Conservation and Research Husbandry Manager
Summary:
Memphis Zoo is seeking a dynamic, experienced, conservation-driven, and collaborative professional to serve as the Conservation and Research Husbandry Manager, specializing in Herpetology and Captive-breeding Programs.
The Conservation and Research (CR) Husbandry Manager leads the husbandry team, overseeing daily care, welfare, and strategic management of the dusky gopher frog and Louisiana pine snake ex situ colonies in active captive-breeding and reintroduction programs. This role ensures the highest standards of animal husbandry, biosecurity, conservation breeding, and regulatory compliance while advancing the Zoo’s mission of wildlife conservation, research, and public education.
The CR Husbandry Manager supervises technicians and volunteers, coordinates breeding and population management plans, collaborates with researchers, scientists, and veterinary staff, and fosters cross-departmental communication to support program success and institutional goals.
Essential Dates:
- The application deadline is April 1, 2026.
- Application reviews will begin March 15, 2026.
- Anticipated start date for position is May 1, 2026.
- Start date is flexible and position can be filled earlier if suitable candidate is identified.
Essential Job Functions:
- Program Leadership & Oversight: Manage and coordinate captive colonies of dusky gopher frogs and Louisiana pine snakes, including breeding, transfer, and release plans.
- Animal Husbandry & Welfare: Ensure best practices in amphibian and reptile care. Continuously improve the standard of care given and implement strict biosecurity protocols. Additional species may become the responsibility of the Husbandry Manager.
- Staff Supervision: Supervise, mentor, and develop team capacity while fostering a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging environment that supports professional growth.
- Health & Veterinary Coordination: Collaborate closely with veterinary staff on disease prevention and control. Maintain detailed records using ZIMS.
- Research: Serve as the primary point of contact for all scientists and researchers working with CR animals, coordinate project needs while prioritizing animal care and welfare.
- Documentation: Ensure compliance with AZA standards and maintain accurate animal records, transfer documentation, and permit requirements. Compile annual reports on CR colonies for permitting agencies and external conservation partners.
- Public Engagement & Education: Provide expert knowledge during public outreach events or behind-the-scenes tours.
Minimum Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Herpetology, or related field.
- 5–7 years of progressive experience in zoo or aquarium animal care, with significant experience in amphibian (especially amphibian larvae) and reptile husbandry.
- Demonstrated experience leading and supervising teams.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Herpetology, or related field.
- Participation in conservation projects or reintroduction programs.
- Effective articulation of conservation and mission goals to the public.
- Strong record of mentorship and staff development experience.
- Knowledge of herpetological diseases.
Competencies:
- Critical Thinking.
- Flexibility/Adaptability.
- Leadership & Mentorship.
- Microsoft Office Suite.
- Observation, Data Collection & Reporting.
- Organization and Strategic Planning.
- Problem Solving/Analysis.
- Project Management.
- Public Speaking.
- Records and Reports Creation and Management.
- Stress Management/Composure.
- Written/Verbal/Oral Communication.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position directly supervises CR Husbandry Staff, student volunteers, and interns.
Reporting Structure: Reports to Curator of Research.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time salary positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager.
This position is considered exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Scheduling Availability Requirements:
Position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends including early morning, daytime, and evening hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel, and administration is to be expected.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds or field sites). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. This position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds and to field sites.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- 21 years or older.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
- Clear TB screening.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Clear MVR screening.
- Proof of current automobile insurance.
Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Application Requirements:
- Cover letter (1 page max)
- CV
- A list of three professional references who are ready to send recommendation letters upon request
- All above files should be submitted in a single PDF with the file name “HusbandryManager_LastName” and uploaded under “Documents” through the online Job application portal
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
