Aviculturist

Aviculturist

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is looking for a detail-oriented team member to join our Crane Care Department. Over the past 50 years, 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. The Aviculturist 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.   

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate about our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates.  You will find deep commitment at all levels of the organization from staff and volunteers to our senior leaders and Board of Directors. You will play a critical role in our mission across the U.S. and around the world.  The pay range for this position is $19.00 – $19.50 per hour and includes a generous health benefit package, 401K plan, and paid vacation, sick time, holidays, disability insurance.  This position is located in Baraboo, WI.

Position Summary:

The Aviculturist 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, the maintenance of enclosures, in addition, assisting with the breeding and reintroduction programs. This position must be able to work as an integral team member and communicate effectively with coworkers, colleagues, volunteers, and guests.

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. Observes cranes behaviors and habitat to ensure well-being and safety.
• Assist Crane Conservation Department with daily management of flock to meet institutional collection management and annual breeding goals.
• Participate in captive propagation programs through observations of crane breeding behavior, practicing artificial insemination, regulating diet, implementing various egg incubation techniques, pair socializations, rearing chicks, and behavioral enrichment.
• Participate in Whooping crane reintroduction efforts including rearing of chicks on and off-site while working in a costume; assists with field-based rearing and release efforts.
• Assist with coordination of seasonal maintenance activities related to flock management and welfare including vegetation management, annual disinfection of crane holding pens, repairs to crane enclosures, snow removal, camera installation, and pen rotations.

Additional Duties:

• Facilitates communication related to CCD activities through updates of various platforms (i.e. ZIMS, Teams, email), participation in ICF staff meetings, CCD morning and weekly department meetings, and participation in planning sessions.
• Attends and participates in ICF staff meetings, CCD meetings, and provides oral and written reports when needed.
• Collaborates with Department staff on management actions to improve flock welfare, advance breeding, and program goals, and improve staff efficiency.
• Assume responsibility for knowing, being trained, and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed and operation of equipment.
• Assists in training apprentices, other fellows, scientists, trainees, and volunteers in learning the techniques involved in breeding, exhibiting, and caring for the captive flock.
• Work closely 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.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Work cooperatively with individuals across departments assisting with project completion and free sharing of information and expertise as needed. Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work ethically and with integrity.
• Written Communication: Strong written communication skills including the ability to effectively proofread and edit routine correspondence and reports in a clear, concise, logical, and effective manner while using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Detail-oriented: Carefully monitors the details and quality on own and others work, ensuring accuracy, effectiveness, and safety of birds where relevant.
• Organization and Time Management: Manage multiple concurrent and competing priorities in a fast-paced workplace to meet designated deadlines and desired results.
• Ability to speak effectively before individuals and groups; listening effectively; responding well to questions from conservation colleagues and visitors.
• Ability to work the number and schedule of hours needed to accomplish regular and ad hoc job responsibilities, including weekends and holidays.
• Quickly, effectively, and continually adapt to changes in work environment and duties, processes, and technologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point).

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in biology, zoology or conservation related sciences.
• Two years relevant experience in care, breeding, and rearing of birds.
• Experience working in outdoor environments and in field conditions.
  • Flexibility to shift between headquarters and field operations
• Valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of paid experience at an AZA accredited institution.
• Experience working with a wildlife reintroduction program.
• Experience with ZIMS database software.
• Experience with operant conditioning.
• Experience using a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as mowers, string trimmers.

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 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.
• Required to navigate uneven terrain, including marshes, while wearing a hooded costume.
• 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.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to type.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Ability to see and read documents and computer screen.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk for long periods of time.