Zookeeper – River’s Edge & Nocturnal Swing 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.

What You’ll Do 

• This zookeeper position reports directly to the section Assistant Curator and under the general supervision of the Curator of the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit and Jaguar Jungle.
• Zookeepers perform routine animal care duties and work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions, including but not limited to cleaning habitats, training, behavioral enrichment, enhancing animal welfare, habitat maintenance, and providing excellent guest experiences.
• This position provides an unique opportunity to work across sections with a focus on Central and South American species that includes the species in our new River’s Edge exhibit:
• Baird’s Tapir, Capybara, Giant Antearter, Guanaco, and Black-handed Spider Monkeys and the species living in our Nocturnal House:
• Seba’s Short-tailed Bats, Alpaca, small mammals (such as Night Owl Monkeys, Screaming Hairy Armadillos, arboreal Porcupine species, chinchilla, Two-toed Sloth), reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
• This position will be scheduled to work in either area based on the need for coverage and requires a high degree of organization, flexibility, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. This position may have the ability to cross-train in the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit and Jaguar Jungle to provide additional coverage where needed.
• The preferred candidate needs excellent time management and organizational skills, and a strong attention to detail.
• A background in varied taxa is strongly desired.
• The ability to work with and around dangerous animals, including carnivores and alligators, is required.
• A proven safety record is a must.
• A love for Louisiana and the culture is a must!
• This position can be offered at a Senior Keeper level with 6 years of relevant experience.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

• Exercise sound judgment to evaluate each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any emergency situations that arise.
• Daily cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats and grounds in the section.
• Maintaining off-exhibit areas in a clean and organized manner.
• Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).
• Performs and initiates behavior modifications and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor and team(s).
• Observes general animal health and behavior daily and communicates any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s) and teammates.
• Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated areas as directed.
• Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).
• Participates in scheduled shows/chats/feeds for our guests and conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIPs and donors as well as providing guest paid encounters with the animals in your care.
• Assists in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures.
• May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.
• Will assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Participates in capturing, restraining, and moving animals and shares effective techniques with other team members.
• Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed.
• Make decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures as required.
• Performs daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required.
• Takes initiative by leading co-workers, interns, and volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.
• Takes personal responsibility for their surroundings.

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.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis.
• They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
• What We’re Looking For

Must Haves: 

• High School diploma (or equivalent)
• Ability to work and communicate effectively and positively in a team and with volunteers.
• Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of exotic animal management.
• Experience in the care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.
• Excellent safety track record.
• Strong knowledge of exhibitory techniques, such as perching.
• Strong knowledge of animal training and application.
• Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.
• Behavioral training and enrichment skills and experience applying those skills working with a diversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
• Strong skills in time management.
• A positive attitude and accountability for your actions.
• Values the contribution of every team member.
• Looks to provide alternate solutions whenever possible.
• Displays actions that are moral and ethical.
• Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel computer programs
• Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.
• Willingness to perform pest control duties as necessary.
• Willingness to serve on the zoo’s hurricane Storm Rider Team.
• Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment etc.
• Ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed, such as riding lawn mowers and skid-steer loaders
• Must be comfortable working in and around large bodies of water and operating non-motorized boats.
• Must maintain a valid Louisiana drivers license.
• Current TB test
• Curent Tetnus shot
• COVID-19 vaccine series is required to work with Covid suceptible species.

Nice-to-Haves: 

• AZA accredited zoological facility experience is preferred.
• A degree from a recognized college or university
• College courses in zoology, biology, animal science, or related field is preferred. 
• A substantial amount of experience may be substituted for a degree
• First Aid/ CPR preferred.
• Experience working with or willingness to work with or around venomous snakes.
• Experience maintaining or willingness to learn life support systems and water quality.
• Experience with ZIMS, TRACKs, or similar animal records management software
• Current rabies vaccinations as required by department (Audubon Institute to cover if hired)

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and heavy rain.
• Sitting, standing, bending, or stooping, per OSHA regulations
• Heavy work involves safely lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animal and zoonotic diseases. 
• Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.
• Ability to work in a nocturnal setting.