Keeper Entomologist

Audubon Institute • New Orleans, LA

157d • Onsite

About The Position

Audubon Nature Institute is seeking a passionate Keeper Entomologist to provide animal care for Audubon’s living collection at the Insectarium or Insect Rearing Facility (IRF). This role also involves educating the public about the Insectarium's animals and exhibits, both on the museum floor and occasionally off-site. Audubon Nature Institute is a dedicated team committed to celebrating, protecting, and connecting people with nature, guided by a culture code that emphasizes Activating Impact, Empowering Optimism, Creating Connection, embodying Le Bon Temps, and being Leaders of the Pack.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with the care of invertebrates with demonstrated success.
• Understanding of the principles of entomology.
• Understanding of natural history, anatomy, behavior, and environmental parameters of invertebrates.
• Ability to identify and recognize health concerns with invertebrates.
• Possessing a strong passion for arthropods and demonstrating this daily.
• Understanding of basic professional animal care and welfare standards.
• Ability to follow directions and act in accordance with all established protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to facilitate daily animal care and excellence in welfare.
• Good decision-making skills with regard to human and animal safety.
• Ability to accomplish daily tasks within an acceptable/established timeframe.
• Ability to follow simple recipes (with insects as an ingredient).
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from work duty locations.

Nice To Haves

• A degree from a recognized college or university.
• A minimum of one year of paid (or unpaid) experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility.
• Demonstrated and confirmed skill set via other methods.
• College coursework in entomology, invertebrate zoology, biology, animal behavior, animal science, or related fields.
• Experience working at a recognized insect museum, butterfly house, zoo, or aquarium.
• Cooking experience.
• ZIMS or other AZA record-keeping experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide animal care and exhibit maintenance, including feeding, capturing and moving animals, enclosure setup, breakdown and cleaning, trash and debris removal, minor construction projects, filter maintenance, and providing enrichment items.
• Perform facility maintenance in animal care areas, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing containers, trash and debris removal, minor construction projects, supply stocking, and cleaning and upkeep.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with ZIMS.
• Conduct daily live animal presentations to educate visitors about the animal collection, conservation initiatives, the interconnectedness of nature, and the roles of arthropods in global ecosystems. These interactions may occur on and off grounds.
• Function as an interpreter and represent Audubon Nature Institute as a spokesperson.
• Ensure compliance with all AZA and USDA standards regarding the containment of invertebrate collections.
• Identify and correct minor or routine maintenance problems promptly, and report larger maintenance needs to management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees