Zoo Keeper (Ambassadors)

Audubon Institute; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon Nature Institute seeks a Zoo Keeper for the Ambassador Animal Programs at Audubon Zoo. The person will provide daily care for a diverse range of species, delivering engaging guest interactions while maintaining high welfare standards under supervision.

Reporting to the Assistant Curator, you will assist with training volunteers, supervise interns, and help in developing new habitats. A strong safety record and enthusiasm for conservation are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with volunteers.
• Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of exotic animal management.
• Experience in the care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.
• Excellent safety track record.
• Knowledge of exhibitory techniques such as perching.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Monitor animal health, diet, and behavior; respond to emergencies.
• Clean and maintain animal habitats and grounds.
• Maintain records of health and behavior.
• Prepare and follow prescribed diets.
• Deliver guest-facing programs and animal encounters.
• Assist in training staff and volunteers.
• Develop and improve facilities as assigned.
• Compose technical reports on captive animal management.
• Assist veterinary staff as needed.

Skills

Exotic animal management

Animal care & handling

Safety awareness

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

AZA accredited facility experience (nice-to-have)

Tools

ZIMS / TRACKs

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Position Title: Zoo Keeper

Department: Animal Care

Reports To: Assistant Curator of Ambassador Animal Programs

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Position Type: Full time

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park,Audubon Zoo,Audubon Aquarium,Audubon Insectarium,Audubon Louisiana Nature Center,Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center,Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species,Woldenberg Riverfront Park, andAudubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do (Summary of role)

This position is a Zookeeper at Audubon Zoo. This position will encompass a skilled professional that provides technical work in the daily care of specific animals and habitats. Reporting directly to the Assistant Curator of an assigned area, and under the general supervision of the Curator. Zookeepers perform routine zookeeper duties; work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions; may supervisor volunteer staff; initiate and participate in training and behavioral enrichment. This position works directly with the Ambassador Animal collection which includes a wide variety of species including reptiles, invertebrates, mammals and birds. Ambassador Zookeepers are also responsible for delivering daily guest facing programming to ensure a high level of welfare for the animals as well as support engaging and innovative programming.

Day to Day Responsibilities (Limit to most important/top 10 duties if possible)

Exercise sound judgment to evaluate each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any emergency situations that arise.

Daily cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats and grounds in the section.

• Maintaining off-exhibit areas in a clean and organized manner.
• Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).

Performs and initiates behavior modifications and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor and team(s).

Observes general animal health and behavior daily and communicates any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s) and teammates.

Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated areas as directed.

Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).

Participates in behind-the-scenes tours for VIPs and donors as well as providing guest paid encounters with the animals in your care.

Delivers daily opportunities for guests to engage with our ambassador animals through informal and formal chats and demonstrations, animal encounters and more.

• Actively seeking up-to-date information on informal education methodologies and trends
• Maintaining both front of house and back of house spaces to be organized/camera ready.
• Assists in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures.

May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.

Will assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).

Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).

Participates in capturing, restraining, and moving animals and shares effective techniques with other team members.

Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed.

• Make decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures as required.
• Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required.
• Takes initiative by leading co-workers, interns, and volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.
• Takes personal responsibility for their surroundings.

Maintaining both front of house and back of house spaces to be organized/camera ready

Additional/Overall Skills:

Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves: (required for the role)

Ability to work and communicate effectively and positively in a team and with volunteers.

Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of exotic animal management.

Experience in the care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.

Excellent safety track record.

Strong knowledge of exhibitory techniques, such as perching.

Strong knowledge of animal training and application.

Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.

Behavioral training and enrichment skills and experience applying those skills working with a diversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Strong skills in time management.

A positive attitude and accountability for your actions.

Values the contribution of every team member.

Looks to provide alternate solutions whenever possible.

Displays actions that are moral and ethical.

Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel computer programs

Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.

Willingness to perform pest control duties as necessary.

Willingness to serve on the zoo’s hurricane Storm Rider Team.

Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment etc.

Ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed, such as riding lawn mowers and skid-steer loaders

Must maintain a valid Louisiana drivers license

Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)

AZA accredited zoological facility experience is preferred.

A degree from a recognized college or university

College courses in zoology, biology, animal science, or related field is preferred.

A substantial amount of experience may be substituted for a degree

First Aid/ CPR preferred.

Experience maintaining or willingness to learn life support systems and water quality

Experience with ZIMS, TRACKs, or similar animal records management software

Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)

Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and heavy rain.

Sitting, standing, bending, or stooping, per OSHA regulations

Heavy work involves safely lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animal and zoonotic diseases.

Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.

Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals to determine changes in animals’ stress level or general wellbeing. Must have excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.

Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations including moderate to loud crowds.