Audubon Zoo · Louisiana · posted today
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.
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