Sea Lion Sound Animal Care Keeper

About the Role

The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive and experienced animal care professional to join our Carnivore Care Team as a Sea Lion Sound Keeper. This role focuses on the care of pinnipeds (California sea lions, harbor seals), participation in sea lion programs and shows, and support of the Zoo’s vision through collaborative efforts.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety, adhering to all area and Zoo safety and husbandry protocols and SOPs.
• Interact positively and professionally with Zoo guests and fellow staff throughout all daily duties.
• Provide exemplary animal care, including diet preparation, monitoring water quality, maintaining animal holding quarters and public spaces, and aiding in veterinary management (medicating and exams).
• Engage in storytelling and guest connection to foster empathy and action for wildlife through public speaking and engagement.
• Present scheduled daily shows, conduct on-habitat training, lead behind-the-scenes tours, and participate in after-hours special event animal programs during peak seasons.
• Perform weekly SCUBA diving for habitat maintenance.
• Use behavioral conditioning to train species for daily husbandry, medical care, and program participation.
• Develop and implement a dynamic enrichment program to encourage diverse and natural behaviors.
• Conduct animal observations and monitoring for behavioral and medical needs.
• Maintain departmental records and documentation, including entering data into ZIMS.
• Cross-train within other Carnivore Unit areas and support the full Animal Care Department’s needs, goals, and objectives.
• Contribute to open team discussions and share ideas in a positive and professional manner.
• Support collaborative efforts in animal care, including training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education.
• Aid the Zoo’s efforts to meet and exceed AZA and USDA standards.
• Perform duties in a service-oriented manner, recognizing the needs of others and treating everyone with respect and dignity.
• Maintain good work habits and adhere to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
• Commit to a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment, supporting the Zoo’s equal employment opportunities.
• Dedicate efforts to growing and improving the Zoo’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI).
• Be dependable, reliable, timely, responsive, and organized; meet deadlines and assist other Zoo staff as needed.
• Strive to decrease the Zoo’s environmental footprint through education and example.
• Handle special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by area managers.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.

Requirements

• Four-year college degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred.
• Previous animal care experience, with preference given to applicants who have at least 2 years of experience with non-domestic animals (marine mammal experience ideal). Paid experience at an AZA institution is a plus.
• Comfortable with public speaking; formal animal presentations and customer service experience are a plus.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently when needed.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral, with supervisory staff, co-workers, and other departments.
• Good observation and record-keeping skills regarding animal well-being.
• Knowledge of and experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Ability to follow safety protocols, demonstrate focus, follow written and verbal instructions, and manage stress effectively.
• Strong time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Computer proficiency (experience with ZIMS is a plus).
• Ability to use light power tools after suitable training.
• SCUBA certification or ability to become certified.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a Missouri class E driver’s license.
• Physical ability to perform required 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, and around insects.
• Must be vaccinated for Covid-19.

Schedule

• Days off consist of a consecutive two-day period between Monday and Friday.
• After full training, there may be opportunities for rotational weekend access as scheduling allows.
• Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays to cover animal care and Zoo event needs.
• May have opportunities to travel for animal transfers or professional development.

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 for everyone as part of its commitment to accessibility. The Zoo’s vision is “a world united for wildlife to ignite lasting change.”

About the Location

St. Louis, Missouri, offers a vibrant mix of free, world-class attractions and a thriving arts-and-culture scene. The city features flourishing public parks, miles of trails, and exhilarating waterways, making it ideal for urban explorers, outdoor adventurers, and families.