Positions: 2 Full-time Carnivore Care Keeper positions, with benefits
Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in St. Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Zoological Manager of Carnivores and the Kevin Beckman Curator of Carnivores
About the Saint Louis Zoo:
The world renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. Home to over 16,000 animals, many of which are endangered. Entry is free every day for everyone, an important part of our commitment to people and animals – always.
Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo:
From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
Position Summary:
The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive and experienced animal care professional to join our Carnivore Care Team to care for a diverse group of animals which currently includes: felids (snow leopard, Amur leopard, Amur tiger, puma, African lion, cheetah and jaguar), bears (sun, grizzly, and polar bear), African painted dogs, red panda, giant anteater, and prairie dogs.
Responsibilities:
The well-being and care of our animals and our team is our highest priority at the Saint Louis Zoo. The candidate chosen will work in all carnivore areas, which includes working with potentially dangerous animals.
Responsibilities include:
- Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety, adhering to all area and Zoo safety and husbandry protocols and SOPs and works with supervisor and Safety Officer as needed.
- Cleaning and maintaining habitats, bedrooms, and service areas and public areas as assigned.
- Continual monitoring of habitats and public area condition with attention to detail.
- Exemplary animal care of animals in their charge with duties such as providing assistance in veterinary management (medicating and exams).
- Participating in the use of behavioral conditioning to train species for husbandry and medical care.
- Providing a dynamic enrichment program to create a diverse and stimulating environment that facilitates opportunities for diverse and natural behaviors.
- Animal observations and monitoring for behavioral and medical needs.
- Maintaining departmental records/documentation, including entering data into ZIMS.
- Contribute to open team discussions and sharing ideas in positive and professional manner.
- Public speaking and engagement with guests, staff, and other stakeholders.
- Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education.
- Aiding the Zoo’s efforts to meet and exceed AZA and USDA standards.
- Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
- Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
- Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
- Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Zoo’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
- All team members must be dedicated to growing and improving our Zoo’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI).
- Must be dependable and reliable: be timely, responsive, and organized; meet deadlines, take responsibility, and help other zoo staff as needed.
- Employees must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our community to do the same through education and example.
- Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science or a related field is preferred.
- Previous animal care experience with large carnivores such as bears, big cats, canids, etc. required. Paid experience working at an AZA institution a plus.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Communicates effectively with supervisory staff, co-workers and other departments, both written and orally.
- Must have good observation and record keeping skills regarding animal well-being.
- Knowledge of and experience with operant conditioning, enrichment, and well-being monitoring techniques is preferred.
- Must have the ability to: follow safety protocols, demonstrate focus, follow written verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.
- Demonstrate computer proficiency (experience with ZIMS a plus) to complete the functions of this position.
- Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
- Comfortable with and experience in public speaking preferred.
- SCUBA Diving certification is preferred.
- Acquiring and maintaining a Missouri/Illinois driver’s license required.
- Candidates must have the physical ability to perform required duties as assigned, some strenuous, including: standing, sitting and walking for long periods of time, kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting (which may include up to 50 lbs.). Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold, around insects, etc.
Addition Job Details:
- Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays to cover animal care and Zoo event needs.
- May need to travel to help with transfers, for professional development opportunities, etc.
We are seeking a team member who aligns with the values of the Saint Louis Zoo (creativity, community, openness, integrity and life-work balance), and actively embodies the carnivore unit vision and values (welfare, impact, safety, collaboration, and integrity), with ability to thrive in both a team and an independent work environment.
All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
COVID vaccinations are required for this position.
Position Closes: January 10th, 2025
