Job Title: Rainforest Aviculturist
Posting Date: 1/6/2026
Job Department: Rainforest
Schedule: Full Time
Job Type: On-site
Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202
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 workspaces 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 ($17.64-22.74) 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 to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
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.
