Reproductive Sciences Technician

Overview

Position: Reproductive Sciences Technician
Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Wild Care Park/Forest Park/Sears Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve
Directly

Reports to:

Manager of Reproductive Sciences
Classification: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Part-Time/Medical Benefit Eligible (Temporary through August 2027)

Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for a reproductive sciences technician. This position is ideal for early career individuals as it provides an opportunity to work with multiple species and master a variety of technical skills.

This position is grant-funded with support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Reproductive Sciences Technician will work under the supervision of the Zoo’s Manager of Reproductive Sciences. The successful candidate will provide crucial support for expanding the Zoo’s biobanking efforts for conservation by assisting with the establishment of a new biobank at Wild Care Park and by conducting reproductive research studies.

While this position will work primarily at Wild Care Park, some work will occur at the zoo in Forest Park and the Sears Lehmann Jr Wildlife Reserve, a red wolf breeding center. Roughly, one third of this job will involve the collection and processing of biological samples for banking, one third will involve data management (input, organization and analysis) and a third will involve lab work and/or biobank management.

The Saint Louis Zoo has maintained a biobanking program for more than 50 years and is a recognized leader in the banking of animal samples that are critical for science and conservation. The new biobank will strategically expand the Zoo’s stored genetic material, focusing largely on ungulates living at Wild Care Park. Once established the Wild Care Park Biobank will be a repository for long-term population sustainability for wildlife populations, as well as a resource to scientists and Zoo staff for scientific studies and assisted reproduction for genetic management that may one day save ungulate species from extinction.

Wild Care Park will open in 2027 and covers 425-acres in north St. Louis County. It will serve as a unique space connecting people and animals, as well as providing an opportunity for the Zoo to expand its scientific and conservation efforts. Wild Care Park will be home to over 200 individuals, representing 16 or more ungulate species. Seventy percent of the species at Wild Care Park have wild populations that are in decline and threatened with extinction.

Six of the 16 species have active in situ recovery or reintroduction programs, while several other species have the potential for reintroduction programs in the future.

Most zoos do not maintain biobanks so this grant provides a unique opportunity to gain important hands-on professional training and experience. This position requires a dynamic, detail-oriented individual who is innovative and dedicated to advancing knowledge about animals in our care and improving population sustainability. Candidates should demonstrate a teamwork style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, and safety, and promotes the Zoo’s core values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance).

Funding for this grant-based position will last until at least August of 2027.

This position is open to recent undergraduates and graduate students. All training will be provided to the selected individual, but preference may be given to applicants with previous animal handling, data organization, and/or research experience.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences, Biological Sciences, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, or other directly relevant field required
• Completed coursework in physiology, reproduction, endocrinology and/or data science
• Computer proficient, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point
• Ability to multi-task and problem solve
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively as a contributing member of multidisciplinary teams, as well as deal courteously and effectively with our guests
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Able to maintain the confidentiality…