Aviculturist

The National Aquarium is seeking an aviculturist to join the Upland Tropical Rain Forest team. The Rain Forest aviculturist team primarily provides care to birds and small mammals in a large, free-flight neo-tropical aviary and sea birds in a North Atlantic habitat. The successful candidate will provide assigned birds and mammals with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices; maintain exhibits, equipment, and workspaces to NA standards; participate in acquisition, disposition, transport, and training of birds/mammals; and assist other members of the Upland Tropical Rainforest teams and Australia: Wild Extremes teams as assigned, which may include working with additional taxa. Daily diet preparation (including management of live colonies), operant conditioning, and health monitoring are part of the daily tasks of this position. Other functions of this job may include public presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, assisting with volunteer and intern programs, and responding to emergencies after hours or during severe weather. This position reports to the Assistant Curator of Australia-Rainforest. Essential Functions: * Knowledge of natural history and professional husbandry standards for avian species and small mammals * Understanding of behavioral husbandry and operant conditioning * Ability to represent the Aquarium to the public * Experience with maintenance of large life support systems * Ability to work in extreme environments safely including extreme cold and heat. * Ability to carry up to 50lbs, climb ladders and work in high areas and near water * Ability to work weekends and holidays regularly * Ability to report evening or night hours during emergencies or severe weather * Support company mission. * Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures * Other duties as assigned or required Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: * 4-year degree in biology or animal behavior or related field plus 1 year of professional paid experience or professional experience equivalent * Maintains a valid Maryland drivers' license * Experience with animal data management software such as Tracks, ZIMS etc * Enthusiasm for working in a developing organization where change is frequent, structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and good humor are absolute necessities About the National Aquarium The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet. Our Mission and Goals The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution. Our Values At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission. Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability. Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change. Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues. Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization. Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment. In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment. How to Apply Interested and engaged applicants should apply through the link above. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@. Applicants should submit a letter of intent in their application package. Three references will be requested during the interview process.

Created: 2024-10-22