Zoo Director - County of Bergen Department of Parks – Bergen County Zoo

Under direction, is responsible for overseeing the operation, administration and maintenance of a New Jersey county or municipally owned zoo; implements zoo policies and procedures; oversees facility and program development; performs other related duties as required.

Job Responsibilities:  (may include but not limited to)

• Develop strategic partnerships with organizations, educational institutions, corporations, vendors and other cultural/recreational nonprofits.
• Supervises and directs a large workforce of zoo employees.
• Assigns duties to and trains departmental managers in operational zoo procedures.
• Develops and administers broad, effective animal care programs that ensure proper treatment of all zoo animals.
• Oversees comprehensive maintenance programs that ensure proper care of all animals, structures and grounds within the zoo area.
• Carries out continuing programs for the selection of various species of animals that enhance the zoo.
• Coordinates research projects and initiatives for the enhancement of the zoo.
• Maintains liaisons with other zoos and zoo organizations.
• Oversees the operation of specialized facilities on zoo grounds, such as gift shops and eating areas.
• Creates and administers budgets.
• Develops, recommends and administers the zoo’s operating budget and rate schedules.
• Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with staff and volunteers.
• Promotes zoo programs and initiatives to schools, municipal and civil groups.
• Prepares strategic long-range plans regarding facility design, program development and budget allocation.
• Conducts staff meetings and briefings to disseminate information, discuss issues and establish goals and priorities.
• Serves as spokesperson for zoo in media and public relations.
• Collaborates with departmental managers, community organizations and schools.
• May be required to travel to represent the zoo at conventions, conferences, and special events.
• Directs the maintenance of essential records and files.

Schedule:

•  Full-time/In Office. 

Education & Other Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience equivalent to seven (7) years at the senior management level at an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo or attraction.
• Valid New Jersey Driver’s.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Put in subject line “Applying for Zoo Director/Bergen County Zoo”

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.