Hoofstock Keeper

Full-time, Benefited- Hoofstock Keeper

Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans, LA

We are excited to be hiring a new Hoofstock Keeper to join our team at the Audubon Species Survival Center! We are looking for a well-rounded individual with a positive attitude, the ability to work in a team environment, and the flexibility to design the day’s schedule based on the needs of the animals and facility.

About the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center:

The Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASSC) is one of several facilities run by the Audubon Nature Institute. It is a unique piece of property that expands approximately 1,000 acres in an area just south of the city of New Orleans; 260 acres of animal habitats. The FMASSC facility is not open to the general public and is dedicated to the population sustainability and conservation of hoofstock and bird species. The goal is to manage herds of ungulates in large, forested paddocks, including species such as okapi, bongo, giraffe, sable, barasingha, sitatunga, duiker, etc. and to manage breeding programs of several large bird species including Mississippi sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, curassow and various storks.

The Audubon Species Survival Center is currently looking for a dedicated Hoofstock Keeper. The Hoofstock Keeper is responsible for the proper care of animals of an assigned area and may be assigned to any area of the animal department during any given workday.

Description:

This keeper position will focus on the husbandry of various ungulates as assigned. The Hoofstock Keeper will be expected to complete daily husbandry, enclosure maintenance, enrichment, and training tasks. They will assist in medical procedures, keep clear and organized records, and meet the physical requirements of the job. This position requires the keeper to be able to work independently and on a team in both leader and follower capacities.

Responsibilities:

• Provide daily husbandry of hoofstock as assigned.
• Enclosure cleaning and maintenance.
• Preparation and administering of enrichment items and involvement in training programs.
• Assist in the hand-rearing of animals, if needed.
• Identify and perform routine maintenance. Often conducting many projects at one time.
• Perform routine grounds/landscaping tasks.
• Maintain records, including using ZIMS record software, and conduct behavioral observations.
• Assist in the training and supervision of other keepers, interns, and volunteers.
• Assist veterinary and supervisory staff in treating animals as assigned.
• Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures.
• Perform physical, and sometimes repetitive, tasks outdoors, in extreme heat, high humidity, heavy rain, and around a wide array of potentially harmful wild snakes, insects and poisonous plants. This position is very strenuous and labor intensive.
• Follow Audubon and local gov’t agency’s nuisance wildlife & pest protocols.
• Pleasantly receive and follow direction, follow protocols, and follow safety & security requirements.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.

• Ability to work around and make adjustments for large animals, small animals, aggressive species, and flighty species.
• Ability to use power tools and equipment, such as weed-trimmers, lawn mowers, etc.
• Ability to learn and read animal behavior, especially in hoofstock species.

• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Audubon Nature Institute’s standards, as required by scheduling which may vary according to the needs of the organization.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and name tag when working.
• Comply at all times with Audubon Nature Institute’s standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.

Qualifications:

• Preferred experience & education (AZA experience preferred)
  1. 2 years of animal experience OR
  2. An Associate’s degree and 12 months of animal experience OR
  3. A Bachelor’s degree in a science or leadership related field
• A proven interest and knowledge in a variety of taxa; a well-rounded keeper is ideal. Prior experience with ungulates preferred.
• Must have accurate oral and written communication skills.
• Prior experience with Species360 ZIMS software ideal, but not required.
• Must possess basic arithmetic skills, including solving percentage questions and using conversions.

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull 50 lbs, ability to lift up to 70 lbs, and team lift 100 lbs.
• Ability to stoop, walk for extended periods, stand for extended periods, jump, and maneuver quickly when needed.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, prevent, and solve problems.
• Must have good common sense, the ability to think constructively, and able to take constructive criticism and direction.
• Risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.
• Possess a good attitude and able to produce quality work in fast paced, high pressure situations.
• Excellent communication skills. Convey information and ideas clearly and in a timely manner.
• Some people management skills a plus.
• A current tetanus shot, proof of a negative TB test (within 6 months), and proof of COVID vaccine prior to starting.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness and ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Proficient in basic computer processing.
• Be able to pass background check and drug screen.

Pay

• Keeper pay scale is based on experience and education.
• Started pay scale ranges between $33,280-$39,520

Benefits

• Paid holiday and Paid-Time Off (PTO) Accrual
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Paid Conservation Leave to Volunteer for Conservation Efforts
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• AFLAC Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness Insurance Plans
• Discounted Pet Insurance
• Parental/FMLA Leave
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Free Career Development Trainings
• Free admission to the Zoo & Aquarium
• Guest Passes to Zoo, Cool Zoo, and Aquarium
• Employee Discounts at Gift shops, Concessions, Memberships, Events, and Audubon Golf Course

Applications:

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will be viewed in the order they are received, and top applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Apply online at audubonnatureinstitute.org to submit a coverletter, resume, and 3 reference contacts.