso Zoo. Involves: overseeing, planning, and directing department divisions. Direct, recommend, and establish operational plans to achieve departmental attendance and per capita targets. Work with zoo divisions to maintain a high-quality visitor experience. Plan, organize, and manage the coordination of day‑to‑day projects and activities, both directly and through subordinate supervisors. Recommend, implement, and administer policies and procedures. Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the department work plan. Analyze department personnel, equipment, procedures, plans, and programs. Review and recommend improvements, automation, or streamlining of work activities.

Plan, design, implement, and review the department’s short and long-term goals, objectives, and priorities. Involves: Collect and analyze data. Prepare a variety of reports regarding division activities, accomplishments, and goals. Design, establish, and maintain the organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish goals and objectives. Monitor department operations and activities to ensure successful implementation of City and department objectives. Conduct research and assess opportunities for improving operations such as new programs, exhibits, or technology development. Analyze organization and community needs. Evaluate and review industry trends and statistics. Make recommendations for department improvements and opportunities. Participate in the zoo department long-term planning efforts and capital improvement plans. Monitor and apply fiscal controls to receipt and expenditure of funds. Estimate required funds for the use of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials and supplies.

Participate in the preparation of the annual budget. Involves: Assist in the development and monitoring of budget. Work with appropriate personnel to develop, recommend, and define operating and financial objectives. Direct, recommend, and implement preparation of operating budgets and controls. Prepare projections of resources necessary to meet current and future development needs.

Supervise assigned personnel. Involves: Schedule, assign, and check work. Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors. Provide for training and development. Enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. Interview applicants and recommend hiring, termination, transfers, discipline, and other employee status changes.

Represent the department as required. Involves: Interact with a variety of department heads, managers, supervisors, employees, and the public to provide and gather accurate information. Attend and participate in professional groups and committees. Prepare and deliver presentations at City Council, Civil Service Commission, and other boards, commissions, and community organizations. Serve as the Director during absences.

General Information

To view complete job specification, click here.

Note: This is an unclassified contract position.

Note: Applicants with a foreign degree or diploma must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Please visit for more information.