About the Saint Louis Zoo:
The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is an AZA accredited institution 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.
The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. 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 leader to serve as one of two Zoological Managers in the Primate Unit, which is comprised of two areas – Jungle of the Apes (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees) and Primate House/Primate Canopy Trails (monkeys and lemurs). This is a working supervisory position, including direct participation in animal care at times. The successful candidate will also cross-train in both areas and work closely with the other Zoological Manager and Curator to provide leadership and oversight to the entire Primate Unit.
We are seeking candidates with significant animal knowledge and expertise. A competitive applicant will be passionate about animal welfare, and looking to continually raise the bar to provide the highest quality of life for the animals in their charge. They must have a strong understanding of and experience in the application of operant conditioning and enrichment techniques; and be a critical thinker who is open to creative and innovative ideas. Experience and expertise in primate breeding and reproduction, capture and restraint skills for smaller species, social management, and/or animal introductions is strongly desired.
The successful applicant will be committed to excellent leadership and management; and creating a professional, supportive work environment that fosters teamwork, positivity, and professional growth. They will embody and model the Zoo’s values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, Life-Work Balance) and three keys (People Matter, Animals Always, Operational Excellence).
Duties:
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Providing excellent support, mentoring, and management of the keeper team and interns
- Work with the keeper team to ensure excellent animal care according to the Saint Louis Zoo’s standards
- Scheduling of staff as well as work and activities in the area as needed
- Liaise and interact with other departments including Animal Health, Nutrition, Education, Facility Management, Public Relations, Development and others; as well as with outside contractors, researchers, and media
- Supporting primate conservation programs through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Initiative as directed
- Implementing the Zoo’s behavioral management and welfare protocols
- Involvement in habitat design and facility maintenance
- Advancing the Zoo’s mission and vision through positive guest interactions
- Maintaining a culture of safety, and a clean work environment
- Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records
- Exhibiting strong communication skills
- Following oral and written directions effectively
- Managing time efficiently
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, and at least three years paid animal care experience in an accredited facility is required
- Preference will be given to candidates with prior supervisory experience
- Must have a good safety record and ability to perform all aspects of the position with safety as the priority
- Requires strong verbal and written communication skills; the ability to motivate, supervise, and mentor others; a strong organizational capacity; and flexibility
- All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
- COVID vaccinations are required for this position.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform some of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, sit and walk for long periods. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Schedule:
Days off will be either Friday-Saturday or Sunday-Monday. Ability to work a flexible schedule, on holidays, and evenings for animal procedures and events will be necessary at times. Will need to have the ability to work onsite in inclement weather.
Education
Preferred- Bachelors or better
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
