Director of Hospital Operations
Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Hospital Operations (DHO) serves as a strategic leader of the Dallas Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital, ensuring the facility operates with peak efficiency and clinical excellence. This role is responsible for the comprehensive management of hospital resources, including personnel, budgeting, procurement, and equipment maintenance. The DHO maintains a constant state of institutional readiness for rigorous inspections (USDA, AZA, DEA, EPA, and OSHA) and fosters high-level interdepartmental communication. By overseeing the Clinical Support Manager, Hospital Zoologists, and Registrars, the DHO ensures that the veterinary team has the infrastructure and support necessary to provide world-class animal care.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide continuous, real-time feedback; prioritize ongoing coaching and open dialogue to support staff growth, resolve conflicts, and strengthen team dynamics.
• Foster a team culture rooted in Dallas Zoo core values through regular meetings, transparent communication of leadership directives, and cohesion-building activities.
• Manage staff time budgets to ensure coverage for daily operations and emergencies; perform regular payroll and time-clock audits.
• Direct job-specific training; including identifying professional development opportunities and continuing education programs to ensure the team remains at the forefront of zoological medicine.
• Direct daily hospital operations, including the primary scheduling of medical procedures, interdepartmental activities, and scheduled preventive maintenance for all medical and diagnostic equipment to ensure zero downtime for clinical care.
• Direct the full financial lifecycle, including annual budget planning, tracking conservation project spending, and managing the end-to-end procurement process from vendor relations and PO creation to final accounts payable reconciliation.
• Ensure the hospital is "inspection-ready" for USDA, AZA, DEA, EPA, and OSHA. Oversee hazard communication, radiation safety, and medical waste protocols.
• Supervise the procurement of medications and supplies; perform regular audits of controlled substances with the AVP of Animal Health and ensure legal disposal of expired items.
• Act as the operational bridge between the hospital and other zoo departments (IT, Education, Security, Animal Ops., etc.).
• Manage building maintenance and work orders for the Veterinary Hospital, quarantine buildings, and departmental vehicles.
• Serve on the Zoo’s Emergency Response Team and participate in the Incident Command System, train staff in all emergency and safety protocols.
• Proactively investigate and propose upgrades for hospital infrastructure and specialized medical technology.
• Manage hospital tours and manage logistics for visiting vendors and intern shadows.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the evolving needs of the hospital and the Dallas Zoo’s mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Veterinary Technology, Animal Science, Healthcare Administration, Non-Profit Management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered, provided the candidate demonstrates the specialized knowledge, skills, and administrative expertise required to execute the essential duties and responsibilities of this role.
• Preferred experience with exotic animal veterinary medicine and working knowledge of animal husbandry.
• Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) preferred; however, equivalent professional experience in veterinary practice management or hospital operations will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience required (heath care, veterinary profession or zoos) including direct supervisory experience.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills, both oral and written
• Comfort with computer software: Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, etc.) and emerging technology.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and must be self-directed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, other employees & zoo guests and represent the zoo in a professional manner.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends, assuming and performing similar duties at regular and irregular hours as required.
• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
• Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Class C driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.