Director of Conservation

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, conduct and oversee applied field research and conservation projects aimed at understanding, protecting, and supporting wildlife populations and furthering knowledge of conservation status, needs and conservation action effectiveness.
• Advance conservation strategies that recognize and mitigate anthropogenic and other threats and ensure well-being of individual animals impacted by field research or conservation activities.
• Consult and cooperate with internal and external conservation partners.
• Facilitate the development of the DZS conservation strategic plan, and DZS conservation philosophy and policy.
• Develop and implement evaluation tools that evaluate the efficacy of conservation impacts.
• Work collaboratively within the Life Sciences Department to develop, plan, and implement conservation programs.
• Develop strong working relationships with all other departments in DZS including education, marketing, development, and guest relations to build a culture of conservation through the entire organization.
• Share results of research through publication of scientific and popular articles.
• Support AZA activities including participating in committees and relevant collaborative conservation programs such as Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE);
• Develop and conduct presentations at professional meetings.
• Contribute to public conservation awareness and engagement activities including exhibit design.
• Create and conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
• Contribute to organizational strategic and other organizational planning processes.
• Prepare, submit, and monitor budgets as required.
• Maintain and produce annual reports on conservation programs and investments.
• Oversee and manage performance of DZS staff working in the field.
• Travel to field conservation sites to conduct research, build relationships with partners and evaluate the efficacy of conservation programs.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in ecology, zoology, or a closely related discipline.
• 5 years’ experience working in field conservation, ecological research, managing zoo/aquarium-based conservation programs or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated background in wildlife conservation program management.
• Knowledge of global environmental and ecological threats.
• Exceptional communication skills both oral and written.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills involving stakeholders of a diversity of backgrounds, communities, and cultures.

Preferred

• Doctorate degree in ecology, zoology, or a closely related discipline.
• 5 years’ experience conducting research including data collection, analyzing data and communicating results.
• 5 years’ experience working with institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
• 5 years’ experience leading conservation projects involving numerous stakeholders.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

Candidates may apply online at https://detroitzoo.org/about/jobs/