Whooping Crane Chick Rearing and Release Apprentice
About The Position
As an apprentice, you will be directly involved in the intensive care and management of endangered Whooping Crane chicks, working alongside experienced professionals. You will develop essential skills in crane husbandry, learning how to care for the flock through daily cleaning and feeding. Additionally, you will learn about captive propagation, including artificial insemination and egg incubation. As part of the chick-rearing process, you will take on the important responsibility of exhibiting proper costume parental behaviors to help the chicks develop survival skills. You will help set up and maintain crane facilities both on campus and in the field, while also learning to follow strict isolation rearing protocols that ensure the chicks are prepared for life in the wild. Safety is paramount, and you will learn and practice safe handling and restraint techniques. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will also conduct behavioral observations and learn to use the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) for record-keeping and staff communication. Additionally, you will be part of a field team, gaining hands-on experience in tracking free-roaming cranes and contributing to ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts in Wisconsin. This dynamic role requires flexibility, as the responsibilities may change depending on the timing of hatching. Some duties may involve non-traditional hours, including early mornings, evenings, and night checks. A typical work week is 5 days (40-50 hours) with 2 consecutive days off, but not both Saturday and Sunday. Apprentices are required to work some holidays. Relocation to off-site housing (provided) mid-position may be required.
Requirements
- At least two years of college or equivalent experience
- Ability to work independently and in teams
- Strong communication skills, including speaking to large groups
- Stamina for long hours and the ability to work in varying weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and in a costume for chick rearing
- A valid driver's license
- The ability to work in the U.S.
- A commitment to the full term of the apprenticeship
Nice To Haves
- Preference for degrees or experience in wildlife biology, avian biology, or zoo-keeping
- A background in animal care with a focus on birds
Responsibilities
- Care and management of endangered Whooping Crane chicks
- Crane husbandry through daily cleaning and feeding
- Learn about captive propagation, including artificial insemination and egg incubation
- Exhibiting proper costume parental behaviors to help the chicks develop survival skills
- Help set up and maintain crane facilities both on campus and in the field
- Learn to follow strict isolation rearing protocols
- Learn and practice safe handling and restraint techniques
- Conduct behavioral observations
- Learn to use the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) for record-keeping and staff communication
- Tracking free-roaming cranes
- Contributing to ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts in Wisconsin
Benefits
- stipend of $1,550/month plus housing
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
