Location: Saint Louis Zoo located in St. Louis, Missouri
Directly Reports to: Curator of Herpetology & Aquatics
Classification: Exempt
Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Zoological Manager of Herpetology & Aquatics, reporting to the Curator of Herpetology & Aquatics to manage the day to day operations of our Stingrays at Caribbean Cove marine habitat, assist the Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation, and additional duties associated with the Zoo’s Herpetology and Aquatics Department. This will be a working Manager position, with applicant working animal care routines regularly.
Competitive candidates must be critical thinkers who conduct themselves in a manner conducive to a stimulating, productive, and positive work culture. The Zoological Manager must be an effective communicator who leads an innovative and passionate team of keepers to perform at their highest level. Applicants must have strong emotional intelligence, patience, and positive outlook. The candidate will develop this position to achieve the highest standards of animal care, team excellence, professional satisfaction, and exceptional guest engagement.
The successful candidate will have a very strong background and expertise in herpetological and aquatics management, with an emphasis in elasmobranchs, aquatic systems, and preference for experience working with Cryptobranchid salamanders.
Must be capable of managing a large and diverse collection, associated facilities, and leading a large animal care team. This position reports directly to the Curator of Herpetology & Aquatics and works closely with the Curator and other department Zoological Manager to implement protocols, collection planning, conservation initiatives, and guest engagement strategies. This candidate will oversee the day-to-day operations of a large public, interactive habitat housing four species of elasmobranchs and must demonstrate substantial experience with ambassador animals, public interaction programs, and delivering safe, meaningful, and high-quality guest experiences.
This position will also assist with the Saint Louis Zoo’s WildCare Institute Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation and will collaborate closely with external partners on this project. The successful candidate will support the Zoo’s mission and serve as an active leader in operationalizing the Zoo’s values (Community, Creativity, Integrity, Openness, and Life-Work Balance) and three guiding keys (Animals Always, Operational Excellence, and People Matter).
Responsibilities:
- Managing the daily operations of the Zoo’s Caribbean Cove habitat, which features sharks and rays and provides highly interactive and memorable experiences for guests to engage with these marine animals in a safe, educational, and conservation-focused manner.
- Applicants must be knowledgeable in elasmobranch husbandry and marine aquatic systems. Strong demonstrated experience managing ambassador animal welfare in interactive, public-facing exhibits is required, including the ability to balance animal wellbeing, staff safety, and exceptional guest experience.
- Work closely with the Zoo’s Guest Experience department to coordinate behind-the-scenes tours, educational programming, and interactive animal experiences that meet institutional standards.
- Provide leadership in maintaining and enhancing guest engagement opportunities within a large, revenue-generating exhibit while ensuring animal welfare and operational excellence remain the highest priority.
- Assist in overseeing the daily husbandry, health, management, and general welfare of the Zoo’s herpetology and aquatics collection.
- Oversee Herpetology and Aquatics team water quality and chemistry programs as well as ambassador animal program documentation and animal welfare records to ensure compliance and best practices.
- Assist with operations of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with external program partners including, but not limited to, the Missouri Department of Conservation and USFWS.
- Applicants will be trained to have basic proficiency working with potentially dangerous animals such as venomous snakes and crocodilians. Must be comfortable ensuring elasmobranchs safely interact with guests and oversee barb removal procedures.
- Schedule and coordinate staff to ensure adequate coverage for animal care, safety, guest engagement programming, and staff wellbeing.
- Coordinate day-to-day scheduling for veterinary procedures, maintenance and life support needs, special tours, and guest engagement opportunities.
- Oversee orders and delivery of animal diets and general animal care supplies and equipment.
- Ensure protocols are current, practical, and support excellent animal welfare, guest and staff safety, and alignment with curatorial direction and modern zoological standards.
- Order supplies and ensure keeper staff have the necessary tools to successfully care for animals efficiently and safely.
- Relay information between Curator, other Zoological Managers, animal care staff, LSS, and external departments to support day-to-day Zoo operations.
- Supervise the proper management, general maintenance, and upkeep of animal habitats, associated service areas, public spaces, and building needs to maintain operational excellence.
- Collaborate with the Registrar in maintaining all record systems within the department.
- Assist in the design and development of new animal habitats and facilities.
- Assist with implementing annual department operational and capital budgets.
- Recruit, supervise, develop, and mentor keeper staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Train and coach staff on animal husbandry practices, ambassador animal handling, and guest interaction best practices.
- Assist the Curator with the development and management of WildCare Centers and Programs.
- Must be available to respond to animal care and emergency needs when they occur.
- Must be available to cover some after-hours events, weekend, and holiday shifts as needed to support animal care and guest engagement needs of the Saint Louis Zoo.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of five years of significant aquatics management experience in a zoological setting is required, with preference for applicants who have extensive experience with elasmobranchs. Experience caring for Cryptobranchid salamanders is beneficial.
- Demonstrated experience managing ambassador animal programs and interactive guest experiences is strongly preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree is required. Preference is given to a degree in an animal-related field (such as biology, zoology, ecology, or animal science), or an academic degree supplemented with appropriate coursework and experience.
- Experience managing and coordinating large and diverse teams is desirable.
- Working knowledge of AZA Animal Care Standards and experience with operant conditioning, enrichment programs, ambassador animal programs, conservation initiatives, and sustainability programs.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to supervise and mentor others, as well as strong organizational capacity and flexibility.
- Must be a safety-minded team player able to work well with a variety of people and departments.
- Experience with venomous snakes and crocodilians is not required; however, applicants must be willing to become proficient in safely working with these animals in a zoological setting.
- Candidate must be a strong swimmer with the ability to snorkel and scuba dive. Preference is given to applicants previously PADI certified.
- Must have the physical ability to perform required duties, including standing for long periods of time, lifting animals and equipment, bending, working in varied temperature ranges (56–85° F) and humidity levels, and working outdoors in all-natural conditions, including inclement weather.
- 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.
Physical Demands: 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. Must be able to work in hot and cold conditions. Applicants must be able to scuba dive and snorkel in zoo habitats as well as in the field.
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.
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/
