Position Title: Bird Keeper / Senior Keeper
Department: Birds
Reports To: Assistant Curator of Birds
Location: New Orleans
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
Audubon Zoo’s Bird Department is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join its team as a bird keeper or senior keeper (depending on experience). The department cares for a diverse collection of more than 200 birds representing 65 species and many SSP programs, with our new indoor Wings of the World aviary featuring over 70 individual birds.
Reporting to the department’s assistant curator, bird keepers will be responsible for providing daily husbandry and ensuring the health and wellbeing of all animals under their care, as well as maintaining excellent condition of their assigned exhibits and workspaces and participating in all departmental projects and activities as needed. Ideal candidates will have prior aviculture experience, familiarity with the natural history and behavior of birds, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
Day to Day Responsibilities
• Perform daily husbandry for a large and diverse collection of birds
• Maintain exhibits, service areas, husbandry equipment, tools and life support systems
• Closely monitor and document animal behavior, health and wellbeing, reporting irregularities to supervisor immediately
• Assist veterinary staff with medical exams, procedures and treatments
• Develop and provide goal-based enrichment to promote natural behaviors and optimum wellbeing
• Develop and provide operant conditioning for husbandry and medical management purposes
• Engage visitors through scheduled keeper chats, casual interactions, and media appearances
• Maintain live feeder insect colonies
• Provide supervision, guidance and support to interns and volunteers
• Serve on the zoo’s emergency storm rider team and participate in safety drills and training programs
• Represent Audubon Zoo and its bird department on in-house zoo committees and task forces as requested
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:
• Demonstrated experience and familiarity with aviculture practices and avian behavior and natural history
• A clear understanding of the role that bird departments play in zoos and wildlife conservation
• A desire to learn and a willingness to consider new ideas, practices and perspectives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent observational skills and demonstrated attention to detail
• Current driver’s license
Nice-to-Haves:
• Minimum of 1 year paid professional experience working with birds in a zoological park or related institution
• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or related field
• Previous avicultural experience with egg incubation and hand-rearing
• Demonstrated technical skills such as carpentry and exhibit construction
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a typical New Orleans climate and under field conditions (heat, humidity, plant allergens, spiny plants, insects, etc.)
• Ability to pass a drug test, TB test, and pre-employment background check
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed