Temporary Africa Keeper

Audubon Institute•New Orleans, LA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA is seeking a dynamic, outgoing, and dedicated temporary keeper to join our Africa team starting in May and lasting through the summer. This specific role will care primarily for large African hoofstock, including giraffe, white rhino, yellow-backed duiker, red river hog, and various antelope species. Support at times may be needed for our carnivore section of lions, painted dogs, and maned wolves, though this is not the focus of this position. With the variety of large mammal species cared for by this team, a proven safety record with dangerous animals is required. The ideal candidate will have a strong and diverse background with operant conditioning, behavioral enrichment, and husbandry methods. In addition to zoo experience, the candidate will bring a genuine and fun attitude, adaptability, excellent public speaking skills, critical thinking skills and a willingness to be collaborative with team members to achieve interdepartmental goals. Particularly important for this position is someone with good time management and effective communication skills to be able to balance the needs of multiple areas.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma
Current driver’s license
Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Strong work ethic

Nice To Haves

Preferred college degree in biology or a related science or equivalent practical experience.
Previous experience in the care of exotic wildlife
Knowledge of modern husbandry practices, animal welfare standards, behavioral enrichment, training, specific knowledge of relevant taxa
Knowledge of operant conditioning
Previous experience operating a skid steer, truck, forklift, backhoe, etc.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Fun attitude
Emotional intelligence
Experience with hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, pressure washers, and chainsaws.
Experience with capture and restraint of exotic wildlife
Previous firearms experience

Responsibilities

Perform routine husbandry- feed prescribed diets, monitor and report diet consumption, observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned animal specimens to immediate supervisor daily.
Assist hospital staff with health monitoring and assessment.
Clean, sanitize, and prepare animal housing areas as directed.
Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for assigned areas.
Continuous learning. Develop professional skills and knowledge in areas such as animal care, enrichment, conservation, genetics, safety, training, animal introduction and reproduction
Participate in welfare assessments. Work with Curators, Assistant Curators and other keepers to seek ways to improve the wellbeing of animals in your care.
Develop basic knowledge and experience with modern husbandry techniques, professional best practices, and in accreditation standards set forth by AZA and USDA.
Develop strong communication skills, including active listening, giving and receiving feedback and thoughtful dialogue.
Perform approved Behavioral Enrichment activities and create new enrichment based on the needs of the animal(s).
Develop and utilize operant conditioning techniques to increase the quality of life of the collection.
Promote and nurture a positive work environment and team morale.
Identify and report minor or routine maintenance problems in a timely manner.
Perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to, trash and debris removal, mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, floor cleaning, painting, minor section repairs, etc.
Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including proper uniform standards.
Performs Keeper Chats, VIP/BTS Tours, and Wild Encounters as required.
Perform all other duties as assigned by Curators, Assistant Curator, or designated section leadership.