Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Sunset Zoo
Sunset Zoological Park, founded in 1933 by the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Board, has been a cultural and education asset to the community for more than 90 years. Today, Sunset Zoo operates in 26 of its 48 available acres. Employing nearly 20 full-time employees and a variety of part-time and seasonal staff, the Zoo is open seven days a week, 360 days a year.
Zoo Director
(Regular, Exempt) Starting Salary Range: $87,004.00 - $108,766.00/annualized, DOQ Closing Date: 10/22/2025, COB @ 5:00 p.m. Shift/Workdays and Hours:
Generally, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., but varies. Summary/Objective
Assures that the zoo objectives of animal management, education, research, conservation, and recreation are carried out by directing, supervising, and planning with the staff, the news media, groups, and organizations for public relations, information, and fundraising. Essential Functions
Directs and manages operational activities. Assures that the necessary promotion and public relations for the zoo by working with the news media, groups and organizations to provide coordination and planning of programs, functions, and fundraising. Assures the zoo's animal collection is managed professionally within guidelines established by an accredited institution. Assures the institution participates in the advancement of research to contribute the propagation of information that will advance the profession as well the institution. Assures the zoo provides the informative, educational and research operation for the community by coordinating, organizing and planning with the staff, news media, and various other organizations for all programs and functions of zoo operations. Assures the development of special activities and programs while promoting the production of outside revenue to benefit the growth of the zoo. Assures that the zoo is operated in an efficient and professional manner to be fiscally responsible and gain maximum results within the boundaries of allocated funds. Safely care for, use, carry or possess firearms to accurately and effectively discharge a high-powered firearm and weapons such as tranquilization equipment with both left and right hands. Must be able to maintain annual firearms proficiency as required. Supervises and manages department staff. Hires and trains staff members, as needed. Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff. Coordinates schedules of applicable staff. Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner. Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees’ skills and abilities. Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines. Resolves routine personnel issues or problems. Leads and manages staff with clear and consistent communications. Performs additional duties as required. Attends meetings and training. Serves as chair of animal management committee. Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers. Teaches docent classes and speaks to organizations. Maintains all records and documentation. Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties. Experience Required
Required Education and Experience : Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science or related field; 8 years of progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution; valid driver’s license.
Preferred Education and Experience : Training in one or more AZA sponsored schools. Compensation & Benefits
Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable. City issued Cell Phone, if applicable. Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457. Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits. Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday. Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service. Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year. Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave. Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City. Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options. The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law. How to Apply Using this link, please complete the required online application, upload a resume, and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com. Sunset Zoo 2333 Oak Street Manhattan, KS 66502-3824 Phone: 785-587-2737 Fax: 785-587-2730 Note: This description reflects the current requirements for the role and may be updated as needed.
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(Regular, Exempt) Starting Salary Range: $87,004.00 - $108,766.00/annualized, DOQ Closing Date: 10/22/2025, COB @ 5:00 p.m. Shift/Workdays and Hours:
Generally, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., but varies. Summary/Objective
Assures that the zoo objectives of animal management, education, research, conservation, and recreation are carried out by directing, supervising, and planning with the staff, the news media, groups, and organizations for public relations, information, and fundraising. Essential Functions
Directs and manages operational activities. Assures that the necessary promotion and public relations for the zoo by working with the news media, groups and organizations to provide coordination and planning of programs, functions, and fundraising. Assures the zoo's animal collection is managed professionally within guidelines established by an accredited institution. Assures the institution participates in the advancement of research to contribute the propagation of information that will advance the profession as well the institution. Assures the zoo provides the informative, educational and research operation for the community by coordinating, organizing and planning with the staff, news media, and various other organizations for all programs and functions of zoo operations. Assures the development of special activities and programs while promoting the production of outside revenue to benefit the growth of the zoo. Assures that the zoo is operated in an efficient and professional manner to be fiscally responsible and gain maximum results within the boundaries of allocated funds. Safely care for, use, carry or possess firearms to accurately and effectively discharge a high-powered firearm and weapons such as tranquilization equipment with both left and right hands. Must be able to maintain annual firearms proficiency as required. Supervises and manages department staff. Hires and trains staff members, as needed. Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff. Coordinates schedules of applicable staff. Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner. Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees’ skills and abilities. Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines. Resolves routine personnel issues or problems. Leads and manages staff with clear and consistent communications. Performs additional duties as required. Attends meetings and training. Serves as chair of animal management committee. Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers. Teaches docent classes and speaks to organizations. Maintains all records and documentation. Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties. Experience Required
Required Education and Experience : Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science or related field; 8 years of progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution; valid driver’s license.
Preferred Education and Experience : Training in one or more AZA sponsored schools. Compensation & Benefits
Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable. City issued Cell Phone, if applicable. Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457. Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits. Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday. Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service. Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year. Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave. Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City. Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options. The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law. How to Apply Using this link, please complete the required online application, upload a resume, and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com. Sunset Zoo 2333 Oak Street Manhattan, KS 66502-3824 Phone: 785-587-2737 Fax: 785-587-2730 Note: This description reflects the current requirements for the role and may be updated as needed.
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