Sea Lion Sound Animal Care Keeper (Part-Time/Medical Benefits Eligible)

Saint Louis Zoo•Saint Louis, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a positive, experienced animal care professional to join its Carnivore Care Team as a part-time Sea Lion Sound Keeper. The keeper cares for pinnipeds, including California sea lions and harbor seals, participates in current sea lion programs and shows, and supports the Zoo’s vision. The role involves animal husbandry, behavioral training, enrichment, medical support, guest engagement, recordkeeping, and collaboration across the Carnivore Unit and Animal Care Department. The position typically works 32 hours across five days each week, with flexible scheduling that includes weekends and holidays. Staff must be prepared to work outdoors in all types of weather. Travel may be available for animal transfers or professional development. The role requires COVID-19 vaccination and successful completion of a criminal background check and drug test; a negative drug test is mandatory for this safety-sensitive position.

Requirements

Previous animal care experience; preference is given to applicants with at least two years of experience with non-domestic animals, ideally marine mammals.
Knowledge of and experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
Ability to work as part of a team and independently when needed.
Effective written and oral communication with supervisory staff, coworkers, and other departments.
Good observation and recordkeeping skills related to animal well-being.
Ability to follow safety protocols and written and verbal instructions; demonstrate focus; organize work; manage stress and time; remember details; apply critical thinking; and analyze and solve problems.
Computer proficiency sufficient to complete position duties.
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 assigned duties, including prolonged standing, sitting, and walking; kneeling, bending, and squatting; and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, and around insects.
COVID-19 vaccination.
Successful criminal background check and drug test; a negative drug test result is mandatory.
Dependability, timeliness, responsiveness, organization, and ability to meet deadlines and assist other Zoo staff as needed.

Nice To Haves

Four-year college degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field (preferred).
Paid experience at an AZA institution.
Comfort with and experience in public speaking.
Formal animal presentation and customer service experience.
Experience with ZIMS.
Ability to align with the Saint Louis Zoo’s values of creativity, community, openness, integrity, and life-work balance, and the Carnivore Unit’s values of welfare, impact, safety, collaboration, and integrity.

Responsibilities

Follow workplace safety requirements, Zoo safety and husbandry protocols, and standard operating procedures; work with the supervisor and Safety Officer as needed.
Interact positively and professionally with Zoo guests and staff.
Provide animal care, including preparing diets, monitoring water quality, maintaining animal holding areas and public spaces, and assisting with veterinary management such as medication and examinations.
Participate in storytelling and guest engagement through public speaking and interactions with guests, staff, and other stakeholders to encourage empathy and action for wildlife.
During peak season, present scheduled daily shows, conduct on-habitat training, lead behind-the-scenes tours, and participate in after-hours special-event animal programs.
Dive weekly for habitat maintenance.
Use behavioral conditioning to train animals for husbandry, medical care, and program participation.
Provide enrichment that creates a varied, stimulating environment and opportunities for natural behaviors.
Observe and monitor animals for behavioral and medical needs.
Maintain departmental records and documentation, including entering data into ZIMS.
Cross-train in other Carnivore Unit areas and support the needs, goals, and objectives of the Animal Care Department.
Contribute to team discussions and share ideas constructively and professionally.
Support collaborative animal-care efforts involving training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education.
Help the Zoo meet and exceed AZA and USDA standards.
Perform duties in a service-oriented manner, treat others with respect and dignity, and maintain dependable, timely, responsive, and organized work habits.
Follow the employee handbook and applicable policies and procedures, and support a workplace free from discrimination and sexual harassment and the Zoo’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
Help reduce the Zoo’s environmental footprint through actions, education, and example.
Complete special projects, procedures, and goals assigned by area managers, as well as other reasonably related duties assigned by management.
Work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, and around insects.
Work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays as needed to support animal care and Zoo events.
Acquire and maintain a Missouri Class E driver’s license.
Complete a criminal background check and drug test; maintain the required COVID-19 vaccination status.