Benefits:

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

The Barnyard Experience Operations Manager oversees the daily functioning of an interactive animal facility. This role balances rigorous animal husbandry and USDA compliance with public safety, guest services, and staff management. Responsibilities span budgeting, visitor experience, and ensuring compassionate animal care while creating a fun and educational environment for guests of all ages.

Core Responsibilities

Animal Welfare & Health: Supervise daily feeding, enrichment, and medical treatments for a collection of domestic (and sometimes exotic) animals. Ensure enclosures meet USDA and state safety standards.

Staff & Volunteer Management: Train, schedule, and mentor zookeepers, barn staff, and educational volunteers.

Guest Experience & Education: Oversee visitor interactions, field trips, events, and safety protocols to ensure the public has a fun, educational, and hygienic experience.

Financial & Administrative Operations: Manage facility budgets, payroll, supply inventory (including feed and bedding), and cross-departmental operations such as admissions, ticketing, retail, and guest services.

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in zoo management, wildlife education, farm operations, or animal facility management preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Biology, or a related field highly preferred.

Skills: Strong leadership and crisis management skills with the ability to balance operational demands while maintaining a welcoming, guest-focused atmosphere.

Additional Information

Regular work schedule is Wednesday through Sunday.

A relocation budget may be provided for the right candidate.