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SASan Antonio Zoo
San Antonio ZooWildlife Conservation

Animal Care Specialist - Aviculture I

Location

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

0-3 years

Compensation

$15 - $15 per hour

Posted

12h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Care Specialist - Aviculture I is responsible for the daily care of assigned birds, including diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, and data collection. This role involves observing animal behavior, ensuring safety protocols, performing enrichment, and collaborating with veterinary staff and guests at the San Antonio Zoo.

As an Animal Care Specialist in the Aviculture Department, you will support all aspects of daily bird care, exhibit maintenance, behavioral observation, and documentation. This role requires experience with diverse bird species and the ability to work independently after gaining proficiency.

The Impact You’ll Make

Daily Care

  • Provide general husbandry, including diet preparation and feeding

  • Clean and maintain exhibits and off-exhibit areas (substrate, perching, plant care)

  • Monitor and troubleshoot animal behavior; apply training techniques

  • Maintain accurate daily records and follow safety protocols

  • Support team members and uphold AZA and Zoo standards

  • Deliver excellent guest service and support the Zoo’s conservation mission

Behavioral Observation

  • Monitor, evaluate, and enrich animal behavior

  • Report concerns and maintain detailed records of routines and treatments

Safety

  • Exercise sound judgment in emergencies and around unpredictable animals

  • Ensure secure enclosures and safe environments for animals and guests

Enrichment & Training

  • Develop and implement species-specific enrichment

  • Apply operant conditioning for husbandry and demonstrations

Collaboration

  • Assist veterinary staff with treatments and procedures

  • Support animal transfers, medications, and handling/restraint

  • Act as liaison between veterinary staff, leadership, and team

Guest Engagement

  • Interact with guests, staff, and VIPs

  • Participate in educational talks, tours, and events

Team Development

  • Study animal care and natural history materials

  • Identify species and build strong working relationships

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist with pest control and light maintenance

  • Operate equipment (mowers, pressure washers, tools) safely

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

  • Associate degree or higher in animal science, zoology, biology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

  • Knowledge of avian biology, behavior, incubation, and chick rearing preferred

  • Experience in zoo aviculture and habitat care preferred

  • Ability to handle eggs and assist with breeding programs

  • Familiarity with systems like ZIMS or TRACKS a plus

  • Strong communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to train and support volunteers/interns

  • Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain Texas Class C within 45 days)

  • Must pass background check and drug screening

Work Environment

  • Must be 18+ and able to work outdoors in varying weather

  • Flexible schedule required (days, nights, weekends, holidays)

  • Year-round role with occasional after-hours assignments

Join the San Antonio Zoo team and help inspire care and conservation for the natural world.

Updated 12h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Avian Behavior • 1+ yrs
Data Collection • 1+ yrs
Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Critical Thinking • 1+ yrs
Collaboration • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
ZIMS • 1+ yrs

Experience

0-3 years

Certifications

Class 'C' Texas Driver's License • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$15 - $15 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationSan Antonio, Texas, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh9/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium7/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

San Antonio Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

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Animal Care Specialist - Aviculture I

San Antonio, Texas, United StatesFull Time