Aquarist na Audubon Nature Institute

Position Title: Keeper/Aquarist

Department: Husbandry

Reports To: Curator of Aquatics

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

The Keeper Aquarist works with the Husbandry team to accomplish established goals aimed at excellence in animal care and guest experience.  

Day to Day Responsibilities

•    Provides a high standard of animal care.  Experienced with professional animal care and wellbeing standards.  Prioritizes preventative care and excellence in animal welfare.   

•    Upkeep and preventative maintenance of LSS, including sand filter stirring, small- medium sized plumbing projects, backwashes of small and large sand filters.  

•    Understand and respond to water quality testing values. 

•    Uses training (operant conditioning) and enrichment to accomplish behavior and wellbeing goals.  Develops and evaluates animal enrichment based on behavioral goals.   Identifies areas where training and enrichment can be used to optimize husbandry practices, reduce stress and improve welfare.     

•    Works with veterinary staff to schedule and administer preventative care and responsive animal health care procedures.   

•    Follows direction and acts in accordance with all established protocols and procedures. Compliance with all AZA and USDA standards.  Assists in recognizing areas where written protocols need to be created or advanced in pursuit of compliance, welfare and consistency in care.   

•    Responsible for all aspects of exhibit maintenance. Accomplishes daily tasks within acceptable/ established timeframe.  Proposes advancements and efficiencies.  

•    Monitors exhibit functionality, air and water parameters, identifying and communicating anomalies/concerns promptly.  

•    Accurate recordkeeping for short- and long-term monitoring of health, behavior, tracking trends and advancing animal practices.   

•    Completes professional development as assigned.    

•     Assists with tours and able to represent Audubon Nature Institute with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts.   

•    Possesses strong communication skills, including listening and thoughtful dialogue.  Assumes the role as communicator for the section when needed.   

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:

•    Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field from a recognized, accredited institution.

•    Minimum of one year of unpaid or paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility OR demonstrated and confirmed skill set.  

•    Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards.  

•    A basic knowledge of water chemistry and the nitrogen cycle for water quality monitoring

•    Ability to communicate effectively and work with a team to provide consistency and advancement in animal care.  

•    Ability to engage guests in pursuit of education and conservation goals.  This includes chats, tours, media appearances, ambassador animal programs, etc.  

•    Understanding/ experience with care of aquatic animals/ systems in a professional setting with demonstrated success.  

•    Has understanding/ experience with the species under their care or has worked with similar taxa.  

•    Has an 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 is preferred

•    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.