Curator, Herpetology

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Curator of Herpetology. The Curator of Herpetology should be a people-first, visionary leader that relies on deep and broad herpetological knowledge, expertise with modern zoological practices and advanced management skills to support developing strong connections between guests and animals, species conservation efforts and sustainability of Zoo animal populations.

The Curator of Herpetology should foster and maintain a positive, stimulating, productive, and rewarding work environment that leads to high staff engagement. Candidates must be effective communicators who can leverage, mentor and cultivate a passionate and technically skilled team of 11 Full-time herpetology keepers and a Zoological Manager. The candidate will develop this position to achieve the highest levels of animal care, contribute to species recovery and sustainability efforts, team excellence, and professional satisfaction. The successful candidate must have a strong and diverse background in amphibian and reptile management, including familiarity with aquatic species, venomous reptiles and large crocodilians. Individual must have a strong understanding of species conservation through both Zoo-based activities and field conservation actions.

The Curator of Herpetology also serves as the Director of multiple conservation initiatives within the WildCare Institute, the field conservation unit of the Saint Louis Zoo.

The Curator of Herpetology is one of seven animal division taxonomic curators with director-level responsibilities, managed along with the General Curator of the Saint Louis Zoo, and reporting to the Vice-President of Animal Collections. The Zoological Manager of Herpetology reports to the Curator of Herpetology.

Primary responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, direction, managerial oversight and scientific expertise to the Saint Louis Zoo’s Department of Herpetology
• Recruits, supervises, develops and mentors staff, including the Zoological Manager, keeper staff, interns and volunteers. Curator is expected to be a primary training mentor in conjunction with the Zoological Manager to facilitate specialized procedures, including but not limited to work with venomous reptiles, dangerous animals, and specialized husbandry procedures
• Oversees, develops and updates applied operating procedures and policies for the daily husbandry, health management and general welfare of a large reptile and amphibian collection (around 180 species), including venomous reptiles, aquatic amphibians and crocodilians
• Provides primary oversight, development and planning of exhibitry and guest engagement educational opportunities in the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium. Curator supervises the proper design, planning, management and maintenance of animal habitats, holding facilities and associated service areas as well as all public spaces
• Develops and implements the Department Collection Plan to support exhibitry, conservation action, sustainability of populations and opportunities to engage audiences with animals
• Manages all reptile and amphibian sustainability programs within the Zoo and their interface with national and international conservation programs
• Relies on the Zoological Manager of Herpetology and a talented team of 11 full time keepers to provide the daily animal care and habitat management of the Zoo-based collection and ensure proper staffing levels
• Engages and participates as part of the curatorial and animal care leadership of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Animal Division to advance, update and maintain animal operations. Provides input into animal care leadership, managerial and emergency coverage for all animal care operations of all taxa, as needed
• Ensures compliance with all applicable Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards
• Participates in AZA programs and initiatives, including work in committees, conservation and participation in professional endeavors representing the Saint Louis Zoo
• Ensures preparedness for all emergency responses related to the herpetology unit, including but not limited to escape and recapture procedures, accidental envenomation response procedures, management of anti-venom supply and currency in best practices
• Collaborates with internal units of the Saint Louis Zoo (including animal health, nutrition, life support, facilities management, registrar and others) to ensure proper care and welfare of the animal collection
• Coordinates with internal units of the Saint Louis Zoo to ensure a safe workplace that facilitates necessary work
• Develops and oversees annual department operational and capital budgets
• Directs, coordinates, evaluates and actively engages in all aspects of field conservation programs within the WildCare Institute and other initiatives that align with the Zoo’s mission, including the management of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation
• Develops and foster partners to advance species conservation at a local, national and international level
• Interacts with other Zoo departments as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the Zoo
• Assist in donor cultivation, special events and other awareness-raising activities as needed to promote the Zoo’s growth and mission
• Serves as an ambassador for the Zoo and its programs to the community, media, external and internal partners, AZA and other outside agencies, and serves as a source of herpetological knowledge and expertise

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree (B.S., B.A. or equivalent in a relevant field) is required, with an advanced degree preferred. A minimum of five years of broad and significant herpetological management experience is required, including experience working with dangerous and venomous animals. A minimum of two years of experience managing and supervising people is preferred, and experience managing a professional team of animal keepers is highly desired. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of AZA animal care and accreditation standards, and demonstrate currency in applying modern zoological practices (including exhibitry, welfare assessments, enrichment and training programs), and knowledge of reptile and amphibian conservation and species sustainability programs. Experience preparing and managing budgets is desirable.

Candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to supervise and mentor others, as well as strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to be flexible and adaptable. High emotional intelligence and situational awareness are desirable traits for a successful leader in this role. Individual must be able to lead and manage the herpetology team while fostering and maintaining staff development, engagement and morale. Candidate must be a team player and be able to develop relationships and work well with peers, Zoo managers and individuals with a diversity of backgrounds and technical expertise across various units of the Zoo.

Individual must be willing to work weekends, some holidays and after hours as needed.

Candidates must align with the Saint Louis Zoo’s values (creativity, community, openness, integrity and life-work balance), support the operational keys (animals always, people matter and operational excellence), and support and advance diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion initiatives.

Successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test before employment by the Zoo. COVID vaccinations are required for this position.