Husbandry Coordinator

About: Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Huntersville, NC dedicated to raptor rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Our mission is to ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural world. Our vision is to foster communities where raptors and people thrive thanks to our unique blend of innovation, research, and education. We are a world-class destination for avian rehabilitation and our dedication to the birds in our care provides visitors a gateway to the natural world.

Position Summary: The Husbandry Coordinator plays a vital role in the care, training, and welfare of our ambassador birds. The Husbandry Coordinator is responsible for leading daily husbandry operations, coordinating enclosure maintenance, and supporting bird training, enrichment, and education programs. This role requires strong organizational skills, a proactive approach, and a commitment to animal welfare and teamwork.

Responsibilities:

• Animal Husbandry

  • Prepare and administer daily diets and medications for birds.

  • Lead routine husbandry operations, including enclosure cleaning, water changes, and maintenance in compliance with USDA regulations.

  • Coordinate and assist with enclosure repairs to ensure animal safety and welfare.

  • Design and contribute to enrichment initiatives and high-standard husbandry protocols.

  • Collaborate with the Avian Ambassador department, Hospital department, and veterinary staff to support avian health care.

  • Participate in collection management discussions, welfare assessments, and exhibit updates.

• Bird Training

  • Develop and implement individualized training plans for ambassador birds using operant conditioning techniques.

  • Assist with free-flight training programs and behavioral troubleshooting alongside the Curator and Behavior Coordinator.

• Educational Programming

  • Support live bird programs, including seasonal events like the Summer Bird Show.

  • Engage with the public through educational experiences such as Keeper Chats and bird encounters.

• Volunteer and Intern Support

  • Help onboard and train volunteers and interns to support daily operations and departmental goals.

Requirements:

• Must have a passion for the mission of Carolina Raptor Center.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must submit a standard background criminal background review conducted by CRC.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and ability to operate motorized equipment.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends and federal holidays as needed.

• Must be willing to serve all guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

• Must be comfortable working outdoors and in close proximity to wild animals.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to perform physical requirements of programs at the most rigorous level.

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to handle animals, including capture and restraint of birds weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Frequent standing, talking and listening to their surroundings.

• Regular walking, bending, lifting.

• Occasional climbing, balancing, squatting, kneeling.

• Ability to work around sick and injured birds, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors. If you are immunocompromised or pregnant/planning to become pregnant, you should obtain medical clearance from your physician.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; minimum of 1–2 years of experience as an animal keeper or in a similar role.

• Strong understanding of raptor care, handling, and training.

• Knowledge of animal welfare standards and husbandry best practices.

• Proficient in animal record keeping systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Work Location & Environment: The Husbandry Coordinator works out of the Hospital located at Carolina Raptor Center’s facilities in Huntersville, North Carolina.