Internship Animal Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Curator of Birds

Department: Animal

Reports To: General Curator

Location: Audubon Zoo

FLSA Status: 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 Curator of Birds is a senior supervisory position within the animal department and responsible for the daily operations and care, behavioral training and enrichment, exhibit and life support management, collection and exhibit planning, and conservation initiatives of the avian sections at Audubon Zoo. This position reports to the General Curator. The position is an integral husbandry and animal care resource for animal staff at the Zoo. This is a working curatorial position. 

Day to Day Responsibilities 

•     The Curator supervises all staff (Keepers, Senior Keepers, Lead Keepers, and Assistant Curators) in their assigned areas.

•     The Curator manages and works to ensure legal compliance and husbandry best practices of the Zoo’s acquisition and transfer operations, live animal collecting operations, and new and transitional animal quarantine operations. 

•    Provides guidance and supervision related to animal acquisitions and transfers to support the Zoo institutional collection plan.  

•     The Curator sets goals and expectations for keepers and conducts departmental planning and the development of protocols and procedures. 

•     Oversees the animal care operations for their assigned sections. Maintains and ensures effective and proactive communication between curatorial staff to support cohesive animal care.

•    The Curator works closely with the veterinary staff, members of the other animal sections and all other Audubon Nature Institute departments.

•     The position ensures that all records and documentations related to the animal collection and exhibit history are maintained, archived and retained according to established record retention schedules.

•     Oversee pest control efforts in assigned sections.

•     Willingness to serve on the Zoo’s hurricane team. if necessary.

•    Serves as Curator One (Animal Manager On Duty) on a rotational basis. Ability to serve as Incident Commander in animal emergency situations

•    Ability to serve on the zoo’s Weapons Team and/or facilitate the training of assigned keepers from their sections for necessary coverage.

•    Oversees and tracks budget needs, submitting needs to the General Curator.

•    Oversee, evaluate and monitor the internship program for assigned sections

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 10 years of paid animal care experience in a professional zoological facility 

•    Previous supervisory experience in a professional zoological facility 

•    Employee must have a considerable amount of experience in zoological animal husbandry, reproduction and display of a diversity of avian species. Experience in Phoenicopteriformes, Gruiformes, Passeriformes, Galliformes, Bucerotiformes, Psittaciformes, Pelecaniformes, Columbiformes, Struthioniformes, and Rodentia husbandry is an asset. 

•    Experience with dangerous animals and associated safety protocols required. 

•    Employee must have well developed behavioral training and enrichment skills and experience applying those skills working with a diversity of avian species.  

•    Experience developing and managing interactive or guest enhancement programs.

•    Experience in supervision of personnel including documentation and evaluation of performance, including disciplinary action when needed, oversight of husbandry and exhibition, collection planning, staff scheduling, personnel management, development and implementation of safety and operational policies

•    Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and their prevention

•    High School diploma (or equivalent)

•    Professional membership within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)

•    Employee must maintain a valid driver’s license

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

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

•    The employee must also have the ability and willingness to operate power tools, etc.

•    Have an advanced working knowledge and understanding of the AZA Code of Ethics, AZA Standards for Accreditation and AZA Population Management guidelines. Ability to recognize deficiencies in these areas and take action to correct problems. Ensure compliance with all AZA standards of Accreditation

•    Have an advanced working knowledge of UDSA regulations, overseeing that proper protocols are followed to pass USDA inspections.

Nice-to-Haves: 

•     AZA accredited facility experience is preferred.

•    Exhibit design, construction, and renovation experience is preferred

•    Previous experience with Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs, and/or Saving Animals From Extinction programs. 

•    A degree from a recognized college or university 

•    College course work in zoology, biology, animal science, poultry science, or related field is preferred.  A substantial amount of experience may be substituted for a degree.

•     First Aid/ CPR preferred

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.

•    May include indoor and outdoor work environments

•    Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises.

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