This job is no longer available.
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Job summary
The Senior Aviculturist plays an integral role in supporting the institution’s mission of inspiring conservation of the oceans by helping with the care of our avian collection, helping to supervise our aviculture volunteers and interns, mentoring other Aviculturists/Aviculturist II, as well as engaging our visitors. He/She will be part of the aviculture team that is responsible for care of all elements of the avian programs within the Husbandry Operations department. Duties include all aspects of avian husbandry, including holding areas and exhibits, transports, acclimations, introductions, incubation/hand rearing, record keeping and live animal programs.
Core Responsibilities
- High level of avian husbandry skills, including diet preparation, animal feeding, detection of avian diseases, capture, restraint, operant conditioning, incubation and hand rearing
- Advanced familiarity and ability to cover maintenance of all avian related exhibits and holdings, including LSS, at a high level defined in the Husbandry Exhibit Protocols that may involve the use of SCUBA
- Provide appropriate treatment, under supervision of the vet, for all birds in the aquarium’s collection and rehab program
- Public speaking, including live animal presentations and guest interactions
- Design, development and implementation of animal training and enrichment programs following departmental and aquarium guidelines
- Acts as a resource for other Aviculture team members, husbandry staff and other department staff
- Supervise aviculture volunteers and interns
- Assist in transport, acclimation, quarantine, and introductions of all avian species in the aquarium’s collection
- Record keeping
- Assist in protocol development
- Must be able to manage all avian light cycles
- Respond to requests for information and/or interviews for other departments
- Ability to perform duties of Aviculturist and Aviculturist II, as needed
- Other duties as needed
Absolutely Required Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education
- Ability to make sound judgment and handle issues/problems in the absence of curator
- A high level of understanding of avian anatomy, behavior, husbandry management, common health problems and treatments, diets and nutrition
- Working knowledge of all avian related LSS at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Working knowledge of all avian quarantine facilities and procedures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Ability to work with and communicate successfully with diverse groups of MBA staff and volunteers
- A minimum of three years’ experience working as a aviculturist/bird keeper in a public zoo/aquarium, preference given to AZA certified facilities
- A minimum of three years’ experience with incubation, hand rearing, and operant conditioning of avian species, preference given to experience with similar species at Monterey Bay Aquarium
- A minimum of three years’ experience with public speaking and/or visitor interpretation
- Maintain proficiency as an MBA aviculturist II or equivalent position
- A bachelor degree in biology or related field or equivalent experience
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
- Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain clearance in the DMV Pull Program
Desired Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education
- SCUBA certification highly desired
- Ability to pass an occupational/scientific dive physical examination (if applicable).
- Knowledge of flora and fauna of the California central coast
- Experience with avian rehabilitation
- PC experience: MS Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, TRACKS
Ancillary Responsibilities
- Familiar with and ability to assist with all avian related permits
- Assist in determining nutritionally sound diets for all birds at the aquarium
- Assist in avian related design and development of exhibits and holding areas
- Participate in other aquarium special projects, work groups and committees as required
- Assist in staff/volunteer scheduling
- Assist in avian rehabilitation, including being a responder for Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Hourly Compensation Range:
$22.16-$34.62 per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
