Curator of Mammals/Ungulates & River's Edge

Posted: March 26, 2025

Organization: Saint Louis Zoo located in Saint Louis, Missouri

Directly Reports to: General Curator

About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is an AZA accredited institution 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.

The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance.

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 looking for a positive leader to serve as the Curator of Mammals/Ungulates and River’s Edge to manage a diverse collection of animals, such as pachyderms, ungulates and other species of mammals in our Red Rock and River’s Edge areas of the zoo.

This position will serve under the direction of the General Curator as part of the Zoo’s dynamic, kind, passionate and expert Animal Care team, led by the Vice President of Animal Care, and comprised of Animal Curators, Zoological Managers, animal care staff, Animal Health, Animal Nutrition Services, and Life Support Services. 

We are seeking candidates with significant experience in the direct care and an extensive knowledge of safety protocols of pachyderms (elephants, hippopotamus, rhinoceros), a variety of ungulate species, and other small to medium sized mammal species. Candidates should have a strong managerial background and demonstrate a leadership style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, innovation and safety. This leadership position will also promote the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance). Ability to collaborate is a must, such as working closely with the animal health, research, conservation education and other zoo teams to provide the best animal welfare and contribute to environmental empathy and conservation efforts. In addition, this position is responsible for long-term planning and vision, as well as the day to day operational management of the animal care staff, the animal under their care, and the facilities and habitats in which they live. Skilled in active listening and strong written and oral communication skills are a must.

Qualifications:

• Four-year Bachelor’s Degree in biology, animal science, wildlife management, zoology or other field of study applicable to zoo animal management. Master’s degree a plus.
• 5-year minimum of direct experience in the day-to-day care for mammals in a zoo setting, with extensive knowledge of the care of animals, animal behavior and hazards of working with wildlife.
• At least 5 years of experience in the direct supervision in animal care management.
• A working familiarity with AZA animal population management programs (SAFE, SSP, TAG, PMC, etc.). Leadership service as a studbook keeper, SSP coordinator, SAFE Program Leader, or Taxon Advisory Group committee member a plus.
• Demonstration of a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to work as a positive team member.
• Must have a working knowledge of AZA Accreditation Standards and USDA Animal Welfare Standards.
• A working knowledge of animal and zoonotic diseases and methods of preventing the spread of contagious disease
• Proficient with Zoological software platforms such as ZIMS software and PMCTrack. In addition, experience maintaining records and preparing reports
• Valid Missouri Class E driver’s license is required, upon hire.
• 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.

Responsibilities:

• Supervises the work of Zoological Managers and Animal Care staff as assigned. Responsibilities include leading, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; supporting, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving issues; ensuring compliance with contracted obligations. All to ensure the highest level of care for our staff and our animals.
• Maintains or reviews logs of animal observations and/or daily operations; implements, develops and/or revises animal care standard operating procedures to ensure proper care, maintenance and safety of animals, their quarters and facilities.
• Supports and/or directs animal-related projects (introductions, transfers, research, veterinary needs); offers significant support in emergency animal management.
• Assists other Zoo personnel with exhibit renovation or design of new exhibits and holding areas in accordance with modern zoological practices, AZA standards and guidelines, and USDA requirements.
• Facilitates institutional core values throughout the Animal Care area by assisting Human Resources in onboarding of new hires as well as through ongoing core value engagement and training with staff.
• Communicates and collaborates with Veterinary, Well-being, Research, LSS and Nutrition staff to advance animal care.
• Coordinates and monitors sectional operations related to maintenance and repair activities.
• Responsible for in the development and administration of department budget.
• Coordinates and works with other departments to implement educational programs, activities in public relations, membership, development and other support services for both sections.
• Serve as Curator in Charge at points in the week. May serve a role in native wildlife response.
• May be required to perform the duties of an animal keeper or Zoological Manager on an as-needed basis.
• Assists marketing and development staff in promoting the Zoo's public image and attaining the Zoo's public relations and community service objectives.
• Assists the VP and General Curator in maintaining contacts with individuals and organizations involved in promoting worldwide conservation ethics and goals.
• Partner with Marketing, Events, PR, Philanthropy, Guest Services, etc. to aid in achieving Zoo mission.
• 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.

Leadership and Professional Competencies:

• Represents management and demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its’ core values and strive to create a positive work culture in their unit and within the zoo.

• Curator must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our community to do the same through education and example.
• Must be passionate about conservation and supporting research and willing to prioritize up to a quarter of their time to conservation efforts through our Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute initiatives.

• Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
• Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
• Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.

• Deal courteously and effectively with public and ensure all staff help to fulfill the guest promise.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Zoo’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and works with General Curator and Safety Officer as needed.
• Demonstrates comfort in public speaking, good presentation skills when working with the zoo team, our public/community, Zoo Governance and other internal and external stakeholders.

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 talk or hear.  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.

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 inclimate weather.