What are the responsibilities and job description for the Invertebrate Keeper position at Audubon Institute?
Position Title: Invertebrate Keeper
Department: Husbandry/Entomology
Reports To: Assistant Curator/Curator of Entomology
Location: Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
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:
- Provide animal care to Audubon’s living collection at assigned facility-Insectarium or Insect Rearing Facility (IRF).
- Provide education to the public about Audubon Insectarium’s animals and exhibits when working on the museum floor and occasionally off-site.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Animal care and exhibit maintenance, including, but not limited to, feeding, capturing and moving animals, enclosure setup, breakdown and cleaning, trash and debris removal, minor construction projects, filter maintenance, and providing enrichment items.
- Facility maintenance in animal care areas (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing containers, etc.) including, but not limited to, trash and debris removal, minor construction projects, supply stocking, cleaning and upkeep.
- Accurate recordkeeping and compliance with ZIMS.
- Daily live animal presentations to educate visitors about our collection of animals, conservation initiatives, the interconnectedness of nature, and roles of arthropods in the ecosystems of the world. These interactions with the public will occur both on and off grounds.
- Function as an interpreter and represent ANI as a spokesperson.
- Compliance with all AZA and USDA standards regarding the containment of invertebrate collection.
- Identify and correct minor or routine maintenance problems in a timely manner and report other, larger, maintenance needs to management.
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: (required for the role)
- High school diploma (or equivalent) is required. A degree from a recognized college or university is preferred, OR a minimum of one year of paid (or unpaid) experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility, OR a demonstrated and confirmed skill set via other methods.
- Experience with the care of invertebrates with demonstrated success.
- Understanding the principles of entomology.
- Understanding natural history, anatomy, behavior, and environmental parameters. Ability to identify and recognize health concerns with invertebrates.
- Possessing a strong passion for arthropods and demonstrating this daily.
- Understanding basics of professional animal care and welfare standards.
- Ability to follow directions and act in accordance with all established protocols and procedures.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team to facilitate daily animal care and excellence in welfare.
- Good decision-making with regard to human and animal safety.
- Ability to accomplish daily tasks within an acceptable/ established timeframe.
- Must be able to follow simple recipes (with insects as an ingredient).
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
- Must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from work duty locations.
Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
- College coursework in entomology, invertebrate zoology, biology, animal behavior, animal science, or related fields.
- Experience working at a recognized insect museum, butterfly house, zoo, or aquarium.
- Cooking experience.
- ZIMS or other AZA record-keeping experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently, to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to sit for long periods of time.
- Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to bend, stoop, and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Adequate range of motion and mobility.
- Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
- Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
- Regular speaking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.
- Ability to read, record, or type data accurately.
- Working long hours between breaks or meals.
- Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.
- Ability to handle exposure to high, medium, or low noise intensity.
- Constant contact with co-workers.
- Ability to work with people of all ages.
- Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures and outdoor conditions.