Animal Care Specialist Avian

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center • Glen Rose, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center invites applicants for the position of Animal Care Specialist Avian. Fossil Rim is dedicated to conservation, producing over 150 Attwater’s Prairie Chicken chicks annually for US Fish & Wildlife Service release and supporting the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Texas Horned Lizard project. This role focuses on the care and maintenance of the avian collection, including cranes and the Attwater Prairie Chicken flock, with a major emphasis on the breeding season and chick-rearing for release programs. It also involves assisting with the USFWS APC Recovery Program and SSP/SAFE recommendations, as well as supporting the Texas Horned Lizard project. The position requires maintaining and expanding Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s image through public speaking and publication.

Requirements

• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Be able to bend over
• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking
• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat, 100+ degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions
• Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., weed trimmer, mower, hand tools and truck
• Computer skills in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and the use of the APC Database that Fossil Rim designed and uses to document the APC program
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals
• Work conduct will be of a mature, responsible, and professional manner
• Work as a team member
• Accept responsibility for the Care of the collection, beyond the daily care and husbandry considerations

Nice To Haves

• University Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field, or 2 year’s experience in a professional avian collection preferred
• Experience with galliformes desirable
• Interest in captive breeding/release programs
• Understanding of the biology of galliformes and other birds
• Experience in hand raising birds
• Public speaking experience
• Familiarity with PC’s and competent with Excel and Microsoft Word, and will also be trained on the Fossil Rim APC Database for all APC specific entries

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and maintenance of the Avian collection
• Relief coverage for the Texas horned lizard collection
• Provide daily care of facilities, including cleaning and light maintenance
• Assist the Animal Care Department with procedures as needed, consistent with the existing “Team” concept
• Attend Attwater’s Recovery Team, and all related meetings, when possible, with supervisor approval
• Assist the Avian Curator by producing needed reports and records
• Assist the Animal Health Department with daily treatment(s) when needed
• Assist and provide guidance to Support Services staff when work needs to be done at the facilities
• Provide professional training opportunities and supervision for the avian interns
• Regular and dependable attendance is required
• Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies
• Enhancement of visitor experience and learning opportunities
• Interface with both the Environmental Engagement and the Marketing/Public Relations Departments as needed
• Assist the Animal Care Department with public monitoring and management when needed

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunity employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree