Endangered Turtle Field Technician - Part time​/Temporary

Overview

Location: Clark County, Missouri

Directly

Reports to:

Zoological Manager of Herpetology and Curator of Herpetology & Aquatics

Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Position Type: Part time/Temporary

Hourly Rate: 19/hr.

Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo is hiring two technicians to work alongside staff from the Zoo and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on field work surveying for endangered turtle species in Clark County, Missouri.

• The technicians will assist with field surveys, data collection, and data processing under the supervision of the Zoo’s Zoological Manager of Herpetology and guidance from the MDC. Lodging and a field vehicle will be provided during the work week for the duration of the position.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related field is preferred, though students actively pursuing a degree are encouraged to apply.
• Strong attention to detail, self-motivation, and enthusiasm.
• Ability to work independently when necessary.
• Comfortable collaborating with multiple institutions and stakeholders (e.g., Saint Louis Zoo, MDC).
• Experience with turtle trapping and trap monitoring is preferred but not required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Comfortable operating 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
• 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.
• Proficient using Outlook, Excel, and experience maintaining records and preparing reports is necessary.

• Physically capable of walking several miles a day.
• Ability to work in harsh field conditions, including heat, humidity, and water.

• Follow directions and adhere to established safety guidelines and protocols for handling threatened species.
• Maintain accurate records, including timecards, emails, field notes, data, and expenses.
• Work primarily in northern Missouri (Clark County), occasionally at the Zoo for training and administrative tasks.
• Drive field vehicles between the Zoo and field sites at the start and end of each work week.

• Stay overnight in provided lodging near the field sites during the work week.
• Position runs from March 2026 through July 2026 or until funding is exhausted.
• Work up to 40 hours per week.

The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife.