Senior Bird Keeper

Position Title: Bird Keeper

Department: Animal    

Reports To: Assistant Curator

Location: Freeport-McMoran Audubon Species Survival Center

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.

About the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center: 

The Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASSC) is one of nine facilities run by the Audubon Nature Institute. It is a unique piece of property that expands approximately 1,000 acres in an area just south of the city of New Orleans. The FMASSC facility is not open to the general public and is dedicated to the population sustainability and conservation of hoofstock and bird species. The goal is to manage herds of hoofstock or flocks of birds in large, naturalistic enclosures, to encourage breeding and the expression of natural behaviors.

What You’ll Do 

Reporting directly to the Assistant Curator, this keeper position will focus on our bird collection that includes involvement in endangered whooping crane and Mississippi sandhill crane recovery programs. The crane programs work closely with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to help reintroduce these species back into their former ranges.  In addition to the two large crane flocks maintained on a 15 acre crane complex, highlight species are saddle-billed storks and blue-billed curassows.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

•    Provide daily husbandry of the captive birds, as assigned.

•    Perform seasonal artificial insemination of breeding flock.

•    Participate in egg handling and incubation practices.

•    Participate in the "costume-rearing" of five to twenty-five crane chicks per year.

•    Provide everything necessary to ensure successful breeding environments for the birds.

•    Maintain records, including using ZIMS record software, and conduct behavioral observations.

•    Assist in the training and supervision of other keepers, interns, and volunteers.

•    Assist veterinary and supervisory staff in treating animals as assigned.

•    Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures.

•    Observe strict crane costume protocol, including not speaking for long periods of time.

•    Work safely in costume with accompanying visual obstruction around small, mobile chicks.

•    Basic horticultural maintenance (i.e. Mowing, weed eating, scything, pruning, tree trimming/cutting, enclosure landscaping

•    General exhibit/enclosure maintenance, including pool and flight netting maintenance.

•    With training, be able to safely manage (including handling) tall, aggressive birds.

•    Follow Audubon and local gov’t agency’s nuisance wildlife & pest protocols.

•    Pleasantly receive and follow directions, follow protocols, and follow safety & security requirements.

•    Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Audubon Nature Institute’s standards, as required by scheduling which may vary according to the needs of the organization.

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: 

•    Preferred experience & education (AZA experience preferred):

    High School diploma and 2 years of animal experience at an AZA institution OR

    An Associate’s degree and 18 months animal experience at an AZA institution OR

    A Bachelor’s degree in Biology (or related field) and 1 year of animal husbandry experience

    Be able to receive and follow direction well.

    Work well both independently and in a small group.

    Identify and perform routine maintenance issues. Often conducting many projects at one time.

    Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards.  

    Ability to work independently and on a team.

    Ability to work around and make adjustments for large animals, small animals, aggressive species, and flighty species.

    Ability to learn and read animal behavior, especially birds.

    Must be able to communicate effectively, professionally, and with emotional maturity.

    Sincere interest in animal care, welfare, and conservation.

    Must possess basic arithmetic skills, including solving percentage questions and using conversions.

    Ability to anticipate, identify, prevent, and solve problems.

    Must have good common sense, the ability to think constructively, and able to take constructive criticism and direction.

    Possess a good attitude and able to produce quality work in fast paced, high pressure situations.

    Proficient in basic computer processing.

    Updated Tetanus vaccination.

    Proof of a negative TB test in the last 12 months.

    Possess a valid driver’s license. 

    Must pass a background check and drug test. 

    Must be able to write accurately and professionally

Nice-to-Haves: 

•    A proven interest and knowledge in birds.  Prior experience in avian captive breeding ideal, but not necessary.

•    A comprehensive understanding of avian imprinting.

•    Familiarity of incubation practices.

•    Experience using power tools and small equipment, such as weed-trimmers, lawn mowers, etc.

•    Practical husbandry experience with animals, especially in birds. 

•    Experience at AZA accredited public facility is preferred.

•    Prior experience with Species360 ZIMS software ideal, but not required.

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.