Zoological Manager, River's Edge (Full-Time)
Zoological Manager, River's Edge (Full-Time)
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Job Description
Posted: June 30 2025
Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis Missouri
Directly Reports to: Curator of Mammals/Ungulates & Rivers Edge
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 16000 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.
About St. Louis Mo: From Explore St. Louis: Urban explorer outdoor adventurer aficionado of family fun no matter your travel persona youll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene thats 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 youll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Dont take our word for it though. Come and see for yourself.
Learn more at Summary:
The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking an exceptional leader to join the Zoos Animal Care team as Zoological Manager/Rivers Edge. The Zoological Manager reports to the Curator of Mammals Ungulates and Rivers Edge and serves as the on-site manager responsible for joint oversight of the Zoos Rivers Edge animal collection including black rhino Nile hippo Chacoan peccary red river hog dwarf mongoose sacred ibis a variety of fish and a multi-generational family group of Asian elephants. The candidate must have a very strong background in pachyderm and ungulate care welfare and management. They must have extensive operant conditioning experience and be capable of managing progressive animal care and training programs.
The Zoological Manager leads a team of 13 keepers and assists the area Curator in the recruitment supervision development and mentoring of keepers and interns. The manager directs and trains the staff to maintain high standards of care and advance modern practices that maximize animal wellbeing. The candidate must be experienced in applying principles of operant conditioning towards enhanced animal care and training programs with a focus on preventative health husbandry. The Zoological Manager is expected to be a progressive innovative and constructive leader that embraces team growth effective communication and a positive can-do attitude. The Zoological Manager works closely with other members of the animal care team (such as curators and managers animal health facilities maintenance team nutrition life support animal management services and research teams) to collaboratively care for all animals.
Responsibilities:
This position supports the Curator of Mammals - Ungulates and Rivers Edge by assisting with departmental administration including budget preparation and oversight collection planning and WildCare Institute conservation program management and awareness. Other responsibilities include overseeing all Rivers Edge facilities and guest pathways including the facility maintenance and modification projects; horticulture and custodial needs as well as overall guest experience needs; collaborating with other Zoo personnel as needed to meet the Zoos vision and mission; and serving as an ambassador for the Zoo and its animal care programs and conservation education to the media external and internal audiences AZA and other outside agencies. The manager also supports and/or directs animal related projects including introductions transfers research and veterinary needs as well as offers support in emergency animal management.
The Zoological Manager may be required to serve as Zoological Manager On Duty to support the Curatorial team. This may include select after-hours events such as late-night hours on summer weekends. This is also considered a working manager position and sometimes requires performing the daily duties of the Rivers Edge keeper position to support the team on an as needed basis. 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.
The ideal candidate must be a skilled communicator and strong collaborator that conducts themselves in a manner that fosters a stimulating positive and productive work environment while maximizing occupational safety individual and team excellence and professional satisfaction. The Zoological Manager will represent the Animal Care Leadership team and strive to create a positive work culture and foster an inclusive environment on the team and within the zoo.
Qualifications:
A Bachelors degree in a related field is required and an advanced degree is a plus. Prior personnel management experience is preferred. Ideal candidates have at least five years of pachyderm and ungulate care experience and some program management experience. Prior experience with elephant care and training is highly preferred. Candidates must have a good safety record and must perform all aspects of this position with safety as the priority. This candidate may be certified in SCUBA but a knowledge of SCUBA safety as well as CPR/AED and First Aid will be required to assist the team in the hippo habitat dive program. The successful candidate must embrace the Saint Louis Zoos core values and must be a team player that aligns with the Rivers Edge teams values of teamwork excellence dedication welfare and integrity to provide the animals in our care with the highest level of wellbeing. This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to supervise and mentor others as well as strong organizational skills with the ability to be flexible. This position requires proficiency with Zoological software platforms such as ZIMS software and the ability to maintain records for the Rivers Edge area and must have a working knowledge of AZA Accreditation Standards and USDA Animal Welfare Standards.
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 valid Missouri Class E drivers license is required upon hire.
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 frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally 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.
Required Experience:
Manager
Employment Type
Full-Time
