Curator of Birds

Audubon Institute•New Orleans, LA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Curator of Birds is a senior supervisory position within the animal department and responsible for the daily operations and care, behavioral training and enrichment, exhibit and life support management, collection and exhibit planning, and conservation initiatives of the avian sections at Audubon Zoo. This position reports to the General Curator. The position is an integral husbandry and animal care resource for animal staff at the Zoo. This is a working curatorial position.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of paid animal care experience in a professional zoological facility
Previous supervisory experience in a professional zoological facility
Employee must have a considerable amount of experience in zoological animal husbandry, reproduction and display of a diversity of avian species. Experience in Phoenicopteriformes, Gruiformes, Passeriformes, Galliformes, Bucerotiformes, Psittaciformes, Pelecaniformes, Columbiformes, Struthioniformes, and Rodentia husbandry is an asset.
Experience with dangerous animals and associated safety protocols required.
Employee must have well developed behavioral training and enrichment skills and experience applying those skills working with a diversity of avian species.
Experience developing and managing interactive or guest enhancement programs.
Experience in supervision of personnel including documentation and evaluation of performance, including disciplinary action when needed, oversight of husbandry and exhibition, collection planning, staff scheduling, personnel management, development and implementation of safety and operational policies
Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and their prevention
High School diploma (or equivalent)
Professional membership within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
Employee must maintain a valid driver’s license
Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel computer programs
Experience with ZIMS, TRACKs, or similar animal records management software
The employee must also have the ability and willingness to operate power tools, etc.
Have an advanced working knowledge and understanding of the AZA Code of Ethics, AZA Standards for Accreditation and AZA Population Management guidelines. Ability to recognize deficiencies in these areas and take action to correct problems. Ensure compliance with all AZA standards of Accreditation
Have an advanced working knowledge of UDSA regulations, overseeing that proper protocols are followed to pass USDA inspections.

Nice To Haves

AZA accredited facility experience is preferred.
Exhibit design, construction, and renovation experience is preferred
Previous experience with Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs, and/or Saving Animals From Extinction programs.
A degree from a recognized college or university
College course work in zoology, biology, animal science, poultry science, or related field is preferred. A substantial amount of experience may be substituted for a degree.
First Aid/ CPR preferred

Responsibilities

The Curator supervises all staff (Keepers, Senior Keepers, Lead Keepers, and Assistant Curators) in their assigned areas.
The Curator manages and works to ensure legal compliance and husbandry best practices of the Zoo’s acquisition and transfer operations, live animal collecting operations, and new and transitional animal quarantine operations.
Provides guidance and supervision related to animal acquisitions and transfers to support the Zoo institutional collection plan.
The Curator sets goals and expectations for keepers and conducts departmental planning and the development of protocols and procedures.
Oversees the animal care operations for their assigned sections. Maintains and ensures effective and proactive communication between curatorial staff to support cohesive animal care.
The Curator works closely with the veterinary staff, members of the other animal sections and all other Audubon Nature Institute departments.
The position ensures that all records and documentations related to the animal collection and exhibit history are maintained, archived and retained according to established record retention schedules.
Oversee pest control efforts in assigned sections.
Willingness to serve on the Zoo’s hurricane team. if necessary.
Serves as Curator One (Animal Manager On Duty) on a rotational basis. Ability to serve as Incident Commander in animal emergency situations
Ability to serve on the zoo’s Weapons Team and/or facilitate the training of assigned keepers from their sections for necessary coverage.
Oversees and tracks budget needs, submitting needs to the General Curator.
Oversee, evaluate and monitor the internship program for assigned sections