Director of Reproductive Sciences and Conservation Genetics

Job Title: Director of Reproductive Sciences and Conservation Genetics

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: Full-time

Hours: Monday - Friday

Pay Rate: Range starts at $98,782/year

Summary:

The Omaha Zoological Society (OZS) is the private nonprofit organization overseeing Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (OHDZA) and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. Under the single mission to bring people closer to animals, nature and each other so that together we can shape a better future for all life, applied, science-based conservation efforts are essential to deliver on its mission. The Director of Reproductive Sciences and Conservation Genetics is a key position within our team, responsible for the overall direction, implementation and refinement of applied scientific advancement programs spanning both campuses.

This position is based in the Grewcock Center for Conservation Research at Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, in Omaha, Nebraska. The Zoo is home to nearly 40,000 animals representing over 1,000 different species. This position oversees scientific programming and manages a team of reproductive and genetic researchers. The reproductive science program currently manages and operates an active endocrinology lab and has access to additional laboratory spaces for reproductive sample management as well as storage (liquid nitrogen and freezer space). The genetics program houses laboratory spaces with equipment capacity for molecular genetic analysis, advanced computational infrastructure, and clinical diagnostic testing. Biobanking efforts are a key function of OZS scientific endeavors under both the reproductive and conservation genetics.

The Director of Reproductive Sciences and Conservation Genetics is expected to lead and refine the direction of OZSs scientists to maintain a leadership role within zoo-based applied conservation and position the organization for impact. The ideal candidate must have demonstrable academic expertise at the intersection of reproductive sciences, genetics, and related biotechnology fields, and must embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to solving conservation challenges around species conservation and recovery efforts, sustainability of zoo-based populations, and species biodiversity. The leader must demonstrate expertise in securing and managing grants and ability to manage departmental budgets and operations.

The ideal candidate is an empathetic, self-aware leader who excels at building an inclusive, high-trust culture. This individual fosters open communication, expertly manages relationships and resolves conflicts with adaptability, and is deeply committed to mentoring and accelerating team engagement and professional growth within their team. The individual must also be a skilled relationship builder that works effectively across departments to fulfill the shared mission. The Director is also expected to cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, industry partners, and the community, while representing the organization in professional forums. This role requires the ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for departmental initiatives, set measurable goals, and align them with broader organizational objectives to achieve impactful outcomes.

This position currently oversees a team of Scientists (2), Laboratory Technicians (2; one of which is currently vacant), a Coordinator of Sciences (currently being recruited for), a Scientific Services Operations Specialist, a Genetics Research Assistant, and a Bioinformatician. The program oversees propagation and genetic management through both natural and assisted reproduction at both facilities. The department is also responsible for conducting basic studies of reproductive biology in collaboration with internal stakeholders and other industry partners. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Science and Animal Health.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):

- Lead multi-disciplinary, integrated efforts for scientific advancement in support of organizational conservation goals.

- Ensure relevant, modern biotechnologies and scientific innovations are incorporated into applied scientific endeavors in support of conservation.

- Manage a team of scientific professionals to deliver industry leading programs for all animals across the Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park.

- Provide individual and team development opportunities through individual development plans and team goal setting with regular accountability check-ins.

- Oversee budgets, including approval of expenditures, ongoing budget tracking, and annual budget preparation.

- Identify priority financial needs and seek/secure support for ongoing and new programs by submitting proposals to appropriate granting institutions.

- Grow research and conservation partnerships, inside and outside the Zoo, that support sustainable animal populations and remains in line with the Zoo's research and conservation priorities, as well as with AZA TAG and SSP recommendations.

- Participate in meetings and actively seek to integrate research projects with Science and Animal Health Staff (including Animal Health, Nutrition, Reproductive Sciences, Integrated Pest Management and Conservation Genetics departments), Animal Behavior and Wellbeing, and Animal Care teams.

- Develop strategic business plans to maximize laboratory capacity and strengthen internal services, while identifying and pursuing opportunities for revenue generation through external partnerships when aligned with organizational priorities.

- Work with Animal Care and Animal Health leadership to bring reproductive and genetic science into how the collection is managed. This includes reproductive health monitoring, birth management planning, and breeding decisions informed by genetics and appropriate management programs.

- Oversee the Zoos genetic resource and biomaterial preservation programs, including gamete rescue and genetic sample collection.

- Work with the Education department to guide pre- and post-graduate training programs that build the next generation of conservation scientists and support the Zoo's mission.

- Work with other leaders to make sure the programs meet regulatory and accreditation requirements including sample shipments with appropriate paperwork (CITES, CDC, Hagoya Protocol, USFW, etc.).

- Maintain safety protocols for animals and lab procedures that involve staff, guests, and visiting professionals.

- Perform other duties as needed to ensure the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the department, and/ or the reputation of the zoo as directed by the Vice President of Science and Animal Health.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- An advanced degree in a relevant academic field (PhD, DVM or equivalent) is required.

- At least two years of demonstrable leadership, supervisory and management experience, overseeing a complex scientific program and diverse research team including scientists, technicians, and support staff.

- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments, fostering trust-based relationships.

- Ability and eligibility to apply and secure federal, state, or other government grants.

- Established record of scientific achievement demonstrated through a sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, extramurally funded research, and significant contributions to wildlife conservation science.

- Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines related to the reproductive sciences procedural techniques in zoological parks and related programs.

- High emotional intelligence and situational awareness.

- Experience with collaborative, multi-institutional projects is preferred.

Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid drivers license with a good history.

Leadership Expectations:

All leaders at Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium are expected to:

- Foster connection, trust, and transparency by leading with honesty, consistency, and inclusion. Leaders who embody these principles build a sense of community – creating an environment where team members feel seen, valued and united in purpose. This foundation enables teams to thrive and share in the joy of working together toward common goals.

- Maintain two-way communication by regularly connecting with team members and encouraging dialogue. Open communication fuels innovation by ensuring all voices are heard and ideas are shared, driving our collective impact.

- Create space for feedback – both giving and receiving – and follow up meaningfully. By valuing feedback, we promote an environment of care, where growth and improvement are supported, leading to impactful outcomes for both individuals and teams.

- Model accountability and responsiveness by owning outcomes and addressing issues timely. This demonstrates care for the teams well-being and ensures that our actions have a meaningful, positive impact on the organization.

- Promote psychological safety by supporting open expression without fear of retaliation or judgment. A psychologically safe environment is fundamental to fostering joy in the workplace and enables everyone to contribute to our collective success with confidence.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

- Will life, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

- Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands to perform duties.

- Ability to work with animals with potential zoonotic disease.

- Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays and evening hours in all weather conditions.

- Must be able to be on call as necessary for gamete rescue, freezer alarm systems, and potential procedures (based on hormone cycles of individual animals).

Travel Required

- Some travel is required.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.