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Position Title: Keeper Aquarist - AAC

Department: Husbandry

Reports To: Assistant Curator of Aquatic Center

Location: Audubon Aquatic Center (AAC)

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, 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

The Audubon Aquarium is looking for a motivated individual to add to the team at the Audubon Aquatic Center (AAC), the quarantine facility for the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium and home to the Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) program. The Keeper Aquarist is a mid to high-level position within the aquarist range. Demonstrated knowledge and experience will determine placement within the Keeper level. This position is responsible for all aspects of running the AAC, including general husbandry care of a wide range of taxa, exhibit maintenance, daily water quality testing and dosing systems according to veterinary established quarantine protocols, life support maintenance and repair of all systems. Partners with AAR to support rehabilitation efforts by maintaining all rehab enclosures within proper life support and water quality parameters to meet all USWFS and NOAA regulations governing rehab animals. Completes building maintenance projects as needed.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Provides a high standard of animal care.  Experienced with professional animal care and wellbeing standards.  Prioritizes preventative care and excellence in animal welfare.  

• Upkeep and preventative maintenance of LSS, including sand filter stirring, small- medium sized plumbing projects, backwashes of small and large sand filters. Responsible for all aspects of exhibit maintenance. Accomplishes daily tasks within acceptable/ established timeframe. Proposes advancements and efficiencies.

• Serves as the water quality testing personnel and as life support staff for the AAC.

• Responsible for carrying out veterinary prescribed quarantine plans. This includes chemical dosing, oral medications, altered water quality parameters, detailed monitoring of health and behavior in response to treatment, and input of all treatment records into ZIMS. Works with veterinary staff to schedule and administer preventative care and responsive animal health care procedures.

• Serves as assistance to AAR staff for animal procedures as needed. Responsible for effective communication with AAR staff on the life support functionality and water quality parameters of rehab enclosures.

• Responsible for upholding all biosecurity protocols based on quarantine acquisitions and rescued animals residing at the AAC.

• Uses training (operant conditioning) and enrichment to accomplish behavior and wellbeing goals.  Develops and evaluates animal enrichment based on behavioral goals.   Identifies areas where training and enrichment can be used to optimize husbandry practices, reduce stress and improve welfare.    

• Follows direction and acts in accordance with all established protocols and procedures. Compliance with all AZA and USDA standards.  Assists in recognizing areas where written protocols need to be created or advanced in pursuit of compliance, welfare and consistency in care. Compliance with all USWFS and NOAA guidelines for animal in the AAR collection.

• Monitors exhibit functionality, air and water parameters, identifying and communicating anomalies/concerns promptly. 

• Accurate recordkeeping for short- and long-term monitoring of health, behavior, tracking trends and advancing animal practices. 

• Completes professional development as assigned.

• Assists with tours and able to represent Audubon Nature Institute with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts.

• Possesses strong communication skills, including listening and thoughtful dialogue.  Assumes the role as communicator for the section when needed.  

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:

• Minimum of two years of paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility OR demonstrated and confirmed skill set.  An AZA accredited public facility is preferred. 

• Familiarity with executing quarantine protocols and administering treatments.

• Understanding/ experience with care of aquatic LSS systems and water chemistry in a professional setting with demonstrated success. 

• Familiarity with using professional animal recordkeeping software, ZIMS preferred. 

• High School diploma (or equivalent) and a degree from a recognized college or university are required. College course work in zoology, biology, animal science or related field is preferred.

• Accurate oral and written communication skills.

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license

• Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel computer programs is required.

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices to facilitate effective communication.

• Have a general understanding of the use of basic power tools. Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc.

Nice-to-Haves:

• SCUBA certification strongly preferred.

• First Aid/ CPR preferred

• Basic carpentry, plumbing and horticultural skills are considered an asset.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping and per OSHA regulations: Heavy work involving lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to swim.

• Aquarist must maintain regular attendance in compliance with Audubon standards, as required by scheduling which may vary according to the needs of the organization.

• Working long hours between breaks or meals required.

• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.

• Ability to work around and handle raw seafood, including shellfish.

• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.

• Exposure to extreme fluctuations in temperatures is required.

• Willingness to work outdoors, lift heavy objects, and risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.

• Willingness to serve on the Aquarium’s Hurricane Team if required.