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DZDuisburg Zoo
Duisburg ZooZoo & Conservation

Zoological Director

Location

Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

5-15 years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

14h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Zoological Director will lead and develop the zoological department, managing approximately 60 employees and overseeing the animal population and its presentation. This role involves ensuring species-appropriate husbandry, implementing scientific and conservation tasks, and participating in strategic planning and external relations. The director is also responsible for occupational safety, sustainability, and supporting educational concepts.

The area of ​​responsibility includes the following key areas:

  • Goal-oriented, professional and disciplinary management and development of the zoological department with responsibility for approximately 60 employees.

  • As a member of the management team, your responsibilities include not only the overall management of a healthy and diverse animal population and its visitor-oriented presentation, but also viewing the zoo as a business-oriented unit.

  • Ensuring species-appropriate and animal-friendly husbandry in accordance with current scientific, horticultural and legal standards.

  • Responsibility for all zoological and scientific tasks, including species conservation.

  • Comprehensive implementation of annual/project and personnel planning in the zoological field.

  • Participation in committees, close cooperation with the works council and maintaining contact with other companies in the industry.

  • Contact person for veterinary offices, authorities, professional associations, universities and scientific institutions.

  • Further development of sustainability, climate and resource protection.

  • Supporting zoo education in the development of educational concepts and in knowledge transfer.

  • Responsibility for the planning, implementation and monitoring of occupational safety measures, ensuring compliance with legal and company requirements.

  • Development of guidelines for the planning of zoological construction projects, particularly in relation to our master plan, as well as professional support and supervision of the construction projects from a zoological perspective during implementation.

We value this qualification:

  • A successfully completed degree in biology (at least a Bachelor's degree) or a comparable field of study.

  • Several years of professional experience in the aforementioned fields of work.

  • At least 3 years of management experience and mastery of modern employee management and motivation tools.

  • A professional and confident demeanor combined with strong communication skills and assertiveness.

  • Above-average commitment, analytical thinking skills and a results-oriented work style.

  • Willingness to work weekends, holidays and on-call shifts.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Highly independent and goal-oriented work style.

  • High degree of flexibility and resilience.

  • Demonstrable scientific activity, for example through publications, lectures, research projects or participation in expert committees.

  • Confident use of Microsoft, ZIMS, and studbook programs.

These are the benefits you can expect from us:

  • An exciting field of work with plenty of creative freedom, where you can grow personally.

  • An attractive remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement (TVöD) up to pay group 15 with appropriate qualifications, including annual bonus, company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits.

  • Comprehensive fitness and health offerings.

  • Individual training and development opportunities in a future-oriented company.

Updated 8h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Ecological Assessment • 1+ yrs
Project Management • 1+ yrs
Stakeholder Engagement • 1+ yrs
Technical Leadership • 1+ yrs
Mentoring • 1+ yrs
Bid and Tender Production • 1+ yrs
Wildlife Conservation • 1+ yrs
Habitat Regulations Assessment • 1+ yrs
Management • 1+ yrs
Employee Management • 1+ yrs
Analytical Thinking • 1+ yrs
Organizational Skills • 1+ yrs
Scientific Activity • 1+ yrs
Microsoft • 1+ yrs
ZIMS • 1+ yrs
Studbook programs • 1+ yrs

Experience

5-15 years

Certifications

CIEEM Chartership • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Other
Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation
Construction & Infrastructure
Energy & Utilities

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyEUR
PeriodMonthly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationDuisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh9/10
physicalMedium5/10
cognitiveHigh9/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium7/10
communicationHigh9/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Duisburg Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Duisburg Zoo, located in the Ruhr region, is a scientifically managed zoo dedicated to nature and species conservation, education, recreation, and research. Home to over 4,900 animals from more than 300 species on 16 hectares, it focuses on inspiring people about animals and motivating them to protect species. The zoo coordinates breeding programs across Europe and supports numerous conservation projects worldwide.

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Zoological Director

Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyFull Time