Zoologist

JOB SUMMARY

This is an entry-level, full-time Animal Operations position focused primarily on the daily care and management of the Dallas Zoo’s Houston Toad colony and associated facilities. The position supports the USFWS Houston Toad Recovery Program through propagation, rearing, husbandry, conservation, and reproductive management. Responsibilities include food preparation, feeding, exhibit and facility maintenance, sanitation, pest control, animal observation, recordkeeping, enrichment, operant conditioning, and educational programming. This is a grant-funded position for 2026 through 2031.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide daily care for assigned animals and exhibits while maintaining high standards of animal health, safety, welfare, and sanitation in accordance with AZA, USDA, and Dallas Zoo protocols.

Observe and monitor animal health and behavior and report abnormalities to management or veterinary staff.

Prepare and provide food and water, administer medications as directed, and follow established husbandry and nutrition protocols.

Clean exhibits, holding areas, food preparation spaces, and equipment. Perform pest control and report maintenance or safety concerns.

Provide environmental enrichment and participate in operant conditioning and husbandry training programs.

Assist with animal capture, restraint, transfers, procedures, and other animal management activities as directed.

Maintain accurate animal records, reports, surveys, and documentation. Assist with research projects and conservation initiatives as needed.

Support Houston Toad propagation, rearing, reproductive management, and recovery efforts, including maintaining appropriate facilities and husbandry standards.

Perform general exhibit and facility maintenance, including painting, fence and shelter repairs, erosion control, planting, and weed removal.

Work professionally and collaboratively with animal care staff, veterinary teams, volunteers, interns, and other zoo personnel.

Develop, implement, and document approved enrichment ideas and evaluate enrichment effectiveness.

Engage zoo guests through educational presentations, tours, media events, and public relations activities focused on wildlife, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.

Participate in zoo-wide initiatives, committees, work groups, special events, and projects supporting the Zoo’s mission and strategic plans.

Study assigned reference materials related to animal care, behavior, biology, and natural history.

Follow all safety procedures and understand and perform the animal keeper’s role during emergency situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science field is preferred. Candidates should have knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills, with at least one year of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility preferred. Experience with Houston Toads or comparable taxa is highly desirable.

The successful candidate must be flexible, efficient, self-motivated, solution-oriented, and able to work effectively as part of a team. Strong observation, research, written, and verbal communication skills are required.

Candidates must be willing to learn and safely perform capture and restraint techniques for a variety of taxa, including potentially dangerous species. The ability to establish positive working relationships with management, employees, interns, volunteers, veterinary staff, and zoo guests is essential.

The position requires sound judgment during emergencies, professional conduct, reliable attendance, and the ability to follow instructions and accurately document animal care activities.

Candidates must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, bend, reach overhead, climb stairs and ladders, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds. The position requires working outdoors in hot or inclement weather and working weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as needed.

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, a background check, and TB testing.