Assistant Aviculturist (Term Assignment)

Monterey Bay Aquarium•Monterey, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, support the care and maintenance of our avian collection and avian exhibits. Perform routine husbandry duties including diet preparation, cleaning of spaces and equipment, animal observations, and record-keeping. Support the aviculture during feeding, training, and enrichment sessions for all bird collections. Maintain the highest animal care and exhibit maintenance standards that continually meet or exceed all AZA accreditation standards. Perform other duties as required. This position is a 4-month term assignment.

Requirements

Working towards a college degree in Biology or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite or related software
The ability to quickly learn the Tracks animal database system
Excellent interpersonal skills and desire to work in a productive team environment
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent time management skills
Aptitude for analytical and problem-solving
Aptitude for using basic hand and power tools
Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
Extended periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, and squatting
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs

Nice To Haves

Previous animal husbandry experience through volunteer work or equivalent highly desirable
Knowledge of the basic taxonomy of and natural history of birds

Responsibilities

Perform daily animal husbandry duties including but not limited to diet preparation, feeding, and live exhibit maintenance.
Assist with routine support duties including the cleaning of service areas, holding areas, and husbandry equipment.
Assist in formal bird training sessions under the guidance of more experienced staff members.
Assist with behavioral enrichment including implementation, monitoring/observation, recording/documentation, and/or development of species-appropriate enrichment.
Document husbandry tasks, animal observations, animal health records, animal welfare assessments, and other pertinent animal transactions into the Tracks software database in accordance with departmental standards.
Conduct regular observations of animal health, behavior, and welfare and communicate issues to more senior staff.
Perform routine monitoring and maintenance on critical water and mechanical systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fractionators, mechanical filters, UV sterilizers, small pumps, recirculation loops, and exhibit lighting systems following established protocols.
Assist in the capture and restraint of birds for onsite health examinations or medical treatment.