Position: Reproductive Sciences Technician
Location: Saint Louis Zoo – WildCare Park/Forest Park/Sears Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve
Directly Reports to: Manager of Reproductive Sciences
Classification: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Part-Time/Medical Benefit Eligible (Temporary through August 2027)
Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a reproductive sciences technician. This position is ideal for early career individuals as it provides an opportunity to work with multiple species and master a variety of technical skills.
This position is grant-funded with support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Reproductive Sciences Technician will work under the supervision of the Zoo’s Manager of Reproductive Sciences. The successful candidate will provide crucial support for expanding the Zoo’s biobanking efforts for conservation by assisting with the establishment of a new biobank at WildCare Park and by conducting reproductive research studies. While this position will work primarily at WildCare Park, some work will occur at the zoo in Forest Park and the Sears Lehmann Jr Wildlife Reserve, a red wolf breeding center. Roughly, one third of this job will involve the collection and processing of biological samples for banking, one third will involve data management (input, organization and analysis) and a third will involve lab work and/or biobank management.
The Saint Louis Zoo has maintained a biobanking program for more than 50 years and is a recognized leader in the banking of animal samples that are critical for science and conservation. The new biobank will strategically expand the Zoo’s stored genetic material, focusing largely on ungulates living at WildCare Park. Once established the WildCare Park Biobank will be a repository for long-term population sustainability for wildlife populations, as well as a resource to scientists and Zoo staff for scientific studies and assisted reproduction for genetic management that may one day save ungulate species from extinction.
WildCare Park will open in 2027 and covers 425-acres in north St. Louis County. It will serve as a unique space connecting people and animals, as well as providing an opportunity for the Zoo to expand its scientific and conservation efforts. WildCare Park will be home to over 200 individuals, representing 16 or more ungulate species. Seventy percent of the species at WildCare Park have wild populations that are in decline and threatened with extinction. Six of the 16 species have active in situ recovery or reintroduction programs, while several other species have the potential for reintroduction programs in the future.
Most zoos do not maintain biobanks so this grant provides a unique opportunity to gain important hands-on professional training and experience. This position requires a dynamic, detail-oriented individual who is innovative and dedicated to advancing knowledge about animals in our care and improving population sustainability. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance). Funding for this grant-based position will last until at least August of 2027.
Qualifications: This position is open to recent undergraduates and graduate students. All training will be provided to the selected individual, but preference may be given to applicants with previous animal handling, data organization, and/or research experience.
Required:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences, Biological Sciences, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, or other directly relevant field required
- Completed coursework in physiology, reproduction, endocrinology and/or data science
- Computer proficient, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Ability to multi-task and problem solve
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively as a contributing member of multidisciplinary teams, as well as deal courteously and effectively with our guests
- Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Able to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information
- Ability to follow all safety and research protocols in the lab and when working around dangerous or exotic animals
- Maintain good work habits, including reliable attendance
- 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 negative TB test and proof of COVID vaccination are required for this position.
Desired:
- Individuals with strong organizational skills and an outstanding work ethic
- Individuals who are innovative and dedicated to advancing the knowledge about animals in our care and improving population sustainability.
- Individuals with leadership skills and that have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude
- Individuals with scientific curiosity and an interest in comparative reproduction
- Individuals with the ability to absorb and integrate knowledge, as well as extrapolate this knowledge to address novel situations or new scientific questions
- Some combination of animal handling and/or lab experience
- Experience with statistical, R or advanced scientific graphing software
- Comfort with speaking professionally to guests of all ages and backgrounds
Responsibilities:
- Assist with collection, processing and storage of biological samples (blood, fecal, as well as reproductive cells and tissue)
- Organization and analysis of data; contribute to manuscripts for publication and presentations.
- Perform lab work including reproductive sample evaluation, media preparation, sample extraction and hormone assays
- Assist in assuring the WildCare Park and Forest Park biobanks are meeting the standards set by the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)
- Record keeping for the samples associated with the biobanks, including sample inventory and timely input of accurate data into the web-based inventory software packages to ensure that samples are linked to animal records
- Handle specimen requests from internal departments and external researchers/scientists; follow regulations regarding shipping of biological materials
- Maintain proper inventory and documentation of chemicals and supplies in the lab; including ordering and receiving supplies for data collection and storage
- Operate, maintain and calibrate lab equipment and manage the preventative maintenance for equipment used by the WildCare Park Biobank
- Restocking, cleaning, packing for procedures, as needed
- Assist with training and supervision of interns
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned
Additional Expectations:
- Demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission and vision statements, as well as the Zoo’s Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance)
- Performs work in a service-oriented manner
- Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity
- Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports a commitment to equal employment opportunities.
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 see, talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee will frequently work within animal habitats and in the animal handling facilities where space can be limited and the ability to move quickly may be required. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in all types of weather is required.
Work Schedule: Regular days off will be Saturday or Sunday. However, the ability to work a flexible schedule when necessary is required, since some research procedures and/or events may occur on weekends, holidays or into the evening. This position will average 30-35 hours per week.
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. 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/
