Zoological Manager - Applied Behavior

The Zoological Manager of Applied Behavior will play a key role in coordinating and overseeing the behavior modification program across the Animal Care and Welfare Division. This position works in close collaboration with the Senior Curator of Behavior and Ambassadors to manage the zoo's behavioral husbandry program.

• A primary focus of this role will be the Enriching Experiences Program, ensuring it effectively supports the behavioral health of the zoo’s animal collection.
• The manager will monitor behavioral diversity through research, data evaluation, and continuous improvement of enrichment strategies to promote overall animal well-being.
• Additionally, this position will support the coordination of the zoo’s welfare program by contributing to assessments, evaluations, communication strategies, implementation processes, and project follow-ups.
• Successful candidates will be highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of independently managing behavior modification programs.
• Creative problem-solving, innovative thinking and strong communication skills are essential, particularly in a fast-paced environment alongside more than 180 animal care professionals.
• A broad knowledge of species-specific behavior is critical to success in this role.
• Experience with ZooMonitor, ZIMS, and advanced Excel functions is highly preferred.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports Dallas Zoo’s Behavioral Husbandry Program (BHP), by adhering to established mission, goals, and philosophies for operant conditioning training, enrichment, and applied behavioral management;
• Recommends and implements approved new behavioral management and enrichment initiatives, methodologies, and techniques, disseminates information and knowledge via keeper meetings and professional development programs;
• Work closely with animal managers and staff to assess departmental needs, to address questions of behavioral management and animal welfare, and to provide direction and assistance with enrichment initiatives;
• Assists staff in identification of animal behavioral problems and welfare concerns; develops appropriate action plans to alleviate concerns, and provide behavioral modification plans for increasing natural behavior through environmental enrichment;
• Evaluate the efficacy of the enriched experiences program through behavioral observations;
• Instructs and mentors staff (including new staff orientation) by ensuring compliance and understanding of Dallas Zoo BHP philosophies, practices and protocols;
• Work in conjunction with the Animal Welfare Working Group to schedule welfare assessments and oversee quarterly meetings.
• As assigned, mentor staff in execution of the operant conditioning program;
• Assists staff in welfare training and understanding of welfare philosophy, helps develops appropriate action plans to address concerns;
• Utilizes ZIMS record keeping system and google docs for daily activity reports, tracking and assessment of daily enrichment programs throughout the zoo;
• Ensures compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and professional standards;
• Attends animal care department meetings as required;
• Serve on the emergency response team and respond to emergencies as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology or related science field is preferred; graduate degree desirable;
• Additional certification in animal training/operant conditioning is desirable; 
• A minimum of five years’ professional experience  in operant conditioning and environmental enrichment at an AZA-accredited zoological institution or aquarium is strongly preferred; experience in behavioral research also preferred;
• Previous experience in coordination of a behavioral husbandry and enrichment program preferred;
• Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral management, including operant conditioning philosophy, techniques and terminology, as well as benefits and goals of environmental enrichment;
• Excellent facilitation, as well as communication skills, both oral and written;
• Experience with computer software: ZIMS, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint;
• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, must be self-directed;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees & zoo guests;

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs;
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends;
• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot, cold, or inclement weather;
• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test;
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation. 

ABOUT THE DALLAS ZOO

• The Dallas Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid time off; and sick leave. Compensation is hourly and commensurate with experience and education.
• The Dallas Zoo actively participates in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts and encourages staff engagement in these initiatives.
• Located just three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoological park in Texas.
• Established in 1888 with just two deer and two mountain lions, the zoo has evolved into a thriving institution through a successful public-private partnership.
• As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for more than 35 years, the zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 400 species.