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