Sea Lion Sound Animal Care Keeper - (Full-Time)
Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in St. Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Zoological Manager of Sea Lion Sound and the Curator of Carnivores
Position Summary:
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 to care for pinnipeds (California sea lions, harbor seals), be part of all current sea lion programs and shows, and collaboratively support our zoo’s vision.
Responsibilities:
The well-being and care of our animals and our team is our highest priority at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Interacting positively and professionally with Zoo guests and fellow staff throughout all daily duties.
- Exemplary animal care of animals with duties such as diet preparations, monitoring water quality, maintaining animal holding quarters and public spaces as well as aiding in veterinary management (medicating and exams).
- As part of our storytelling/guest connection team to help create empathy and action for wildlife via public speaking and engagement with guests, staff, and other stakeholders
- Peak season duties involve the presentation of scheduled daily shows, on habitat training, behind the scenes tours and after-hours special event animal programs.
- Weekly SCUBA diving for habitat maintenance.
- The use of behavioral conditioning to train species for daily husbandry, medical care, and program participation.
- Providing a dynamic enrichment program to create a diverse and stimulating environment that facilitates opportunities for diverse and natural behaviors.
- Animal observations and monitoring for behavioral and medical needs.
- Maintaining departmental records/documentation, including entering data into ZIMS.
- Cross-train within other Carnivore Unit areas and support full Animal Care Department needs, goals, objectives, and staff.
- Contribute to open team discussions and sharing ideas in positive and professional manner.
- Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to animal care, including training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education.
- Aiding the Zoo’s efforts to meet and exceed AZA and USDA standards.
- Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
- Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
- 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.
- All team members must be dedicated to growing and improving our Zoo’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI).
- 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 example.
- Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
- Keeper staff are expected to report to work, and to have the ability to work, in all types of weather conditions.
- 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.
Qualifications:
- 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 previous experience with non-domestic animals, (ideally with marine mammals). Paid experience working at an AZA institution a plus.
- Comfortable with and experience in public speaking preferred. Formal animal presentations and customer service experience a plus.
- The ability to work as part of a team and independently when needed.
- Communicates effectively with supervisory staff, co-workers and other departments, both written and orally.
- Must have good observation and record keeping skills regarding animal well-being.
- Knowledge of and experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is required.
- Must have the ability to: follow safety protocols, demonstrate focus, follow written verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.
- Demonstrate computer proficiency (experience with ZIMS a plus) to complete the functions of this position.
- Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
- SCUBA certification or ability to become certified.
- Acquiring and maintaining a Missouri class E driver’s license is required.
- Candidates must have the physical ability to perform required duties as assigned, some strenuous, including: standing, sitting and walking for long periods of time, kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting (which may include up to 50 lbs.). Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold, around insects, etc.
Addition Job Details:
- Days off would be a consecutive two-day period between Monday-Friday. After full training there is a possible opportunity 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 the opportunity to travel to help with transfers, for professional development opportunities, etc.
- Must be vaccinated for Covid-19
We are seeking a team member who aligns with the values of the Saint Louis Zoo (creativity, community, openness, integrity and life-work balance), and actively embodies the Carnivore Unit vision and values (welfare, impact, safety, collaboration, and integrity), with ability to thrive in both a team and an independent work environment.
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. A current TB test is also required.
Position Closes: August 26th, 2026
About the Saint Louis Zoo:
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. Entry is free every day for everyone, an important part of our commitment to people and animals – always. Our vision is “a world united for wildlife to ignite lasting change”
Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/ (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.”
Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/ (https://explorestlouis.com/)
Preferred
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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
