Lead Bird Keeper Position Available In Orleans, Louisiana

Lead Bird Keeper Audubon Institute – 3.5

New Orleans, LA Job Details Full-time Estimated:

$31.1K – $36.9K a year 1 day ago Qualifications Biology CPR Certification Anatomy knowledge Management Data analysis skills Mid-level 8 years High school diploma or GED Driver’s License Supervising experience Records management First Aid Certification Power tools Zoology Leadership Communication skills

Full Job Description Position Title:

Lead Bird Keeper Department:

Husbandry Reports To:

Curator of Birds & Mammals Location:

Audubon Aquarium & Audubon Insectarium Position Type:

Full-Time Who We Are 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 At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world. What You’ll Do This position is a working animal caregiver on the management track with strong leadership and communication skills. In the absence of the Curator, will supervise the keepers and assist the curatorial team in managing the bird/mammal collection. Will be the point of contact for all part-time, intern, and volunteers within their respective departments. In a working role, the lead will fill in as necessary for daily husbandry tasks. The lead keeper assists the curatorial team with management of the day- to- day section operation and oversight of keepers, aquarists, and trainers. They will mentor staff and must possess strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and team-building experience. The Lead Keeper is expected to participate in all husbandry related management meetings as requested by the Director of Husbandry. Day to Day Responsibilities • Perform routine husbandry- feed prescribed diets, monitor and report diet consumption, observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned animal specimens to immediate supervisor daily, assist hospital staff with health monitoring and assessment, follow all Standard Operating Procedures for assigned areas. Functions as point person in the absence of supervisory level staff. • Provides the highest standard of animal care. Prioritizes preventative care and excellence in animal welfare and proposes measures for advancing care. Participates in welfare assessments. Assists the curator with organizing resources and oversight of staff to accomplish welfare-based goals. • Advanced knowledge and experience leading teams with modern aviculture techniques and practices in an AZA zoological setting (i.e., capture and restraint, incubation, breeding, hand-rearing). • The ability to serve as a mentor and resource to other staff. Leads by example and provides guidance, and identifies resources needed to accomplish section goals. Act as the point person for the department in absence of curator. • Possesses strong communication skills, including listening and thoughtful dialogue. Assumes the role as communicator for the section when needed. Consultant to curator on any major decisions. • Regularly proposes solutions to problems. Looks for creative and productive ways to address problems. • A section leader taking ownership of short- and long-term animals management goals aimed at reducing stress, enhancing welfare, and advancing husbandry practices. Has a positive impact on teambuilding and willingly participates in AZA programs (i.e., studbooks, committees, SSPs and TAGS). • Perform approved Behavioral Enrichment activities and create new enrichment based on the needs of the animal(s). • Has an advanced knowledge of operant conditioning techniques, use advanced knowledge to increase the quality of life of the collection. Offer training assistance and expertise to other staff. • Participation in professional development. Willingly participates in AZA programs or other conservation- based initiatives. • Leads through effective communication and work with a team to provide consistency and advancement in animal care and welfare. Assumes ownership of daily and big picture items without being told. Oversees volunteers and interns. Develops creative and productive solutions to address problems. • Engages guests in pursuit of education and conservation goals. This includes chats, tours, media appearances, ambassador animal programs, etc. Able to represent Audubon Nature Institute with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts. Develops and evaluates educational content where needed. • Demonstrated success using knowledge and influence to mentor and advance team members. Ownership of a positive work environment and workplace morale. • Possesses strong communication skills. Communicates successfully to individuals and teams with self- awareness, active listening and effective dialogue. Able to have difficult conversations and give effective feedback. • Mentors and advances other team members. Leads by example to create a positive work environment and strong workplace morale. • Perform all other duties as assigned. • Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, holidays and as a hurricane storm rider. • Responsible for tasks delegated by curator. • Oversees training of new staff, staff schedule and enrichment program.

Additional/Overall Skills:

Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience. Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission. Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow. 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.

What We’re Looking For Must Haves:

High School diploma (or equivalent) and a degree from a recognized college or university are required. College course work in zoology, biology, animal science or a related field is preferred; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority. Minimum of 8 years of paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, wildlife facility, aviary, or similar facility with a focus on avian species OR, demonstrated and confirmed skill set, and knowledge required for the position is required. An AZA accredited public facility is preferred. Supervisory experience is preferred. Possesses significant experience with modern aviculture techniques (breeding, rearing, and incubation) and mixed taxa including but not limited to mammals and reptiles. Has a skilled understanding of natural history, anatomy, behavior, and environmental parameters. Experience with exhibit design and life support equipment is a plus. In-depth knowledge of and skill using operant conditioning techniques. Has successfully trained husbandry/ veterinary behaviors and developed training plans/ solutions for behavioral goals. Experience using ZIMS and/or TRACKS for records management and data analysis. Experience working with power tools is a plus. Must have the ability to work weekends and holidays Possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice-to-Haves:

Experience at AZA accredited public facility is preferred. Knowledge of breeding, incubation, and hand-rearing a plus. SCUBA certification is preferred First Aid/ CPR is preferred

Physical Requirements:

Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly. Regularly climbing ladders and operating heavy machinery. Sustained manual dexterity and coordination. Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks. Primarily outdoor environments or industrial settings. Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises. Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.