Zoo Keeper (Asian Domain)

Careers Homepage; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans seeks a dedicated Keeper to provide care for a diverse collection of Asian species including elephants and tigers. Responsibilities include performing routine husbandry, cleaning animal habitats, and assisting with health assessments while promoting a positive work environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and be adaptable, with a minimum high school diploma and willingness to work flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Current driver’s license required.
• Willingness to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Preferred experience in care of exotic wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine husbandry including feeding and health monitoring.
• Clean and prepare animal housing areas.
• Assist with medical care and welfare assessments.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Minimum high school diploma

Preferred college degree in biology or a related science

Tools

Heavy machinery

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Facility Zoo

Position Title: Keeper

Reports to: Assistant Curator

Position Type: Full‑time

Department: Asian Domain

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, and Audubon 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.

Asian Domain Keepers

Asian Domain keepers provide all aspects of care and wellness for a diverse collection of Asian species including but not limited to Asian elephants, Amur leopards, Malayan tiger, babirusa, Malayan sun bear, small‑clawed otters, barasingha, and Burmese mountain tortoises. Safety is paramount when working with dangerous animals and attention to detail is required. Keepers have complex and rigorous work requirements that require time management, creative thinking, patience, sense of humor, and dedication to the craft. The Asian Domain collection of animals will provide you with a wide range of experiences and provides tremendous opportunities for skills development and specialization.

What you’ll do

• 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.

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.

What we are looking for

Must Have

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

Nice to Have

• Preferred college degree in biology or a related science or equivalent practical experience.
• Previous paid 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

Physical Requirements

• Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly.
• Regularly climbing ladders and operating heavy machinery.
• Sustained manual dexterity and coordination.
• Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks.
• Primarily outdoor environments and all types of weather conditions.
• Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises.
• Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.
• Periodic exposure to zoonotic diseases.
• Working closely with dangerous and potentially dangerous animals.
• Must be able to see, hear, and speak.