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Zookeeper – River’s Edge & Nocturnal Swing Keeper
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2-6 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
1d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This Zookeeper position involves routine animal care duties, including habitat cleaning, animal training, behavioral enrichment, and guest interaction. The role focuses on Central and South American species in the River’s Edge and Nocturnal House exhibits, requiring strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Assistant Curator under the supervision of the Curator of the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit and Jaguar Jungle, the Zookeeper performs routine animal care duties with minimal supervision. Core duties include habitat cleaning, behavioral enrichment, operant conditioning, animal welfare enhancement, and guest engagement.
This role focuses on Central and South American taxa across the River's Edge exhibit (Baird’s tapir, capybara, giant anteater, guanaco, black-handed spider monkeys) and Nocturnal House (bats, alpacas, small primates, armadillos, porcupines, two-toed sloths, reptiles, amphibians, insects), with potential cross-training in the Swamp Exhibit and Jaguar Jungle. Requires flexibility, cross-taxa experience, and the ability to work safely around dangerous animals (carnivores, crocodilians). Senior Keeper classification available for candidates with 6+ years of relevant experience.
DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Daily husbandry: Clean and maintain habitats, holding stalls, grounds, and off-exhibit service areas; identify and resolve routine maintenance needs.
- Health and welfare: Observe animal behavior daily, detect abnormalities, administer prescribed diets, maintain daily records, and assist veterinary/curatorial staff with medical treatments.
- Enrichment and training: Implement operant conditioning and behavioral enrichment programs across diverse taxa.
- Guest engagement: Deliver scheduled keeper chats, VIP behind-the-scenes tours, and paid animal encounters.
- Restraint and handling: Safely capture, crate, restrain, and transport animals using established welfare protocols.
- Safety and facility care: Operate heavy grounds equipment and power tools; perform basic pest control; assist with minor exhibit fabrication.
- Team support: Guide interns and volunteers; draft captive management reports; follow emergency protocols.
MUST-HAVES
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience in the care, restraint, and husbandry of exotic animals across multiple taxa (mammals, reptiles, birds).
- Demonstrated competence in operant conditioning principles and enrichment design.
- Proven safety record working around dangerous animals.
- Working knowledge of zoonotic disease prevention and exhibitory practices (e.g., perching).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Valid Louisiana driver's license (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Availability to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and participate in the hurricane Storm Rider Team.
- Comfort working around deep water and operating non-motorized watercraft.
- Health requirements: Current negative TB test, tetanus booster, and completed COVID-19 vaccine series.
NICE-TO-HAVES
- Prior experience at an AZA-accredited facility.
- Degree or relevant coursework in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field (substantial direct experience accepted in lieu of degree).
- Experience using animal records databases (ZIMS, TRACKS).
- First Aid / CPR certification.
- Experience or willingness to train around venomous reptiles.
- Basic understanding of aquatic life support systems (LSS) and water quality testing.
- Current pre-exposure rabies vaccination.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Heavy physical labor: regular lifting up to 50 lbs, occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.
- Prolonged standing, bending, walking, and working outdoors in extreme heat, humidity, and rain.
- Ability to work in low-light/nocturnal environments.
- Exposure to hazardous animal species, zoonoses, and moving equipment.
Updated 1d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2-6 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 Nature Institute
Team size
Growing team
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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. They are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature, guided by a culture code emphasizing impact, optimism, connection, and innovation.
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Zookeeper – River’s Edge & Nocturnal Swing Keeper
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States • Full Time