Zoo Research Coordinator

Career Guide

A Zoo Research Coordinator plans and manages research projects that support animal welfare, conservation, and education goals. The role connects animal care teams, veterinarians, researchers, and external partners to ensure studies are ethical, well-run, and useful for day-to-day animal management.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate research projects from proposal to final report
Support animal welfare by aligning studies with care and enrichment plans
Prepare and manage research documentation and approvals
Ensure ethical research practices and compliance with animal care standards
Build partnerships with universities, conservation groups, and funders
Manage research schedules around animal routines and staffing needs
Oversee data collection quality and secure data storage
Train staff and volunteers on study procedures
Write progress updates, final reports, and basic summaries for public education use
Track research outcomes and share findings internally for operational improvements

Top Skills for Success

Project Management

Research Planning

Scientific Writing

Data Management

Research Ethics

Stakeholder Communication

Collaboration

Grant Support

Animal Behavior Observation

Record Keeping

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Research Coordinator

Conservation Program Coordinator

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Behavioral Research Specialist

Transition Opportunities

Research Manager

Director of Conservation

Curator

Zoo Operations Manager

Wildlife Research Scientist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Grant WritingResearch ComplianceData AnalysisStudy DesignBudget ManagementResearch Reporting

Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio of completed projects, such as an enrichment study or visitor impact study, with a clear question, method, results, and recommendations. Take short courses in research ethics, data basics, and grant fundamentals. Ask to co-author internal reports and help with partner communications to strengthen writing and coordination experience.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Mid LevelUSD 60,000 to 85,000

Senior LevelUSD 85,000 to 110,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, with more openings tied to conservation funding, animal welfare expectations, and partnerships with universities. Roles are more common at larger zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoosPublic aquariumsWildlife conservation parksSafari parksZoo affiliated foundationsUniversity research labs partnered with zoos

Industry Sectors

Zoos and aquariumsWildlife conservationHigher education researchNonprofit organizationsPublic sector parks and museums

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page research portfolio with two to four project summaries and outcomes

Learn the organization’s research approval process and document templates

Schedule informational interviews with a zoo veterinarian, curator, and animal care manager to understand research priorities

Volunteer to coordinate a pilot study and track timelines, risks, and results

Strengthen writing by producing a quarterly research update for leadership

Join relevant professional associations and attend a conference to build partnerships

Practice communicating findings in plain language for education and public audiences