Director of Safety

The Director of Safety will oversee all aspects of health and safety, ensuring a safe and secure environment for staff, volunteers, guests, and animals. Collaborating with zoo leadership to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety programs that align with the Zoo’s mission, policies, and industry best practices. This includes managing emergency preparedness, incident response, risk assessments, and the mitigation of workplace hazards.  Drives a culture of safety by conducting regular audits, facilitating training programs, and promoting continuous improvement across all departments. Ensures compliance with OSHA and AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) regulations, local safety ordinances, and other relevant industry standards and proactively identifies safety risks, conducts investigations of incidents and accidents, and recommends corrective actions. 

Our Mission:

• Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision:

• Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develops, implements, and maintains a comprehensive zoo-wide safety program, ensuring the highest safety standards are met. 
• Leads initiatives to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses through risk assessments, audits, and proactive safety measures. 
• Conducts/facilitates job safety (JSA) and other technical analysis. 
• Fosters a culture of safety awareness and compliance among staff, volunteers, and contractors. 
• Serves as subject matter expert to ensure all zoo operations comply with OSHA, AZA, local, state, and federal regulations, as well as internal safety standards. 
• Proactively conducts regular safety audits, hazard assessments, and facility inspections to identify potential risks and take corrective action. 
• Works jointly with security manager to maintain emergency response plans, including drills for fire, severe weather, animal escapes, and other potential emergencies. 
• Oversees and manages the investigation of workplace incidents, near-misses, and guest-related safety concerns. 
• Maintains accurate documentation of all safety incidents and ensures timely reporting to relevant agencies. 
• Analyzes trends and develops strategies for reducing incidents and improving safety performance across the zoo. 
• Designs and delivers safety training for staff, contractors, and volunteers, including topics such as process and procedure implementation, emergency response, fire safety, animal handling, etc. 
• Ensures that all zoo staff are informed about updated safety regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices. 
• Works closely with zoo leadership, department heads, and HR to integrate safety initiatives into all zoo operations. 
• Leads the cross functional HZ Safety Council and sub councils to implement established health and safety programs across the organization. 
• Manages and maintains the zoo wide chemical inventory and SDS online database in compliance with GHS and Hazard Communication. 
• Acts as main point of contact and coordinates with OSHA representatives and other safety governmental agencies regarding complaints and inspections. 
• Manages worker’s compensation and third-party medical case management programs; partners with HR to maintain an effective return to work process for work-related injuries. 
• Maintains the OSHA safety log and other administrative requirements related to safety operations and regulations. 
• Assesses indoor air quality concerns, mitigates exposure and works with outside consultants to remediate. 
• Key point of contact for external regulatory agencies, contractors, and stakeholders regarding safety matters. 
• Works with Ranger team on performing day-to-day safety operations and risk mitigation across the zoo. 
• Provides leadership in collaboration with the Director of Ranger Operations to ensure a safe environment for guests and staff. 
• Supports Ranger operations to manage safety-related concerns, such as crowd control during special events and peak visitation times. 
• Possesses broad knowledge of zoo-wide animal facilities and SOPs. 
• Partners with Director of Ranger Operations to develop and manage department budget regarding safety supplies, equipment, and inventory including capital requests and expenditures. 
• Manages and directs the training, development, appraisal, and work assignments of designated safety personnel. 
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through  reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field. 
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in safety management, with at least five (5) years in a leadership role. 
• Adept knowledge of OSHA regulations, emergency response protocols, and safety best practices in large-scale, high volume facilities. 
• Demonstrated experience in risk assessment, safety audits, and incident investigation. 
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments. 
• Proficient in safety management software and reporting tools. 
• Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or OSHA certifications. 
• Proficient in fire safety, hazardous materials management, and environmental compliance. 
• Competent Person Certifications: Respiratory Protection, Fall Protection, Confined Space, Trenching & Excavation, Ladder and Scaffold, chemical safety 
• Direct supervisory experience: Supervises work through the planning and scheduling of work, and the review and approval of tasks and/or training. 
• Experienced with guest/customer relations; ability to respond appropriately to safety concerns and guest complaints. 
• Strong leadership skills and ability to deliver constructive feedback to Ranger team members. 
• Skilled in de-escalation tactics, maintains composure in stressful situations, and adjusts to a variety of staff and guest needs. 
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills. Adept presentation skills; able to present effectively to board of directors, executive team, and all levels of staff.  
• Takes a collaborative approach to partner with teams and all levels of staff across the organization. 

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

• The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
• There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
• Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
• Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. 
• Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer