Bird Keeper

Aza - New Orleans, LA

Full-time - Entry Level

New Orleans, LA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Bird Keeper position at Audubon Nature Institute is an entry to experienced level role that involves semi-skilled to advanced work in the routine husbandry of assigned animals and care of their habitats. The role is responsible for all aspects of animal health, welfare, exhibit maintenance, and recordkeeping. The Bird Keeper will engage in animal training and enrichment, conduct keeper chats and 'Wild Encounter' programs, perform light exhibit repair and maintenance, and prepare food for assigned animals. The position requires maintaining daily reports and logs, administering prescribed medications, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Routine husbandry of assigned animals and care of assigned habitats.
• Responsible for all aspects of animal health, welfare, exhibit maintenance, recordkeeping.
• Animal training and enrichment as assigned.
• Conduct keeper chats and/or 'Wild Encounter' programs.
• Perform light exhibit repair and maintenance.
• Prepare food for assigned animals.
• Maintain daily reports, logs, research or veterinary records.
• Administer prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under guidance.

Requirements

• High School diploma (or equivalent) and a degree from a recognized college or university.
• Minimum of one year of unpaid or paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, wildlife facility, aviary, or similar facility with a focus on avian species.
• Knowledge of modern aviculture and other taxa as needed.
• Good understanding of basic to advanced operant conditioning techniques.
• Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards.
• Ability to engage guests in education and conservation goals.
• Understanding/experience with care of aquatic animals/systems.
• Understanding of natural history, anatomy, behavior, and environmental parameters.
• Must have the ability to work weekends and holidays.
• Possess a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience at AZA accredited public facility.
• Knowledge of breeding, incubation, and hand-rearing.
• Experience working with power tools.
• SCUBA certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.