Assistant Curator of Herpetology

Position Title

Assistant Curator of Herpetology

Herpetology

Curator of Herpetology

Full Time

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-Mc Mo Ran  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 at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact, Empowering Optimism, Create Connection, and As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

The Assistant Curator of Herpetology helps support and advance the daily operations and strategic planning of Audubon Zoo’s herpetology department, which cares for a diverse collection of more than 100 reptile and amphibian species and leads multiple conservation and research programs including its flagship Louisiana Pine Snake Recovery Program. Reporting to the Curator of Herpetology, the Assistant Curator of Herpetology is a mid-level, supervisory position that leads an industrious team of four keepers and ensures that all animals receive optimal care.

The Assistant Curator also works closely with the zoo’s animal health department, members of other animal divisions, and all other Audubon Nature Institute departments to ensure operational excellence and efficiency.

• Assist the curator in the daily oversight and management of all aspects related to the care and wellbeing of the department’s reptiles and amphibians, maintaining high, evidence-based standards for husbandry, animal wellbeing, staff safety, and exhibit aesthetics.
• Manage and support keeper staff through direct supervision, training, mentorship, and continuous development.
• Ensure that all exhibit and off-exhibit areas are kept clean, organized, and safe.
• Work closely with the veterinary team to coordinate medical care for animals in the collection.
• Maintain and purchase supplies, materials, and equipment for the department.
• Continuously research and maintain familiarity with current husbandry practices and advancements.
• Perform the duties of keepers as needed.
• Initiate and coordinate animal transfers and transports with other institutions.
• Assist with the acquisition and maintenance of the department’s antivenom supply.
• Oversee the maintenance of the department’s feeder invertebrate colonies.
• Oversee the department’s pest management program.
• Regularly engage with zoo visitors to promote the Institute’s programs and mission, and conduct behind the scenes tours to VIPs and visiting colleagues.
• Refine and develop standard operating procedures and safety protocols for the department.
• Assist the curator with preparing and managing the department’s operating budget and available resources.
• Assist with collection planning and the development of new exhibits and facilities.
• Serve as Institutional Liaison (IL) for program‑managed taxa in the collection.
• Participate in AZA‑led programs (e.g., TAGs, SSPs, Studbooks, etc.) and/or other external conservation programs, committees and initiatives.
• Assist with devising conservation and research programs, and publishing results and reports.
• Represent the department, zoo, and Institute at professional meetings, conferences and workshops, and deliver presentations based on the organization’s work.
• Serve on internal committees, working groups and task forces within the Institute as requested.
• Fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the curator of herpetology in their absence.

• A strong background and genuine interest in herpetology.
• A minimum of five years, paid experience working with reptiles and amphibians in a zoological facility with a demonstrated progression of increasing experience and responsibilities.
• An evidence‑based approach to…