Zoo Assistant Director

Full time @El Paso Zoo

Apply Before : July 18, 2026
Salary: $100,494.00 - $135,667.00 / Annual
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Job Detail

Job ID 10926
Career Level Manager
Experience 6 Years
Industry Management
Qualifications Degree Bachelor

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Application of considerable knowledge of zoo management and operation principles, practices, and techniques.
Application of considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing zoo operations.
Application of considerable knowledge of public relations and customer service practices, procedures and techniques.
Application of considerable knowledge of program and event development, coordination and implementation.
Application of considerable knowledge of long-term planning, policy development and implementation.
Application of considerable knowledge of management and supervisory principles and techniques.
Application of good knowledge of budget preparation, personnel records systems and standards and fiscal administration policies and practices.
Ability to assess objectives and operational requirements and develop appropriate administrative policies and procedures for the department.
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, customer departments, boards and commissions, regulatory agencies and the general public.

Other Job Characteristics

Work beyond standard workday hours, including holidays and weekends, as necessary.
Walking through exhibit areas and uneven terrain, with occasional exposure to weather conditions.
Occasional driving through city traffic.

Classification Status