Posted: August 5, 2026
Position: Full-time River’s Edge Keeper
Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in St. Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Zoological Manager/River’s Edge and the Curator of Mammals/Ungulates & River’s Edge
Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a positive and collaborative animal care professional to join our River’s Edge Team to care for a diverse group of animals including Asian elephants, black rhinos, Nile hippos, Chacoan peccary, capybara and a variety of African cichlids. This position may also assist in our Antelope Area as needed.
Responsibilities: The safety, well-being and care of our animals and our team is our highest priority at the Saint Louis Zoo. The keeper candidate chosen will work in River’s Edge, a lushly planted naturalistic environment showcasing multiple species from around the world.
Responsibilities include:
- Achieving the highest standards of animal wellbeing through exemplary animal care to all animals in River’s Edge with a focus on animal welfare assessments, environmental enrichment and operant conditioning.
- Performing all aspects of this position with safety as a priority and maximizing occupational safety through adherence to established Zoo and AZA protocols.
- Maintaining and enhancing animal habitats and indoor living spaces, service areas and public areas as assigned including custodial and horticulture needs. SCUBA diving to service outdoor hippo pool is optional.
- Observing and monitoring animals for behavioral and medical needs and proactive training for voluntary participation in animal health care and research when appropriate.
- Maintaining departmental records/documentation.
- Contributing to open team discussions and sharing ideas in positive and professional manner.
- Enhancing guest experiences which may include public speaking and engagement with guests, staff, and other stakeholders.
- Participating in and supporting collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the animals including training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education. This includes AZA Species Survival Plans, the Saint Louis Zoo’s WildCare Institute, AZA SAFE programs and more.
- Aiding the Zoo’s efforts to meet and exceed AZA and USDA standards.
- Recognizing the needs of others and treating others with respect and dignity.
- Maintaining good work habits and adhering to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
- Demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supporting 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.
- 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:
- High school diploma or equivalent required with preference given to applicants with a four-year college degree in an animal-related field and a strong background in animal care, welfare, management, and operant conditioning.
- Experience working with elephants and/or ungulates is desired.
- PADI Open Water Diver Certification is helpful, but not required. It is optional to join the Saint Louis Zoo Dive Program to service the outdoor pool at Hippo Harbor.
- Must be a team player with the ability to work both independently and contribute to a friendly, creative, progressive and collaborative work environment.
- 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.
- Must have the ability to: follow safety protocols, demonstrate focus, follow written and verbal instructions, manage time effectively, and apply critical thinking techniques.
- Must be able to use a Bobcat skid steer, ATV, and light power tools after suitable training.
- Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
- Comfortable with and experience in public speaking preferred.
- 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, etc.
- 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.
Additional Job Details:
- Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays to cover animal care and Zoo event needs. In the case of inclement weather or other zoo closures, this position is considered an essential animal care position and will be required to follow the policies in place for completing necessary and essential animal care responsibilities as needed.
We are seeking a team member who aligns with the values of the Saint Louis Zoo (creativity, community, openness, integrity and life-work balance). A competitive applicant for this position is also an individual who is innovative and dedicated to advancing the field of animal care and welfare. A successful applicant will be a leader and must have a positive, can-do attitude. They should be self-motivated, resourceful, proactive and forward thinking. Must be a team player and be able to work in line with the River’s Edge Team Values of Teamwork, Dedication, Integrity, Welfare and Excellence in order to provide the animals in our care with the highest level of welfare. Please provide a cover letter in your application materials.
Position Closes: 8/31/26
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. 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. 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/ (https://explorestlouis.com/)
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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.
