Asian Domain Keeper

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

• At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
• We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
• We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
• We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
• At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission.
• As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

Department:  Asian Domain

• Asian Domain keepers provide all aspects of care and wellness for a diverse collection of Asian species including but not limited to Asian elephants, Amur leopards, Malayan tiger, babirusa, Malayan sun bear, small-clawed otters, barasingha, and Burmese mountain tortoises.
• Safety is paramount when working with dangerous animals and attention to detail is required.
• Keepers have complex and rigorous work requirements that require time management, creative thinking, patience, sense of humor, and dedication to the craft.
• The Asian Domain collection of animals will provide you with a wide range of experiences and provides tremendous opportunities for skills development and specialization.  

What you’ll do:

• Perform routine husbandry- feed prescribed diets, monitor and report diet consumption, observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned animal specimens to immediate supervisor daily.
• Assist hospital staff with health monitoring and assessment.
• Clean, sanitize, and prepare animal housing areas as directed.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for assigned areas.  
• Continuous learning.
• Develop professional skills and knowledge in areas such as animal care, enrichment, conservation, genetics, safety, training, animal introduction and reproduction
• Participate in welfare assessments.
• Work with Curators, Assistant Curators and other keepers to seek ways to improve the wellbeing of animals in your care. 
• Develop basic knowledge and experience with modern husbandry techniques, professional best practices, and in accreditation standards set forth by AZA and USDA.
• Develop strong communication skills, including active listening, giving and receiving feedback and thoughtful dialogue.  
• Perform approved Behavioral Enrichment activities and create new enrichment based on the needs of the animal(s).
• Develop and utilize operant conditioning techniques to increase the quality of life of the collection. 
• Promote and nurture a positive work environment and team morale.
• Identify and report minor or routine maintenance problems in a timely manner. 
• Perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to, trash and debris removal, mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, floor cleaning, painting, minor section repairs, etc. 
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including proper uniform standards.
• Performs Keeper Chats, VIP/BTS Tours, and Wild Encounters as required. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Curators, Assistant Curator, or designated section leadership.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

What we are looking for:

Must Have: 

• Minimum high school diploma 
• Current driver’s license
• Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong work ethic

Nice to haves:

• Preferred college degree in biology or a related science or equivalent practical experience.  
• Previous paid experience in the care of exotic wildlife
• Knowledge of modern husbandry practices, animal welfare standards, behavioral enrichment, training, specific knowledge of relevant taxa
• Knowledge of operant conditioning
• Previous experience operating a skid steer, truck, forklift, backhoe, etc. 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Fun attitude
• Emotional intelligence
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, pressure washers, and chainsaws.
• Experience with capture and restraint of exotic wildlife
• Previous firearms experience

Physical Requirements: 

• Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting. 
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly. 
• Regularly climbing ladders and operating heavy machinery. 
• Sustained manual dexterity and coordination. 
• Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks. 
• Primarily outdoor environments and all types of weather conditions. 
• Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises. 
• Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment
• Periodic exposure to zoonotic diseases
• Working closely with dangerous and potentially dangerous animals
• Must be able to see, hear, and speak