Wildlife Manager
Z&A Management, Layton, UT, United States
About the Job
Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters
$28/hour + Bi-Weekly & Monthly Bonus Opportunities
Why This Role Matters?
At Layton Aquarium & Wildlife Encounters, we're not just caring for animals; we're creating meaningful connections between people and wildlife that inspire conservation for generations to come.
We're looking for a passionate, hands-on leader to join our team as a Wildlife Curator. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team and directly impact animal welfare, guest experience, and conservation efforts, all in a dynamic, growing environment.
If you're someone who thrives in both leadership and on-the-floor animal care, this role gives you the best of both worlds.
What You'll Love About This Role:
Competitive pay at $24-$28/hour. Dependent on Experience
Additional bi-weekly and monthly bonus opportunities.
The ability to lead, influence, and build something meaningful.
A collaborative environment where your expertise is valued.
Direct impact on animal welfare, conservation, and guest education.
What You'll Do:
Lead Exceptional Animal Care:
Oversee daily care, feeding, and enrichment for a diverse collection of terrestrial and aquatic species.
Partner with veterinary and husbandry teams to ensure top-tier health and wellness programs.
Continuously evaluate and elevate animal welfare standards.
Shape Engaging, High-Quality Exhibits:
Collaborate cross-functionally to design and maintain
safe, enriching, and educational habitats.
Provide expertise in
species selection, habitat design, and exhibit improvements.
Ensure all exhibits meet the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
Drive Compliance & Best Practices:
Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.
Maintain accurate documentation and oversee audits, inspections, and biosecurity practices.
Train and guide staff on proper protocols and procedures.
Lead & Develop Your Team:
Supervise, mentor, and develop animal care professionals.
Foster a culture of
accountability, growth, and teamwork.
Support hiring, scheduling, and performance management.
Champion Conservation & Education:
Contribute to conservation initiatives and partnerships.
Collaborate on programs that
educate and inspire guests.
Represent the organization as a
leader in animal welfare and conservation.
Support Operations:
Manage budgets and resources related to animal care and exhibits.
Ensure efficient, ethical procurement of supplies and animals.
Partner with leadership to drive operational success.
What We're Looking For:
Experience & Education:
Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field (Master's preferred).
3+ years in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility.
1+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Skills That Set You Apart:
Strong knowledge of animal behavior, welfare, and husbandry.
A collaborative leadership style (not just directive-this role partners closely with teams).
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Experience with exhibit design, public education, or conservation programs is a plus.
What to Expect Physically:
Active, hands-on role requiring lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, and standing.
Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
A Note About This Role:
This position is designed as a guideline, not a rigid box. We're looking for someone who can adapt, collaborate, and grow with us, not just check every single box.
Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters
$28/hour + Bi-Weekly & Monthly Bonus Opportunities
Why This Role Matters?
At Layton Aquarium & Wildlife Encounters, we're not just caring for animals; we're creating meaningful connections between people and wildlife that inspire conservation for generations to come.
We're looking for a passionate, hands-on leader to join our team as a Wildlife Curator. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team and directly impact animal welfare, guest experience, and conservation efforts, all in a dynamic, growing environment.
If you're someone who thrives in both leadership and on-the-floor animal care, this role gives you the best of both worlds.
What You'll Love About This Role:
Competitive pay at $24-$28/hour. Dependent on Experience
Additional bi-weekly and monthly bonus opportunities.
The ability to lead, influence, and build something meaningful.
A collaborative environment where your expertise is valued.
Direct impact on animal welfare, conservation, and guest education.
What You'll Do:
Lead Exceptional Animal Care:
Oversee daily care, feeding, and enrichment for a diverse collection of terrestrial and aquatic species.
Partner with veterinary and husbandry teams to ensure top-tier health and wellness programs.
Continuously evaluate and elevate animal welfare standards.
Shape Engaging, High-Quality Exhibits:
Collaborate cross-functionally to design and maintain
safe, enriching, and educational habitats.
Provide expertise in
species selection, habitat design, and exhibit improvements.
Ensure all exhibits meet the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
Drive Compliance & Best Practices:
Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.
Maintain accurate documentation and oversee audits, inspections, and biosecurity practices.
Train and guide staff on proper protocols and procedures.
Lead & Develop Your Team:
Supervise, mentor, and develop animal care professionals.
Foster a culture of
accountability, growth, and teamwork.
Support hiring, scheduling, and performance management.
Champion Conservation & Education:
Contribute to conservation initiatives and partnerships.
Collaborate on programs that
educate and inspire guests.
Represent the organization as a
leader in animal welfare and conservation.
Support Operations:
Manage budgets and resources related to animal care and exhibits.
Ensure efficient, ethical procurement of supplies and animals.
Partner with leadership to drive operational success.
What We're Looking For:
Experience & Education:
Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field (Master's preferred).
3+ years in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility.
1+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Skills That Set You Apart:
Strong knowledge of animal behavior, welfare, and husbandry.
A collaborative leadership style (not just directive-this role partners closely with teams).
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Experience with exhibit design, public education, or conservation programs is a plus.
What to Expect Physically:
Active, hands-on role requiring lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, and standing.
Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
A Note About This Role:
This position is designed as a guideline, not a rigid box. We're looking for someone who can adapt, collaborate, and grow with us, not just check every single box.