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To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Zookeeper will:
Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality.
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• A strong willingness to engage our guests about the Audubon Zoo’s mission statement. Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate and respond to any emergency situations that arise with our guests.
Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience.
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• Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.
• Participates in shows/chats/feeds for our guests daily.
• Conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIP’s, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.
• Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.
Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through welfare initiatives and research
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• 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(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.
• May 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.
• Ability to stay flexible with team, supervisor(s), animals, and daily routine.
• Willingness to participate in AZA programs as assigned by supervisor(s).
• 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.
• Maintain empathic behavior towards team members.
• Willingness to receive and give feedback with team members and supervisor(s).
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.
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To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Zookeeper will:
Welcome
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• 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 and park appearance (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).
Share
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• 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
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• Strives to share their passion and experiences for the conservation of wildlife.
• Empowered to take ownership of opportunities to exceed expectations.
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Experience:
• Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of captive primate management. Great Ape experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of breeding, hand rearing animal transport and introductions preferred.
• 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, especially with Great Apes.
• Working knowledge of USDA and AZA requirements.
• Strong knowledge on exhibitory techniques, such as perching.
• Strong knowledge of animal training and application.
• Must have the ability to be cross trained in all aspects of the Primate Department.
• With 6+ years of experience, individual can qualify for a Senior Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created in order to achieve benchmarks.
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
• Ability to take required webinar courses.
Licensure/Certification:
• Must maintain a valid La. Driver’s License
• Must be fully Covid vaccinated
• Current TB test
• Current Tetanus shot
• Current rabies vaccinations as required by department
• Ability to obtain Incident Command System 100 and 200
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.
• Ability and willingness to operate complex pump systems.
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.
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, if needed.
• Must be comfortable with basic paddle boat operation and working around water.
• Ensures work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.
How to Apply
https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/careers
Audubon Nature Institute
6500 Magazine street
New Orleans, LA 70118