Department: Animal Programs
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $180,000 - $200,000

Position Summary

The Chief Animal Officer provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the Animal Programs division at the San Francisco Zoo. This role oversees animal care, health, welfare, and conservation initiatives, including direct supervision of Curators and the Executive Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare.

Responsible for ensuring excellence in animal management, the Chief Animal Officer leads efforts in husbandry, training, enrichment, veterinary care, nutrition, and habitat design and maintenance.

As a member of the Senior Executive Team, this position plays a key role in shaping organizational strategy, policy, and long-term planning. The Chief Animal Officer collaborates closely with internal departments, the Board of Directors, regulatory agencies, and external partners to advance the Zoo's mission and ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and guest engagement.

Core Expectations

Demonstrate commitment to the Zoo's mission, vision, and values
Perform all duties in a professional, service-oriented manner
Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Support a workplace free from discrimination and harassment
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

Provide executive oversight of animal care, welfare, behavior, veterinary services, and nutrition programs
Serve as a member of the Senior Executive Team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and policy development
Lead, mentor, and develop senior animal care staff, including recruitment, performance management, and succession planning
Drive continuous improvement in animal welfare and institutional standards

Animal Care & Welfare

Ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, health, enrichment, and behavioral management
Oversee implementation and evaluation of preventative medicine and nutrition programs
Maintain comprehensive documentation systems and use data to inform decision-making
Ensure all animal areas and support facilities meet or exceed AZA, USDA, and other regulatory standards
Lead animal welfare response efforts and crisis management when necessary

Operations & Compliance

Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and permitting requirements (e.g., USDA, USFWS, California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Oversee development and implementation of SOPs, safety protocols, and emergency response plans
Monitor updates to AZA accreditation standards and ensure organizational compliance
Foster a culture of safety across all animal programs and facilities

Planning & Project Management

Lead development and execution of animal collection and management plans aligned with conservation and organizational goals
Participate in master planning, exhibit design, and capital improvement projects
Oversee maintenance and development of animal habitats, hospital facilities, and nutrition areas
Manage departmental budgets, including operating, labor, and capital expenditures

Collaboration & External Relations

Partner with internal departments to support guest experience, education, donor engagement, and revenue initiatives
Serve as a key spokesperson on animal care and welfare for media and public communications
Collaborate with conservation organizations, research institutions, and industry partners
Represent the Zoo in professional associations and conservation initiatives (e.g., AZA programs such as TAGs, SSPs, SAFE)

Programs & Engagement

Support animal-related programming, including tours, special events, and VIP experiences
Facilitate participation in research related to animal welfare, behavior, breeding, and conservation
Contribute to publications, presentations, and professional forums

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of husbandry, handling, and transport requirements across taxa
Make informed decisions impacting animals, exhibits, and facilities
Interact professionally with guests, staff, and stakeholders
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to execute all essential duties effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Core Competencies

Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Ability to set vision, drive results, and lead organizational change
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of animal care, welfare, and zoological operations
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences
Collaboration: Builds effective partnerships internally and externally
Problem Solving & Decision Making: Uses data and judgment to make sound, timely decisions
Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic, evolving environments
Accountability & Integrity: Demonstrates professionalism, ethical behavior, and ownership
Operational Excellence: Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills
Guest Focus: Supports initiatives that enhance visitor experience while prioritizing animal welfare

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field required (advanced degree preferred)
Equivalent combination of education and extensive experience may be considered
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in an AZA-accredited or equivalent zoological institution
Demonstrated success in team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational management

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods
Ability to climb, balance, bend, and perform physically demanding tasks
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 80 pounds occasionally
Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient for operational tasks
Ability to work in varied environmental conditions (outdoors, temperature extremes, noise)
Must maintain required health clearances, including tuberculosis testing and rabies vaccination

Work Environment

Combination of indoor and outdoor work environments
Exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and environmental factors
Potential exposure to animals, zoonotic diseases, and minor physical hazards

Additional Requirements

Frequent interaction with the public, donors, and stakeholders requiring strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Represents the organization with professionalism and credibility at all times

(Ref: 121)

SFZOO

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