Job Description

Director of Operations / General Manager

NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife

Employed by Z&A Management | On-site Leadership Role.

Meet the wild. Make a difference.


Compensation package $100K+ (includes Base, bonuses and benefits).

About the Role:

NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife is seeking an inspiring, hands-on Director of Operations to lead daily operations while bringing our mission and vision to life through exceptional guest experiences, strong team leadership, and, most importantly, thoughtful animal care stewardship.

This role is employed by Z&A Management and is fully accountable for the success of NorCal Aquarium- its people, animals, guests, and financial performance. The ideal candidate is both a strategic operator and a visible, values-driven leader who believes that meaningful connections with animals can change how people see and protect the natural world.

Our Mission:

To spark connections between our animals and every guest through immersive and educational experiences that inspire care, wonder, and lifelong learning.

Our Vision:

To empower a new generation of explorers, learners, and advocates committed to safeguarding wildlife through knowledge, empathy, and engagement.

Every decision made in this role should support these guiding principles.

What You’ll Lead:

As Director of Operations, you will serve as the heartbeat of our team - aligning people, processes, and purpose.

Operational Leadership:

• Oversee all daily aquarium operations, including guest experience, animal care coordination, education programming, facilities, retail, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to animal welfare, safety, and employment.
• Develop and maintain operational standards, SOPs, and emergency protocols.
• Partner with Z&A Management to align site operations with company-wide strategy and policies.

Team Leadership & Culture:

• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain a high-performing, mission-driven leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, empathy, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a visible leader on the floor - modeling guest engagement, animal respect, and teamwork.
• Conduct performance reviews, goal setting, and succession planning.

Guest Experience Excellence:

• Ensure every guest interaction reflects our mission to spark curiosity, connection, and care.
• Champion immersive, educational, and inclusive experiences for guests of all ages.
• Monitor guest feedback and actively implement improvements.
• Partner with marketing and education teams to elevate programming and special events.

Financial & Business Performance:

• Identify opportunities to grow admissions, memberships, retail, events, and educational offerings.
• Use data and KPIs to guide decisions and measure success.

Animal Care & Ethical Stewardship:

• Partner closely with animal care professionals to support the highest standards of welfare.
• Ensure animal habitats, enrichment, and handling align with best practices and ethical guidelines.
• Reinforce a culture where animal well-being is central to every operational decision.

What Success Looks Like:

• A highly engaged, well-trained team that understands and lives the mission.
• Guests who leave feeling inspired, informed, and eager to return.
• Strong operational performance with safe, compliant, and efficient systems.
• Financial results that support sustainability and growth.
• A workplace culture rooted in trust, accountability, empathy, and purpose.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 4-year business degree or degree in a related field of study.
• 3+ years of leadership experience.
• Proven success leading large, diverse teams.
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance compassion with accountability.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
• Normal work week is Tuesday to Saturday.

Preferred:

• Experience in animal-focused, educational, or mission-driven organizations.
• Background in guest experience design or experiential education.
• Familiarity with animal welfare standards and regulatory environments.
• Enthusiasm that is contagious for our teams!

Why Join Us:

At NorCal Aquarium, this role is more than operations—it’s impact. You’ll help shape how thousands of guests connect with wildlife, learn empathy, and become advocates for the natural world.

If you are energized by purpose-driven leadership and believe that great operations can change lives-both human and animal-we’d love to meet you.

Meet the wild. Make a difference.

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