Position Summary: 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
Qualifications:
- 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.
- Diving certification is a bonus
Physical requirements:
- 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.
Work Schedule:
- Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays to cover animal care and zoo events as needed
- Position Closes: Friday, February 20, 2026
- 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.
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/
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/
