Facility
Saint Louis Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Responsibilities: This Zoological Manager will be part of a three person team (Curator of Primates and two Zoological Managers) managing a diverse collection of primates, including monkeys, lemurs, and great apes. This is a working supervisory position, including direct participation in animal care at times. Primary assignment of this position (Primate House vs. Jungle of the Apes) will be based on the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. This position may cross-train in, and will assist with over sight of, the second primate area. The position will be available in February 2016.
Primate House – The Saint Louis Zoo’s Primate House currently houses 14 primate species, including New and Old World monkeys and lemurs. This area of the zoo will be involved in the next phase of masterplanning and is expected to undergo exciting and significant renovations in the future. Experience and expertise in breeding and reproduction, capture and restraint, and social management are highly desired.
Jungle of the Apes – The Saint Louis Zoo’s great ape collection currently includes Sumatran orangutans, chimpanzees, and a bachelor group of gorillas. Experience and expertise in ape introductions (especially chimpanzee) and social management are highly desired.
Duties: Duties include but are not limited to: overseeing and providing daily care to the animals, utilizing the zoo’s behavioral management and welfare protocols, habitat design and maintenance, monitoring and interpreting animal health, behavior, and social interactions, advancing the zoo’s mission through positive guest interactions, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, maintaining comprehensive and accurate records, following oral and written directions effectively, and managing time efficiently. The successful candidate will supervise and train the keeper staff (including full-time keepers, part-time keepers, seasonal keepers, as well as interns and volunteers) to ensure that primate care and management meets the Saint Louis Zoo’s standards. Schedule work and other activities, manage facility maintenance and area projects, and interact with other departments, including: Animal Health, Nutrition, Education, Facilities Management, Public Relations, Development, outside contractors, researchers, and media.
Qualifications: A competitive applicant will be an individual who is passionate about animal welfare and providing the highest quality of life for the animals in his/her charge. He/she must have a strong understanding of and experience in the application of operant conditioning and enrichment techniques. The successful applicant will be a critical thinker who is open to creative and innovative ideas. He/she will conduct themselves in a manner that creates a stimulating, productive, and positive work environment that fosters teamwork and a climate of possibilities. The applicant will develop this position to achieve the highest level of animal care, individual/team excellence, and professional satisfaction and growth. The applicant requires strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to motivate, supervise, and mentor others; as well as strong organizational capacity and the ability to be flexible. Must have a good safety record and must perform all aspects of this position with safety as the priority.
Education and Pre-requisites
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and demonstrated paid experience in animal care is required; experience with primates is strongly desired. Preference will be given to candidates with prior supervisory experience. The successful candidate for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
To apply, please go to
http://www.stlzoo.org/about/contact/employment/currentjobopenings/