IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
The International Crane Foundation invites applications for the position of Aviculturist.
Background: The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to conserve cranes and the wetland, grassland, and other ecosystems on which they depend. ICF uses the charisma of cranes to bring diverse people together to solve problems of significance for wildlife and people. ICF’s conservation activities include protecting important crane habitats by establishing or strengthening protected areas, securing freshwater inflows through sustainable water management practices, restoring damaged ecosystems, reintroducing rare crane populations, linking poverty alleviation with conservation, and working with local landowners or communities on issues such as solving crop damage problems. ICF’s headquarters are based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where our educational programs feature live bird displays for all 15 species of cranes. ICF maintains a captive flock of ~120 birds for display, breeding to support conservation programs, and reintroduction programs focusing on the endangered Whooping Crane.
Summary: ICF seeks an enthusiastic team member to help support ICF’s mission and support goals of sound genetic and demographic management of small populations, reintroduction programs, and management of display birds to support visitor program and conservation education goals. We seek an individual with a strong interest in aviculture, keen observation abilities, and great communication skills to join our team of world-class aviculturists. A key role of this position will be to support the day-to-day health and well being of the captive flock by incorporating the highest standards of avian husbandry into daily routines. The Aviculturist will assist with daily care and management of the captive flock, and assist with the breeding and maintenance of birds off display, and conduct occasional special tours.
The Aviculturist will be part of a team of five full-time aviculturists and reports directly to the Curator of Birds. S/he will work closely with aviculture staff and interns to insure the proper care and breeding of ICF's captive population of cranes, and assist with the implementation of genetic and demographic management goals through AZA and other regional or global management programs. The position will work closely with Veterinary Services to coordinate preventative medicine programs and clinical care of birds.
A current focus of our collection is to provide birds to support reintroduction of endangered species of cranes into the wild, especially Whooping Cranes. The Aviculturist will participate in all aspects of breeding and rearing cranes for release, including isolation rearing techniques.
This is an entry level full-time position with benefits.
Key Responsibilities:
• Participate in all aspects of the daily care and management of the captive flock.
• Daily cleaning of crane pens, provision of clean water and fresh feed.
• Daily observation and recording/reporting of crane behaviors as they relate to health and management of the flock.
• Facilitate communication through updates of databases related to aviculture activities and participate in regular departmental meetings and daily planning sessions.
• Participate in the captive propagation program through: observations of breeding behavior, practicing artificial insemination, regulating diet, managing various incubator room equipment, pair socializations, rearing chicks, and behavioral modification.
• Assist in the management of public display birds to support site visitor program and meet avicultural goals.
• Participate in the training of interns or visiting colleagues on aviculture techniques, small population management, and related issues.
Required:
• Bachelor degree with an emphasis in biology, zoology, or conservation-related sciences.
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Good understanding of bird behaviors, strong knowledge of varied avian husbandry techniques (such as artificial insemination, incubation, chick rearing).
• Must be able to carry out responsibilities with minimal supervision, and work well as part of a team
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and the ability to manage significant details.
Desired:
• Hands-on experience in aviculture (paid or unpaid).
• Interest or experience in conservation education.
• Basic knowledge of research and data analysis.
• Ability to present complex scientific information to a lay audience or to train interns and visiting colleagues, some with limited English.
• Knowledge of computer software, including word processing, spread sheet, ARKS data management, e-mail.
Physical Demands: Job involves much physical activity including restraining large, strong, and aggressive birds and lifting up to 50 lbs. Candidate must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather including extremes in temperature and in snowy/icy conditions. Offices and other buildings are smoke-free.
Applications: Applicant should provide a letter describing his/her interest in and qualifications for the position; a detailed resume; salary requirements or history; and the name, address, telephone number, and email address for three references. (References will only be contacted after notification of the applicant.) Applications will be confidential. Applicants must be US citizens or residents or have a valid visa and documents to work in the US.
Applications should be sent electronically to Bryant Tarr , Curator of Birds. Please include “Aviculturist Position” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted until a suitable candidate is identified.
