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Position Title: Zookeeper - Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle

Department: Animal

Reports To: Assistant Curator of Section

Location: Audubon zoo

General Summary:

Reporting directly to the Assistant Curator of an assigned area, and under the general supervision of the Curator. Zookeepers perform routine zookeeper duties; work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions includes training and behavioral enrichment.

This position is primarily focused on Central and South American species that include Seba Bats, small mammals, alpaca, reptile, amphibians and insects. This position will have the opportunity to cross-train in the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle in order to provide additional coverage if needed. The preferred candidate will have excellent time management skills, organization skills and attention to detail. A background in varied taxa husband is strongly desired. The ability to work with and around dangerous animals, including carnivores and alligators is required. A proven safety record is a must. A love for Louisiana and its culture is a must! This position offers the opportunity to develop and grow in animal training and welfare, with access to webinars and consultations. This position can be offered at a Senior Keeper level with 6 years of relevant experience!

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Zookeeper will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality.

• A strong willingness to engage our guests about the Audubon Zoo’s mission statement. Looks to have genuine conversations about the animals under your care, conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate any emergency situations that arise with our guests.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience.

• Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.

• Participates in shows/chats/feeds for our guests on a daily basis.

• Conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIP’s, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.

• Ability to provide guest paid BTS encounters with the animals under your care.

• Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation.

• Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).

• Performs and initiates behavior modification and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor and team(s).

• Observes general animal health and behavior on a daily basis and reports any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s).

• Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated area as directed.

• Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).

• Will assist in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures.

• Will value the contribution of every team member.

• May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.

• Will assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).

• Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).

• Participates in capturing, restraining, and moving animals and shares techniques with other team members.

• Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed.

• Makes decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures when required.

• Performs daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required.

• Strong skills in time management.

• Takes initiative by leading co-workers, Interns and Volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.

• Brings a positive attitude and is accountable for their actions.

• Takes personal responsibility for their surroundings.

• Displays actions that are moral and ethical.

• Looks to provide alternate solutions whenever possible.

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.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Zookeeper will:

Welcome

• Makes eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.

• Wears identification badge and follows dress code. Maintains a camera-ready appearance.

• Walks guests to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people whenever possible.

• Assumes ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).

Share

• Engages team members and guests in a positive manner at all times.

• Utilizes the power of teamwork to give excellent service.

• Knows when to involve the management team.

Inspire

• Strives to share their passion and experiences for the conservation of wildlife.

• Displays an attitude of gratitude.

• Empowered to take ownership of opportunities to exceed expectations.

Experience:

• Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of captive exotic animal management.

• Water quality testing experience or willingness to learn.

• Life support system experience or willingness to learn.

• Strong knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.

• Strong ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any emergency situations that arise.

• Considerable experience in the care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.

• Excellent safety track record.

• Strong knowledge on exhibitory techniques, such as perching.

• Strong knowledge of animal training and application.

Education:

• High School degree or equivalent

• Accurate oral and written communication skills

• College credits in Biology or related field

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

Licensure/Certification:

• Must maintain a valid La. Driver’s License

• Current TB test

• Current Tetanus shot

• Current rabies vaccinations as required by department (Audubon Institute to cover if hired)

• Must be Covid vaccinated

Software Requirements:

• Proficiency in computer processing

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed.

• Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather patterns, including heat, humidity and heavy rain.

• 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 objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animal and zoonotic diseases.

• Ability to work in a nocturnal setting.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Ability to work effectively and positively on a team and with volunteers.

• Daily cleaning of animal habitats and grounds.

• Maintains off-exhibit areas in a clean and organized manner.

• Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24- hour basis.

• Willing to perform Pest Control duties as necessary.

• Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Team.

• Must be comfortable with basic paddle boat operation and working around water.

• Ensures work area is free of food, drink, unnecessary socialization, and personal business