Rainforest Aviculturist

National Aquarium Pier 3

501 E Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21202, USA

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a dedicated and skilled Aviculturist to join our Upland Tropical Rain Forest team. This position is responsible for providing exceptional care to a diverse collection of birds and mammals within a large, free-flight Neotropical aviary
, as well as North Atlantic seabirds in an alcid habitat
.

The ideal candidate will ensure excellent welfare through approved husbandry practices, maintain habitats, equipment, and work spaces to National Aquarium standards, and contribute to the acquisition, disposition, transport, and behavioral training of assigned species. The role is based in the Upland Tropical Rain Forest but may provide support to other areas, including but not limited to Australia:
Wild Extremes teams and the Animal Care and Rescue centers. Team members may be required to cross-train with additional taxa as needed.

Core responsibilities include diet preparation (including live colony management), daily behavioral husbandry, health monitoring, and meticulous record-keeping. Additional duties may involve delivering public presentations and behind-the-scenes tours, mentoring volunteers and interns, and participating in emergency response efforts during after-hours or severe weather events. This position is considered essential, and applicants may be required to work severe weather events, power outages, holidays and other such events

This position reports to the Assistant Curator of Australia-Rainforest and is based in the Upland Tropical Rain Forest department. This position will have a Thursday –Monday work week with Tuesday and Wednesday off. Daily hours are 7:30a – 4p each day.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4-year degree in biology or animal behavior or related field plus 1 year of professional paid experience or professional experience equivalent to required education
• Knowledge of natural history and professional husbandry standards for avian species and mammals is required
• Understanding behavioral husbandry and operant conditioning with the ability to create plans and execute behavioral goals is preferred
• Ability to represent the Aquarium to the public
• Experience with maintenance of large life support systems or the aptitude to learn maintenance of life support equipment
• Ability to work in extreme environments safely, including wet, extremely cold, and hot
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs, and complete standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions
• Ability to climb ladders and work in high spaces and near and in water.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays regularly
• Ability to report evening or night hours during emergencies or severe weather
• Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of unpredictable situations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Maryland driver’s license
• Experience with animal data management software such as Tracks, ZIMS etc.
• Must be capable of emergency response to avoid injury to self, others, and animals
• Enthusiasm for working in a space where change is frequent, structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and humor are absolute necessities

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Hourly range ($) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available.

Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud…