Apply Now

The Senior Conservation Ecologist manages, develops, plans, and implements a

• designated component of the Zoo's conservation program. This includes the

direction, management, and supervision of all aspects of the designated program and its operations, administration of all related internal and external conservation funds, and the facilitation of international and regional conservation partnerships. The Senior Conservation Ecologist fosters the

• development of collaborative projects that support Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks

missions and core goals and promotes conservation and environmental stewardship in all aspects of the job.

• Effectively supervises assigned employees and serves as operational manager

for the program’s professional services.

• Completes and submits quarterly updates, annual summary reports and other

materials highlighting program activities and impacts as requested.

• Develops, manages, implements, and coordinates all aspects of the designated

conservation program including all finances and operations.

• Supports, strengthens and strategically expands program conservation science

activities in priority conservation landscapes including monitoring tools and programs, conservation decision making/management, and human-wildlife coexistence.

• Produces and actively shares applied conservation science outputs and

communications at all levels (including formal publications) to

• support/contribute to the body of applied conservation science.
• Facilitates collaboration and strategic support between the program, key

conservation partners and Natural Resources staff to further our individual and collective work to foster human-wildlife coexistence locally, regionally and internationally.

• Facilitates collaboration on relevant local/regional conservation activities

and institutional community-based efforts in collaboration with Zoo/Cleveland Metroparks staff.

• Develops and implements metrics to capture, track and report on program and

conservation efforts, projects and activities and their impacts.

• Consults and partners with Natural Resources staff on projects of mutual

interest to best utilize collective knowledge, expertise, and connections to achieve conservation goals.

• Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for

professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service

• trainings, and certification programs).
• Acts as an informational resource and liaison between Zoo divisions,

Cleveland Zoological Society, and Marketing department and fulfills requests for information, resources, or materials regarding the program.

• Prepares and provides information about the program through reports,

publications, presentations and other materials and Develops content about the program for websites, media, and other related materials as appropriate and responds to general requests for information about the program.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Master’s Degree in conservation biology, zoology,:

ecology, or a related field required; supplemented by a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in conducting, developing and managing field conservation projects/programs, managing conservation program staff, operations and finances, and facilitating and maintaining conservation partnerships.

Other Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in software programs including, but not limited to Microsoft

Office, and Outlook programs.

• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, and persuasively using correct

grammar, spelling and punctuation in development of written content, as well as the ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with varied

stakeholders, including employees, colleagues, international partners and the general public.

• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving,

vision, ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines, effective collaboration, leadership, decision making, and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.

• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability

to manage confidential information.

• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Application Deadline: March 28, 2026