Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Dakota Zoo
Zoo Director
As the Dakota Zoo approaches its 65th operating season, we invite applications from highly motivated, passionate, and visionary leaders to serve as Zoo Director, succeeding our long-tenured director of more than 40 years, who will retire in fall 2026.
The Dakota Zoo is a 90-acre, nonprofit zoological institution, proudly operating without direct tax support and holding dual accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). Our institution is deeply committed to excellence in animal welfare, guest education, public safety, and organizational sustainability, while advancing our mission:
“To instill and inspire a better understanding and appreciation for animals and nature.”
The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated passion for animals and conservation, paired with the experience and leadership required to oversee all facets of a complex zoological operation. This individual will be responsible for guiding a dedicated team, fostering a culture of empathy and accountability, ensuring the highest standards of animal care, and strengthening meaningful connections between guests, wildlife, and the natural world.
Qualifications and Leadership Expectations
Comprehensive experience managing a large, diverse zoological facility
Proven commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and ethical stewardship
Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
In-depth knowledge of AZA and ZAA accreditation standards
Ability to balance operational excellence with financial sustainability
Compensation and Benefits The Dakota Zoo offers a competitive compensation package, including:
On-site housing
Health insurance
Pension and retirement benefits
Start Date The desired (flexible) start date is early summer 2026, allowing for a thoughtful and collaborative transition period with the current director.
How to Apply To request a Zoo Director Application and detailed job description, please email director@dakotazoo.org. Completed applications, along with a cover letter and résumé, should be submitted to the same address.
Contact Information Dakota Zoo 602 Riverside Park Road Bismarck, ND 58504 Phone: 701-223-7543
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Dakota Zoo is a 90-acre, nonprofit zoological institution, proudly operating without direct tax support and holding dual accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). Our institution is deeply committed to excellence in animal welfare, guest education, public safety, and organizational sustainability, while advancing our mission:
“To instill and inspire a better understanding and appreciation for animals and nature.”
The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated passion for animals and conservation, paired with the experience and leadership required to oversee all facets of a complex zoological operation. This individual will be responsible for guiding a dedicated team, fostering a culture of empathy and accountability, ensuring the highest standards of animal care, and strengthening meaningful connections between guests, wildlife, and the natural world.
Qualifications and Leadership Expectations
Comprehensive experience managing a large, diverse zoological facility
Proven commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and ethical stewardship
Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
In-depth knowledge of AZA and ZAA accreditation standards
Ability to balance operational excellence with financial sustainability
Compensation and Benefits The Dakota Zoo offers a competitive compensation package, including:
On-site housing
Health insurance
Pension and retirement benefits
Start Date The desired (flexible) start date is early summer 2026, allowing for a thoughtful and collaborative transition period with the current director.
How to Apply To request a Zoo Director Application and detailed job description, please email director@dakotazoo.org. Completed applications, along with a cover letter and résumé, should be submitted to the same address.
Contact Information Dakota Zoo 602 Riverside Park Road Bismarck, ND 58504 Phone: 701-223-7543
#J-18808-Ljbffr