Zookeeper
Elephants
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2-5 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This Zookeeper position at Audubon Zoo is dedicated to the daily care of Asian Elephants, including husbandry, behavioral enrichment, and assisting with veterinary treatments. The role involves significant guest interaction, educational presentations, and maintaining detailed animal health records, contributing to the zoo's mission of wildlife conservation.
Audubon Zoo is adding three Zookeeper positions to its Elephant Department, dedicated to the care of 0.3 Asian Elephants. The selected team members will provide technical and daily elephant care under the direction of the Curator of Elephants. Responsibilities include routine zookeeper duties, elephant husbandry, behavioral training and enrichment, guest engagement, education, conservation messaging, and participation in veterinary and curatorial activities. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team committed to progressive elephant care, long-term welfare initiatives, and exceptional guest experiences.
The Zookeeper will engage guests in meaningful conversations about conservation, wildlife, and Audubon’s mission; conduct educational programs, demonstrations, chats, feeds, and behind-the-scenes tours; and participate in public, media, and off-site presentations. The role includes identifying routine maintenance issues, maintaining clean and safe animal areas, preparing diets, monitoring animal health and behavior, maintaining accurate records, and reporting concerns to supervisors.
The Zookeeper will perform elephant-specific husbandry including foot care and bathing, participate in restraint procedures under curator supervision, assist with veterinary treatments and medications, and guide elephants through daily routines using positive operant conditioning techniques. The position may involve training new personnel, supervising and coordinating volunteers, leading group projects, supporting facility improvements, preparing technical reports, and participating in AZA programs.
Successful candidates must demonstrate sound judgment, strong time management, flexibility, initiative, accountability, ethical conduct, empathy, teamwork, and a willingness to give and receive feedback. Experience with large mammals and exotic animal care, restraint, handling, training, and management is required, with elephant experience preferred. Candidates should understand zoonotic disease prevention, animal health, nutrition, behavior, emergency response, USDA and AZA requirements, and animal safety practices.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with accurate oral and written communication skills and college coursework in biology or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. Candidates must be proficient in computer processing and able to complete required training and webinar courses.
A valid Louisiana driver’s license, current TB test, current tetanus vaccination, and required COVID vaccination are required. Candidates must be able to obtain Incident Command System 100 and 200 certification.
The position requires the ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment, power tools, lawn equipment, and complex pump systems, including moat pumps. Physical duties include outdoor work in extreme heat, humidity, rain, and other weather conditions; frequent bending, stooping, standing, and walking; heavy work involving lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and carrying objects up to 50 pounds frequently; and working safely around elephants and zoonotic disease risks while using required PPE.
The Zookeeper must maintain clean animal habitats, stalls, grounds, and off-exhibit areas, assist with horticultural and pest-control duties, and work effectively with team members and volunteers. The role requires weekend and holiday availability, overtime, flexibility for special circumstances, and potential 24-hour availability. Employees must be prepared to work independently or closely with others, maintain a professional and guest-focused appearance, prioritize safety, and participate on the zoo’s Hurricane Team when needed.
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Audubon Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Audubon Zoo is dedicated to wildlife care, conservation, and providing engaging guest experiences, focusing on the welfare of animals and public education.
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Zookeeper
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States • Full Time