Facility

Rota Island – US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Closing Date

Description

The San Diego Zoo Global operates a rear and release program for the Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubari) on Rota Island. The Aga Rear and Release Program is one part of the larger Hawaiian Endangered Bird Conservation Program which also runs two conservation breeding facilities in Hawaii for critically endangered Hawaiian birds, and conducts release efforts for the ‘Alalā (or Hawaiian Crow). As part of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, our Rota facility is a crucial component of intensive conservation and reintroduction efforts for critically endangered avian species in the Pacific.

Aviculture Volunteers for the HEBCP learn the basics of the endangered bird-breeding program while providing essential assistance to facility and program operations. The primary responsibilities of HEBCP volunteers consist of daily bird husbandry and facility projects. Daily bird husbandry duties include morning feeding, aviary cleaning, diet preparation, aviary maintenance, afternoon bird checks, observing birds for breeding behaviors and health concerns, and record-keeping. Facility projects include perching aviaries, gathering browse and nesting material, grounds-keeping, building maintenance, and predator control. On Rota, Aviculture Volunteers will also assist staff during egg incubation and hand rearing of chicks (Oct-Feb), and behavioral observations of release candidates (Feb-May).

Education and Pre-requisites

Volunteers must display enthusiasm for working in aviculture and bird conservation; be at least 21 years old; be able to respectfully share living space with several roommates in a remote area; have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record; have health insurance for the duration of the volunteer position; and maintain high standards of excellence, team work, and project completion.

Compensation and benefits

Volunteers receive a round trip airline ticket to Rota, $40/day stipend, plus housing.

Application instructions

To apply for a volunteer position, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Phil Hannon at phannon@sandiegozoo.org and cc Jennifer Pribble at hebcpvolunteers@gmail.com. Please indicate in the subject line that you are interested in a volunteer position on Rota

San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research
15600 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027-7000
Phone: 619-231-1515
Fax: 619-557-3971