Description

General Purpose
 

Under administrative direction, manage zoological operations and development to establish and maintain quality facilities and programs, and a safe animal and visitor environment. 
 
Typical Duties
 

Provide overall executive leadership for Zoo operations, including animal care and welfare, conservation programs, education initiatives, guest services, facilities, safety, and capital planning.
Ensure the Zoo maintains accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or other recognized accrediting bodies as applicable, including leading accreditation preparation, documentation, inspections, and continuous compliance efforts.
Develop and implement strategic plans that align Zoo priorities with the City’s strategic goals, quality-of-life initiatives, and economic development objectives.
Prepare and administer the Zoo’s operating and capital budgets; manage revenues, expenditures, grants, and fundraising activities in coordination with City finance policies.
Serve as the primary liaison to the City Manager, City Council, and community stakeholders, providing regular reporting on performance, accreditation status, financial condition, and major initiatives.
Oversee personnel management, including recruitment, professional development, performance evaluation, and succession planning, consistent with municipal human resources policies.
Lead long-range capital planning for exhibits, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, sustainability, and visitor experience.
Represent the Zoo at professional conferences, accreditation meetings, and public events; cultivate partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and regional, state, and national agencies.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and standards, including animal welfare regulations, workplace safety requirements, environmental regulations, and public procurement policies.
Authorize the hiring of staff. Supervise staff directly and through subordinate supervisors. Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors. Provide for training and development. Enforce personnel regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. As the appointing authority, interview applicants and hire, terminate, transfer, discipline, or initiate other employee status changes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Application of comprehensive knowledge of zoo operations principles, practices, and techniques.
Application of comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing zoo operations.
Application of considerable knowledge of budget preparation, personnel records systems, and standard general and fiscal administration policies and practices.
Application of considerable knowledge of management and supervisory principles and techniques, pertinent federal, state, and local labor and safety rules and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, coworkers, department heads, officials, customers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
Ability to assess objectives and operational requirements to develop and implement appropriate administrative policies and procedures for the city and the department.
Ability to manage, develop, motivate, and evaluate professional, technical, supervisory, and clerical staff.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to prepare and present comprehensive reports to the City Manager, Mayor, Council, City management, businesses, and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, volunteers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
 
General Information
 

How to Apply:

To be considered, candidates must complete an online application. Candidates are encouraged to attach a cover letter and comprehensive résumé to their application. This announcement will remain posted, and we will continue to accept applications until a finalist is selected. First review of applications will take place on April 1, 2026. For the complete job specification click here.

The hiring salary will be $160,000 - $175,000 annually, based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, plus an outstanding benefits package.

For more information or to request the recruitment brouchure, please contact Human Resources Manager Julie Farmer at FarmerJA@elpasotexas.gov or call (915) 240-3177.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business, Public Administration, or related field, and eight (8) years of zoological operation experience, including four (4) years of management experience.