Zoo Keeper (Ambassadors)

Audubon Institute•New Orleans, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Zoo Keeper works in the Animal Care department at Audubon Zoo and provides technical care for a specific animal collection and its habitats. The role reports to the Assistant Curator of Ambassador Animal Programs, with general supervision from the Curator, and works with a diverse ambassador animal collection that includes reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and birds. Zookeepers perform routine animal-care duties with minimal supervision and may supervise volunteers. They initiate and participate in animal training and behavioral enrichment, and deliver daily guest-facing programming that supports animal welfare and engaging educational experiences.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to work and communicate effectively and positively with a team and volunteers.
Diverse, strong knowledge of exotic animal management principles.
Experience caring for, restraining, and handling exotic animals.
Excellent safety track record.
Strong knowledge of exhibitory techniques, such as perching.
Strong knowledge of animal training and its application.
Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.
Behavioral training and enrichment skills, with experience applying them to a diversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Strong time-management skills.
Positive attitude, accountability, ethical conduct, and respect for every team member’s contribution.
Ability to seek alternate solutions when possible.
Competency using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime, and be available based on special needs or circumstances on a 24-hour basis.
Willingness to perform pest-control duties as necessary and serve on the zoo’s hurricane Storm Rider Team.
Ability and willingness to operate power tools and lawn equipment, and ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed, such as riding lawn mowers and skid-steer loaders.
Valid Louisiana driver’s license.
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather, including heat, humidity, and heavy rain.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, or stoop; safely lift up to 100 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals; excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.
Ability to speak loudly to crowds, including moderate-to-loud crowds.
Ability to work around predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases, as well as potential hazards from heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience at an AZA-accredited zoological facility.
Degree from a recognized college or university; a substantial amount of experience may substitute for a degree.
College coursework in zoology, biology, animal science, or a related field.
First Aid/CPR certification or training.
Experience maintaining life-support systems and water quality, or willingness to learn.
Experience with ZIMS, TRACKs, or similar animal records management software.

Responsibilities

Evaluate animals’ health, diet, and behavior, and use sound judgment in emergency situations.
Clean and maintain animal habitats, grounds, and off-exhibit areas; identify and correct minor maintenance issues and report other needs to supervisors.
Perform and initiate behavior modification and enrichment programs as directed.
Observe and communicate changes in animal health or behavior, and maintain daily animal health and behavior records.
Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures.
Deliver informal and formal guest chats, demonstrations, animal encounters, paid encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours for VIPs and donors.
Keep front-of-house and back-of-house spaces organized and presentation-ready; stay informed about informal education methodologies and trends.
Assist with training personnel and, as needed, selecting, training, supervising, evaluating, and assigning volunteers.
Assist with developing new facilities and improving existing facilities as assigned.
Prepare technical reports on captive animal management and exhibition as assigned.
Capture, restrain, and move animals, sharing effective techniques with team members.
Assist veterinary and curatorial staff with assigned animal treatments.
Lead or coordinate projects involving coworkers, interns, and volunteers; perform duties across assigned department sections and follow Audubon policies and procedures.
Perform pest-control duties as necessary and serve on the zoo’s hurricane Storm Rider Team.
Operate power tools and lawn equipment and learn to operate medium and heavy equipment as needed.