Curator of Birds and Mammals

Audubon Nature Institute • New Orleans, LA

366d

About The Position

Curator of Birds and Mammals is an upper-level, supervisory and curatorial position responsible for the daily operations, care, behavioral training and enrichment, exhibit and life support management, collection and exhibit planning, and conservation of the bird and mammal collection at Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium. The Curator supervises the keepers and assists the Director of Husbandry and other curatorial staff in managing the animals and personnel of the entire Husbandry Department. Works closely with the Director of Husbandry and veterinarians to refine and further husbandry practices in the pursuit of excellence in ethics, animal welfare and conservation initiatives. The Curator sets goals and expectations for keepers and leads departmental planning and the development of protocols and procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum of six years of experience in a zoological facility or public aquarium.
• Paid experience in a zoological facility is required, supervisory experience preferred.
• Considerable experience in the captive husbandry, reproduction and display of a diversity of avian and mammal species.
• Well developed avian and mammal behavioral training and enrichment skills.
• Experience developing and managing free flight programs or bird related interactive or guest enhancement programs is considered an asset.
• Experience in supervision of personnel including documentation and evaluation of performance.
• Plumbing, construction and exhibit renovation experience required.
• Demonstration of leadership, strong people skills, and strong communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of project management, development and execution.
• Good knowledge of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with aquatic system life support operation and design.
• Basic carpentry, plumbing and horticultural skills are considered an asset.
• SCUBA certification preferred.
• First Aid/ CPR preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality.
• Approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Maintain the highest standards related to the day-to-day operations of the Husbandry Department.
• Work evening, weekend, holiday hours - required.
• Return telephone messages and e-mails in a timely fashion.
• Handle problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
• Identify and correct minor or routine maintenance problems in a timely manner and report other maintenance needs.
• Interact positively with the public and co-workers.
• Make decisions consistent with Audubon Nature Institute policies and procedures.
• Assist with daily duties in all sections as required.
• Perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to, trash and debris removal, floor cleaning, painting, building repair, horticultural duties, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective, efficient and cooperative relationships with employees, senior administration, vendors and customers.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including proper uniform standards.
• Comply at all times with Audubon Nature Institute standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.
• Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation.
• Participate in AZA programs.
• Educate our diverse audience about the natural world.
• Conduct behind-the-scenes tours for VIP's, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.
• Exhibit the diversity of wildlife.
• Mentor keepers with the development of exhibit improvements, training and enrichment proposals.
• Plan, supervise and encourage viable breeding, husbandry and conservation programs for species within the collection.
• Partner with veterinarian and curatorial staff with recognizing animal health concerns and ensuring treatment is carried out as prescribed.
• Plan and supervise the acquisition of new specimens in accordance with AZA animal management and welfare guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with curatorial staff and other departments to develop large gallery projects/ renovations.
• Lead regular sub-department meetings to develop goals, evaluate progress and facilitate open communication among staff.
• Promote accurate and up to date recordkeeping within the team.
• Work individually with keepers to develop personal goals and give regular feedback on performance.
• Identify and provide direction to correct exhibit maintenance issues.
• Instruct new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures.
• Supervise the training, evaluation and assignment of Husbandry volunteers in keeper areas.
• Oversee and track budget needs, submitting needs to Director of Husbandry.

Benefits

• Professional membership within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) is required.
• Employee must maintain a valid driver's license.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree