Zookeeper – River’s Edge & Nocturnal Swing Ke

Position Title: Zookeeper – River’s Edge & Nocturnal Swing Keeper

Department: Louisiana Swamp Exhibit & Jaguar Jungle

Reports To: Assistant Curator of section

Location: Audubon Zoo    

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Full-time

Who We Are 

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.