Aviculturist
About The Position
The Aviculturist plays an essential role in the mission of the International Crane Foundation by delivering exceptional avian husbandry and supporting the health and well-being of the Foundation's resident flock. This position is responsible for the daily care of cranes, maintaining enclosures, and contributing to breeding and reintroduction programs, all while working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and visitors. In this role, you will perform daily husbandry tasks such as cleaning enclosures, providing fresh food and water, and maintaining accurate records in database systems. You will support flock management and breeding goals through careful observation of crane behavior, monitoring social pairings, managing diets, assisting with artificial insemination, implementing egg incubation techniques, and rearing chicks. You will also contribute to Whooping Crane reintroduction efforts, including costume-rearing and occasional field-based release activities. Seasonal responsibilities include maintaining habitats and enclosures through vegetation management, disinfection, repairs, snow removal, camera installation, and pen rotations. You will support behavioral husbandry programs through implementation of enrichment, conditioning plans, and welfare assessments. Collaboration is central to this role, including participation in meetings, communication across platforms, and coordination with colleagues to enhance flock welfare and operational efficiency. Additional responsibilities include mentoring trainees and volunteers, assisting with supply procurement, and working closely with veterinary staff to provide high-quality care.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field
- At least two years of relevant avian care experience
- Comfortable working outdoors
- Adaptable between headquarters and fieldwork
- Possess a valid driver's license
Nice To Haves
- Experience at AZA-accredited institutions
- Experience in wildlife reintroduction programs
- Experience with ZIMS software
- Experience with operant conditioning
- Experience with the use of tools and equipment for habitat maintenance
Responsibilities
- Perform daily husbandry tasks such as cleaning enclosures, providing fresh food and water, and maintaining accurate records in database systems.
- Support flock management and breeding goals through careful observation of crane behavior, monitoring social pairings, managing diets, assisting with artificial insemination, implementing egg incubation techniques, and rearing chicks.
- Contribute to Whooping Crane reintroduction efforts, including costume-rearing and occasional field-based release activities.
- Maintain habitats and enclosures through vegetation management, disinfection, repairs, snow removal, camera installation, and pen rotations.
- Support behavioral husbandry programs through implementation of enrichment, conditioning plans, and welfare assessments.
- Participate in meetings, communicate across platforms, and coordinate with colleagues to enhance flock welfare and operational efficiency.
- Mentor trainees and volunteers.
- Assist with supply procurement.
- Work closely with veterinary staff to provide high-quality care.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer contributions
- Generous paid time off
- Additional perks designed to support work-life balance and well-being
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
