Parks and Recreation Project Manager
About the Parks and Recreation Project Manager Positions
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is seeking collaborative, organized, and mission-driven professionals to serve in two Parks and Recreation Project Manager roles supporting strategic initiatives across the Como Campus. These positions help coordinate projects related to animal wellbeing, ambassador animals, conservation, sustainability, education, and community engagement. Working across departments, the Project Managers will help move initiatives from planning to implementation by supporting collaboration, communication, project coordination, and continuous improvement efforts that advance Como’s mission.
Animal Wellbeing Project Manager: The Animal Wellbeing Project Manager supports projects related to animal wellbeing, ambassador animal programming, and implementation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Strategic Framework for the Wellbeing of Animals. This role works closely with animal care, education, and operations staff to support program coordination, staff training, process improvement, and ongoing wellbeing initiatives across the Como Campus.
Here’s what you can expect to do:
- Coordinate animal wellbeing and ambassador animal projects.
- Support AZA wellbeing initiatives and best practices.
- Develop training materials, resources, and procedures.
- Collaborate with animal care, education, and operations teams.
- Track projects, logistics, communication, and implementation efforts.
Conservation Project Manager: The Conservation Project Manager helps implement Como’s Conservation Strategy through projects focused on conservation, sustainability, climate action, and community engagement. This role works across departments and with external partners to coordinate initiatives, support collaboration, and help integrate conservation goals into everyday work throughout the organization.
Here’s what you can expect to do:
- Coordinate conservation and sustainability projects.
- Support partnerships, engagement efforts, and AZA SAFE initiatives.
- Organize meetings, timelines, deliverables, and project updates.
- Develop communication and educational materials.
- Collaborate across departments to advance conservation goals.
For more information and essential functions, see our Project Manager Parks and Recreation job description.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits (Download PDF reader), including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements
Five years of vacancy related experience (see vacancy related experience and acceptable degrees for each position listed below)
Degrees in a relevant field may be substituted for work experience as follows:
Associate Degree - 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree - 4 years
- Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.
Animal Wellbeing Project Manager vacancy related experience:
Experience coordinating or supporting animal wellbeing or ambassador animal initiatives or experience with project management in an AZA-accredited zoo, aquarium, or related setting.
Acceptable Degrees: Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, Environmental Education, or a closely related field.
Conservation Project Manager vacancy related experience:
Experience coordinating or supporting field conservation, sustainability, conservation education, or conservation engagement initiatives or experience with project management in a public garden, zoo, or other conservation and education-based organization.
Acceptable Degrees: Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology or Ecology, Sustainability, Conservation Education, or a closely related field.
How to Apply
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload the following document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
- A resume (optional)
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.
Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a driver’s license check and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying with education.
Human Resources Contact Information:
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
E-mail: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employer
City of Saint Paul
Address
25 West Fourth Street, Suite 200 City Hall Annex
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102
Phone
651-266-6500
Website