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SLSaint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis ZooZoological Park

Sea Lion Sound Animal Care Keeper

Location

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2+ years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

2h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking an experienced Animal Care Keeper for its Sea Lion Sound team. This role involves exemplary animal care for pinnipeds, participation in sea lion programs and shows, public speaking for guest engagement, and maintaining habitat through duties like diet preparation, water quality monitoring, and weekly SCUBA diving.

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking a positive, experienced animal care professional to join the Carnivore Care Team as a Sea Lion Sound Keeper. This position provides exemplary care for pinnipeds, including California sea lions and harbor seals, while supporting animal programs, guest engagement, conservation, education, and the Zoo’s commitment to animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide daily husbandry, including diet preparation, water-quality monitoring, habitat and holding-area maintenance, animal observations, enrichment, and veterinary support.

  • Participate in sea lion programs, shows, on-habitat training, behind-the-scenes tours, and special-event programs.

  • Use behavioral conditioning to support husbandry, medical care, training, and program participation.

  • Participate in weekly SCUBA diving for habitat maintenance.

  • Develop and implement enrichment that promotes natural and diverse behaviors.

  • Engage guests, staff, and stakeholders through public speaking, storytelling, and positive customer service.

  • Maintain accurate records and documentation, including data entry into ZIMS.

  • Follow all safety, husbandry, SOP, AZA, USDA, and departmental standards.

  • Cross-train in other Carnivore Unit areas and support Animal Care Department goals.

  • Collaborate on animal care, training, enrichment, conservation, research, and education initiatives.

  • Contribute ideas and participate in a positive, respectful, team-oriented workplace.

  • Support the Zoo’s DEAI, sustainability, and environmental stewardship efforts.

  • Complete special projects and other related duties as assigned.

  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions and maintain dependable attendance.

Qualifications

  • Four-year degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred.

  • At least two years of professional experience with non-domestic animals preferred; marine mammal and AZA-accredited institution experience strongly preferred.

  • Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment required.

  • Public speaking, animal presentation, and customer service experience preferred.

  • Strong communication, observation, organization, recordkeeping, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

  • Computer proficiency required; ZIMS experience is a plus.

  • Ability to safely use light power tools after training.

  • Current SCUBA certification or ability to obtain certification.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Missouri Class E driver’s license.

  • Ability to perform physically demanding duties, including prolonged standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

  • Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays, and in extreme heat, cold, and other outdoor conditions.

Additional Details
Days off will be consecutive weekdays (Monday–Friday). After full training, rotational weekend access may be possible as scheduling allows. Travel for animal transfers and professional development may be available.

Candidates must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and successfully complete a criminal background check and drug test.

The successful candidate should align with Saint Louis Zoo values of creativity, community, openness, integrity, and life-work balance, as well as Carnivore Unit values of welfare, impact, safety, collaboration, and integrity. The Zoo seeks a dependable, adaptable professional who is committed to continuous improvement and exceptional animal care.

Updated 2h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Behavioral Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Public Speaking • 1+ yrs
SCUBA Diving • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Enrichment Techniques • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs

Experience

2+ years

Certifications

SCUBA certification • Required
Missouri Class E Driver's License • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Benefits and perks

International Travel Opportunities

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationSaint Louis, Missouri, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh9/10
creativityMedium7/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationHigh9/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Saint Louis Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States

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. Our vision is “a world united for wildlife to ignite lasting change”

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Sea Lion Sound Animal Care Keeper

Saint Louis, Missouri, United StatesFull Time