Bird Keeper

Saint Louis Zoo•Saint Louis, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive and experienced animal care professional to join our Bird Team to care for a diverse group of birds, including endangered species. This position could be housed in our tropical bird house, Bird Garden or our Penguin and Puffin Coast building. The well-being and care of our animals and our team is our highest priority at the Saint Louis Zoo. The animal care candidate chosen will eventually be trained in all areas and aspects of bird husbandry.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in an animal-related field and/or a strong background in bird care, welfare, management and behavioral conditioning preferred
Successful candidates will have a good safety record and must perform all aspects of this position with safety as a priority
Seeking individuals who are innovative and dedicated to advancing the field of avian care, welfare and conservation
Successful applicant will be a leader and have a positive, can-do attitude with strong time management skills.
They should be self-motivated, resourceful, proactive and forward-thinking.
Must be a team player and be able to work with the Bird Team Values of Integrity, Positivity, Innovation and Passion.
Must be an effective communicator who can contribute to and support coworkers on an innovative, progressive team.
Must have the physical ability to perform required duties as assigned, including standing for long periods of time, walking into/through habitats, lift and carry up to 50 lbs., working outside in all types of weather conditions.
Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays to cover animal care and zoo events as needed
COVID vaccinations are required for this position.
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.

Nice To Haves

Diving certification is a bonus

Responsibilities

Achieving the highest standards of animal welfare and wellbeing through exemplary animal care, enrichment, and training.
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, maintaining and enhancing animal habitats (both indoor and outdoor living spaces); service areas and public areas as assigned
Continual monitoring of habitats and public area condition with attention to detail to create a professional, safe and fun environment for all.
Safe handling of animals for veterinary health care and research purposes
Continual monitoring of the horticulture and custodial needs in the bird areas
Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity
Providing an exceptional and positive overall guest experience needs and facilitating behind-the-scenes tours for guests and/or donors.
Providing a dynamic enrichment program to create a diverse and stimulating environment that facilitates opportunities for diverse and natural behaviors.
Maintaining exceptional departmental records, including entering data into ZIMS
Assisting with and raising awareness for WildCare Institute programs and AZA SAFE programs related to Birds to conservation efforts
Supporting educational activities such as special Zoo events and formal animal days, keeper chats
Collaborating with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the Zoo’s mission
Serving as an ambassador for the Zoo and its Bird area programs during donor and paid tour opportunities as well as to guests, coworkers, Media, AZA, and other outside agencies
Contribute to open team discussions and sharing ideas in positive and professional manner to grow our innovative animal care efforts
Aiding the Zoo’s efforts to meet and exceed AZA and USDA standards.
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.
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 leading by 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.