Job Description

General Manager – Interactive Zoo & Aquarium

Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced and people-oriented Operations Leader to oversee the daily management of a growing, purpose-led interactive zoo and aquarium in Michigan. This is far more than a traditional zoo operations role — it is an opportunity to help shape memorable, hands-on guest experiences that create meaningful connections between people and wildlife.

Reporting directly to the owner and CEO, this individual will provide leadership across several departments, drive operational performance, and help build a culture grounded in accountability, energy, and continuous development. This is a full-time, permanent, on-site opportunity for a leader who is energized by fast-paced, guest-facing environments and believes in mission-driven work.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Experience: Maintain and continually strengthen standards for visitor satisfaction, ensuring the guest experience remains central to the operation.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Promote strong communication and collaboration across teams, ensuring alignment around shared priorities and consistent messaging.
• Reporting: Keep the CEO informed with regular updates on operational results, progress against goals, and key challenges.
• Inventory & Ordering: Oversee weekly inventory checks and coordinate purchasing needs across departments.
• Team Management: Lead and support department managers across animal care, guest services, education, maintenance, and administration through regular check-ins, coaching, and performance development.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and authorities, including USDA, OSHA, and local requirements, while leading safety drills and maintaining records.
• Mentorship & Culture: Support the development of managers and emerging leaders while reinforcing a workplace culture built on accountability, respect, and growth.
• Strategic Planning: Partner with the CEO and marketing team to identify opportunities for revenue growth, operational improvements, and new guest offerings.
• Operational Leadership: Direct day-to-day operations across the facility, with a focus on excellence in guest experience, animal care, education, employee performance, and safety.
• Financial Oversight: Work closely with the CEO to manage budgets, track expenses, forecast revenue, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and support growth.
• Staffing & Scheduling: Manage scheduling, time-off requests, staffing levels, and provide support with recruitment and onboarding activities.
• Leading by Example: Be prepared to work on the floor when needed, including direct interaction with guests and exotic animals such as large reptiles.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Willingness to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) upon appointment
• Strong ability to delegate effectively, multitask, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, high-energy environment involving both animals and the public
• Minimum of 3 years of management experience leading teams of 50 or more employees in a similarly sized or complex operation
• Full-time availability, including weekends and holidays, with an expected schedule of approximately 50-55 hours per week
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing managers across multiple departments
• Criminal background check clearance required
• Proven experience in guest-focused environments where service and satisfaction are core to the business

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for wildlife, animal education, or creating stronger environmental connections
• Experience working within a growing or scaling organization where processes and structure were still being established
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across operations, service, and care-related departments
• Background in zoos, aquariums, wildlife education, hospitality, attractions, theme parks, or other high-volume, experience-led environments

 

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $78,000 USD per year, paid weekly Employment Type:

Permanent, Full-Time Location: Onsite (Schedule: Includes weekends and holidays)

401(k)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

Job Tags

Weekly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Local area

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