Carnivores & Hoofstock Lead Keeper

Position Title: Carnivores & Hoofstock Lead Keeper

Department: Large Mammals

Reports To: Curator of Carnivores & Hoofstock

Location: Audubon Zoo

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, 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.

What You’ll Do 

Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA is seeking a dynamic, outgoing, and dedicated keeper to join our team in a leadership capacity.  Our collection of nearly 20 species carnivore and hoofstock species includes painted dogs, lion, tiger, and sun bear within our carnivore team and giraffe, white rhino, babirusa, and Speke’s gazelle within our hoofstock team. With the variety of large mammal species cared for by keepers in this department, 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. 

This lead keeper position is intended to grow a keeper’s leadership and management capabilities by largely operating the day-to-day operations of the sections.  Direct animal care tasks will need to be balanced with assigned administrative tasks to keep the entire department moving forward.  This will include collaborative activities with other lead keepers or staff outside of the animal department to accomplish departmental goals.  Strong time management and interpersonal skills are a must for this role.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

•    Responsible for all aspects of the Keeper & Senior Keeper Job descriptions.

•    Will be responsible for leading the animal management side of medical procedures.

•    Use your experience to work with Curator to improve section SOP’s to increase efficiency, safety, improve animal wellbeing, and promote the highest quality of guest experience.

•    Complete knowledge and ability to execute responsibilities in the event of an animal escape or emergency. Able to direct less experienced staff to perform as needed.

•    Continuous learning. In addition to developing your own professional skills, you work with department leaders to develop keepers, interns, and volunteers.

•    Take lead in executing welfare assessments while developing the less experienced staff in the area. Work with Curators and other keepers to seek ways to improve the wellbeing of animals in your care. 

•    Well versed in AZA accreditation process, AZA requirements and any USDA requirements applicable to the section.

•    Demonstrate sound judgement that aligns with Audubon's mission, goals and procedures 

•    Must model strong communication skills, including active listening, giving and receiving feedback and thoughtful dialogue.  Must maintain confidentiality of information. 

•    Able to develop and lead Behavioral Enrichment activities and create new enrichment based on the needs of the animal(s). 

•    Utilize strong operant conditioning techniques to increase the quality of life of the collection. Help less experienced staff develop their skills.

•    Promote, model, and nurture a positive work environment and team morale.

•    Able to communicate and coordinate with other sections as needed especially Hospital staff, Facilities and Maintenance, Development, and Learning and Engagement. 

•    Highly proficient at developing and delivering Keeper Chats, VIP/BTS Tours, and Wild Encounters as required. 

•    Demonstrate high emotional intelligence to create collaborative and solution based outcomes.

•    Able to run day-to-day operations of the section in the absence of Curator and Assistant Curator. Know where to get assistance if needed. 

•    May serve as IR for an SSP or TAG or other AZA programs and initiatives

•    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.

•    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)

•    Minimum high school diploma, preferred college degree in biology or a related science or equivalent practical experience. 

•    7 years of paid professional experience in a zoological facility

•    Current driver’s license

•    Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

•    Strong work ethic

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

•    Knowledge of modern husbandry practices, animal welfare standards, behavioral enrichment, training, specific knowledge of relevant taxa

•    Extensive 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: (Add per list provided based on role type)

•    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