Facility
National Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Aviculturist to provide assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices, keeps exhibits, reserve holding, support equipment and work spaces well maintained to National Aquarium’s standards; plans and participates in the acquisition/disposition of specimens, transport and acclimation of specimens. Participates in the design, construction of new exhibits and exhibit renovations, as assigned. Fully accountable for animals and associates areas under care in assigned areas. Responsible for providing coverage for other areas and serves as the primary contact for assigned areas. Serves as an advisor and mentor to aviculture staff on all aspects of husbandry procedures and protocols. Trains staff and supervises volunteers, interns and project teams, as assigned. Acts as a leader and role model for other staff mentors.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications/Position Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in ornithology, biology or related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum three years’ previous work experience in a professional animal care facility required or aviculture field.
• Experience with bird keeping, breeding, capture and handling techniques and transport.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Must be able to apply solid knowledge of biology, and zoology concepts to an Aquarium setting.
• Compentent understanding of the treatment of common aviary diseases, aviculture handling/husbandry techniques and basic exhibitory.
• Adept at observation to watch for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns of any changes in behavior.
• Must be able to follow established safety procedures.
• Must have capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from curatorial staff.
• Possess an affinity for animals and educational orientation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with visitors, and staff at all levels verbally or in writing.
• Ability to mentor and train new interns and volunteers.
• Familiarity with computers is necessary; should be able to log and record animal/exhibit related data.
• Must have keen observation skills, should be highly detail oriented and adept at problem-solving.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 35-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org.