Bird Keeper
Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest Park
Directly Reports to: Zoological Manager of Birds and the Curator of Birds
Classification: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
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/
