Keeper, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park (Full-Time)

About the role

The Saint Louis Zoo's WildCare Park seeks team members to support its mission and values by directly contributing to the care and management of various animal species. This role involves working at two different locations, overseeing both the 425-acre WildCare Park and the 355-acre Sears Lehmann, Jr. Wildlife Reserve.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an ambassador for the Saint Louis Zoo, WildCare Park, and the Reserve, interacting with donors, guests, neighbors, coworkers, media, AZA, and other outside agencies.
• Think innovatively and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design, develop, and operate WildCare Park and the Reserve.
• Mentor WildCare Park animal care keepers, interns, and volunteers with positivity, patience, and professionalism, including classroom teaching and on-the-job training.
• Achieve the highest standards of animal wellbeing through exemplary animal care, training, enrichment, and social management.
• Perform behavioral observations and wellbeing assessments in person and using video surveillance.
• Manage animals according to safety, wellbeing, and reintroduction protocols.
• Order, receive, and handle dietary items and other supplies for the animals, and monitor their quantity and quality.
• Assist with the successful implementation of AZA SSP, AZA SAFE, and USFWS program recommendations.
• Transport animals between campuses and other animal care facilities.
• Create and maintain departmental records and assist with animal transport paperwork.
• Monitor, study, and manage native wildlife and habitats at WildCare Park and the Reserve, including data management for collaborative projects.
• Participate in and raise awareness for WildCare Institute Centers and Programs, recovery/reintroduction initiatives, and AZA SAFE programs related to the animals at WildCare Park and the Reserve.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in an animal-related field and previous animal care experience are desired.
• At least two (2) years of paid hands-on experience in the care, management, and propagation of ungulates, wolves, and/or birds.
• Positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to participate in cross-departmental collaborative team activities.
• Effective communication skills, including public speaking and storytelling.
• Experience with animal management in large spaces, including animal introductions, multi-species habitats, animal transports, and propagation of ungulates, American Red Wolves, and other taxa.
• Confidence with technology, including ZIMS, database entry and analysis, PowerPoint, video/audio recording, and video surveillance systems.
• Experience operating small and large equipment, such as weed eaters, leaf blowers, animal trailers, trucks, tractors, mowers, skid steers, forklifts, and heavy equipment.
• A good safety record and the ability to prioritize safety in all duties and responsibilities.
• The physical ability to perform required duties as assigned, including standing for long periods, walking, lifting, bending, driving, and working in all types of weather.
• Able to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Qualifications

• Open to a level of flexibility that sometimes requires a changing schedule based on seasonal requirements of the job relating to animal care and facility maintenance needs.
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to identify tasks that contribute to the function of the programs at WildCare Park and the Reserve and complete them independently.
• Curious and ready to learn, with the ability to solve complex problems efficiently and make good decisions during emergencies.
• Passionate about public speaking and excellent presentation skills.