Aviculture Specialist LTE

Position Description (Aviculture Specialist LTE)

Over the past 50 years, The International Crane Foundation (ICF) has grown from the dream of two college students to a world-renowned conservation effort to save the world’s cranes and the flyways and habitats they frequent. 

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate for our mission, dedicated to the organization and engaged with their fellow staff and associates. Our campus is located on 200+ acres of rolling prairies with trails. ICF operates a zoo that features all 15 of the world’s cranes. The Aviculture Specialist provides the husbandry services for our captive flock of 100+ cranes, with a starting wage of $15.50 per hour.  

Position Summary:

The Aviculture Specialist supports the mission of the International Crane Foundation (ICF) by providing the highest standards of avian husbandry and supporting the health and well-being of the captive flock.  The incumbent is responsible for the daily care of the birds and the maintenance of enclosures. This position must be able to work as an integral team member and communicate effectively with coworkers, colleagues, volunteers, and guests.

Work schedule: Position is expected to work between 30-40 hours per week; working weekends and holidays may be required. This is a seasonal limited term position with an approximate start date of June 1, 2024, and an estimated end date of March 1, 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily husbandry tasks, such as cleaning of crane pens, provision of clean water, and fresh food according to established protocols and maintain accurate and timely records for captive flock in database.
• Assist Crane Conservation Department with management of flock to meet institutional collection management and annual breeding goals.
• Assist with seasonal maintenance activities related to flock management including vegetation management, annual disinfection of crane holding pens, repairs to crane enclosures, snow removal, camera installation, and pen rotations.
• Support behavioral husbandry and welfare programs through provision and evaluation of enrichment, participation in operant conditioning plans, and welfare assessments.
• Perform tasks related to egg incubation management and parent-rearing of chicks included in the daily husbandry routines.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with Department staff on management actions to improve flock welfare, advance breeding, and program goals, and improve staff efficiency.
• Responsible for safety procedures for all field operations and equipment. This includes vehicle safety, following standard operating procedures and protocols when operating equipment.
• Assist department staff in training interns or visiting colleagues on aviculture techniques and related issues.
• Work with Conservation Medicine Department to provide high quality health care to the flock including treatment of sick or injured birds as directed by veterinary staff.
• Facilitate communication related to Crane Conservation Department activities through updates of databases, participation in morning and weekly department meetings, and participation in planning sessions.
• May participate in on-site outreach activities through scheduled keeper presentations or conducting VIP tours.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• GED or High School diploma required; paid experience in care of captive wildlife strongly preferred.
• Experience working in outdoor environments and in field conditions.
• Ability to work the number and schedule of hours needed to accomplish regular job responsibilities, including weekends and holidays.
• Valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience at an AZA accredited institution.
• Familiarity with native and invasive species of Wisconsin
• Experience using a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as brush mowers, string trimmers, pressure washers and truck/trailer.

Core Competencies:

• Good organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work, stay focused, and to galvanize and work with others to meet deadlines and desired results.
• Ability to read and understand documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively communicate core information related to animal health, behavior, and welfare in both spoken and written formats.
• Ability to listen well to requests and directions given.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point).
• Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work ethically and with integrity.
• Quickly, effectively, and continually adapt to changes in work environment and duties, processes, and technologies.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasional travel may be required, primarily in the United States.

• Daily use of a computer
• This position requires the ability to safely handle and restrain large, powerful birds.
• Required to assume multiple positions when caring for the cranes and their enclosures including reaching balancing, crouching, and kneeling.
• Occasionally required to ascend and descend stairs and ladders.
• Occasionally exposed to high strength disinfectants, herbicides, and to heavy dust loads (appropriate PPE provided).
• Frequently moves up to 50 lbs.; occasionally moves 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Daily works outdoors under all weather conditions found in Wisconsin (including negative temperatures, high winds, and summer humidity/occasional high temperatures).

For more information, please visit our website at www.savingcranes.org. To apply send cover letter and resume as a single document to [email protected].  Please list subject:  Aviculture LTE.