About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. 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/
Position Summary:
- The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a positive, compassionate and collaborative keeper to join the Primate Unit in the Animal Care Department.
- The Primate Unit is comprised of the Jungle of the Apes (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees) and Primate House/Primate Canopy Trails (lemurs and monkeys).
- Primary placement will be a core team member in one of these areas; however, the successful candidate will be open to providing routine coverage in either area for long- or short-term staffing needs.
- This position operates as part of a team, and requires seasonal late night, weekend, holiday and event coverage duties.
Responsibilities:
- The Primate Unit Keeper position’s job duties and skills required include, but are not limited to:
- A positive, adaptable and flexible demeanor and able to manage a wide array of duties and animal care responsibilities
- Collaborative work style with strong communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Contributes to open team discussions including sharing ideas in a positive and professional manner along with listening and considering other perspectives and ideas
- Commitment to a culture that prioritizes safety in all job aspects, including adhering to all safety and husbandry protocols and SOPs
- Exemplary animal care including a focus on the benefits of behavioral conditioning to train species for voluntary participation in husbandry and medical care and providing a dynamic goal-based enrichment program to create a stimulating physical and psychological environment that facilitates opportunities for diverse and natural behaviors
- Active participation in monitoring and assessing animal welfare on a regular basis through close collaboration with veterinary staff and animal care team to provide the highest standard of care
- Clean and maintain habitats, off habitat spaces, service areas and public areas including minor habitat maintenance and perching projects according to Zoo and industry standards.
- Keep work areas neat, clean and organized
- Conduct and record animal observations, maintain departmental and Zoo records as assigned including entering data into ZIMS
- Public speaking and engagement with guests, staff, and other stakeholders
- Aiding the Zoo’s efforts to meet and exceed AZA and USDA’s animal care, safety and other accreditation standards
- 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 on-time, responsive and organized; meet deadlines, take responsibility, and help other Zoo staff as needed
- 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 GED required. Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, animal science, wildlife management, or similar area of study or 3+ years of experience preferred
- Paid experience at an AZA institution and previous work experience with primates a plus
- Demonstration of a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to work as a positive team member
- Knowledge of animal behavior and good observation skills are important, a strong interest in behavior management and animal welfare is critical
- Comfort and experience public speaking and sharing animal and conservation messages a plus
- Communicates effectively with managers, co-workers and other departments, both written and orally
- Must have the ability to: follow safety protocols, demonstrate focus, follow written and verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, 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
- Candidates must have the physical ability to perform required duties as assigned, including standing for long periods of time, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), bending, climbing, and working in all types of weather
- A competitive candidate will actively support and embody the Saint Louis Zoo’s core values of community, creativity, openness, integrity and life-work balance; and will be passionate about providing the highest quality of life for the animals in their charge
- A working knowledge of AZA and USDA standards beneficial
- Current, valid Missouri or Illinois driver’s license or the ability to obtain one
- 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.
- COVID vaccinations are required for this position
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.
- Position closes on January 15, 2026.
- To apply, please go to https://stlzoo.org/employment
