Keeper, River's Edge

About the role

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a positive and collaborative animal care professional to join the River’s Edge Team. This role focuses on the care of a diverse group of animals, including Asian elephants, black rhinos, Nile hippos, Chacoan peccary, capybara, and a variety of African cichlids. The position may also assist in the Antelope Area as needed.

Responsibilities

• Achieve the highest standards of animal wellbeing through exemplary care, including animal welfare assessments, environmental enrichment, and operant conditioning.
• Prioritize safety in all aspects of the role, adhering to Zoo and AZA protocols to maximize occupational safety.
• Maintain and enhance animal habitats, indoor living spaces, service areas, and public areas, including custodial and horticulture tasks.
• Optionally participate in SCUBA diving to service the outdoor hippo pool.
• Observe and monitor animals for behavioral and medical needs, and conduct proactive training for voluntary participation in health care and research.
• Maintain departmental records and documentation.
• Contribute to open team discussions, sharing ideas in a positive and professional manner.
• Enhance guest experiences through public speaking and engagement with guests, staff, and stakeholders.
• Support collaborative efforts in animal care, including training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education (e.g., AZA Species Survival Plans, WildCare Institute, AZA SAFE programs).
• Aid the Zoo in meeting and exceeding AZA and USDA standards.
• Treat others with respect and dignity, fostering a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
• Demonstrate commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives.
• Be dependable, reliable, and organized, meeting deadlines and assisting other Zoo staff as needed.
• Strive to decrease the Zoo’s environmental footprint through education and example.
• Perform special projects and tasks as assigned by area managers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; preference given to applicants with a four-year degree in an animal-related field and a strong background in animal care, welfare, management, and operant conditioning.
• Experience working with elephants and/or ungulates is desired.
• PADI Open Water Diver Certification is helpful but not required (optional for servicing the outdoor hippo pool).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a friendly, progressive, and creative environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, for effective interaction with staff and other departments.
• Good observation and record-keeping skills related to animal wellbeing.
• Ability to follow safety protocols, written and verbal instructions, and apply critical thinking techniques.
• Proficiency in using a Bobcat skid steer, ATV, and light power tools after suitable training.
• Computer proficiency for completing job-related functions.
• Comfort and experience in public speaking preferred.
• Physical ability to perform duties, including standing, sitting, walking for long periods, kneeling, bending, squatting, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Additional Details

• Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays to meet animal care and Zoo event needs.
• Considered an essential animal care position; required to work during inclement weather or Zoo closures.
• Must align with the Saint Louis Zoo’s values: creativity, community, openness, integrity, and life-work balance.
• Successful applicants will undergo a criminal background check, drug test (including marijuana), and TB test.

About the Organization

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, the Zoo offers free entry every day as part of its commitment to accessibility. The Zoo is involved in AZA Species Survival Plans, the WildCare Institute, and AZA SAFE programs.

About the Location

St. Louis, Missouri, offers a vibrant arts-and-culture scene, free world-class attractions, flourishing public parks, miles of trails, and exhilarating waterways. Known for its warmth and hospitality, the city provides undeniably epic travel experiences.