Zookeeper/Senior Zookeeper

Position Title: Zookeeper/Senior Zookeeper

Department: Birds

Reports To: Assistant Curator of Birds

Location: Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo’s Bird Department is growing and currently seeking an enthusiastic individual to join its team as a bird keeper. The department cares for a diverse collection of more than 200 birds representing 56 species and multiple SSP programs.

Reporting to the department’s assistant curator, bird keepers will be responsible for providing daily husbandry and ensuring the health and welfare of all animals under their care, as well as maintaining excellent condition of their assigned exhibits and workspaces and participating in all departmental projects and activities as needed. Ideal candidates will have prior aviculture experience, familiarity with the natural history and behavior of birds, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment. 

Essential Duties

•    Perform daily husbandry for a large and diverse collection of birds

•    Utilize evidence-based husbandry practices to ensure optimal health and welfare of assigned animals

•    Maintain exhibits, service areas, husbandry equipment, tools and life support systems

•    Closely monitor and document animal behavior, health and welfare, reporting irregularities to supervisor immediately

•    Maintain detailed and accurate records

•    Work closely and cohesively with other members of the bird team and other zoo departments

•    Assist veterinary staff with medical exams, procedures and treatments

•    Develop and provide goal-based enrichment to promote natural behaviors and optimum welfare

•    Develop and provide operant conditioning for husbandry and medical management purposes

•    Maintain live feeder insect colonies

•    Engage visitors through scheduled keeper chats, casual interactions, and media appearances

•    Provide supervision, guidance and support to interns and volunteers

•    Participate in open departmental discussions and meetings

•    Serve on the zoo’s emergency storm rider team

•    Participate in safety drills and training programs

•    Represent Audubon Zoo and its bird department on in-house zoo committees and task forces as requested

•    Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences preferred

•    Minimum of 1 year paid professional experience working with birds in a zoological park or related institution preferred

•    Must have a current driver’s license

Desired Skills, Qualities and Competencies

•    Demonstrated experience and familiarity with aviculture practices and avian behavior and natural history 

•    A clear understanding of the role of bird departments in zoos and wildlife conservation

•    Open-mindedness, and a willingness to consider new ideas, practices and perspectives

•    A desire to learn

•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills

•    Excellent time management skills

•    Excellent observational skills and demonstrated attention to detail

•    Excellent record keeping skills 

•    Previous avicultural experience with egg incubation and hand-rearing a plus

•    Prior ZIMS experience a plus

•    Demonstrated technical skills such as carpentry, exhibit construction and plant care a plus

Physical Demands

•    Ability to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds

•    Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop

•    Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a typical New Orleans climate and under field conditions (heat, humidity, plant allergens, spiny plants, insects, etc.)

•    Ability to pass a drug test, TB test, and pre-employment background check

•    Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed