Animal Care Specialist Avian

Summary/Purpose of Position:

This position assists with the care and maintenance of the majority of the avian collection, which consists of two species of cranes and our Attwater Prairie Chicken flock. A major focus each year is the Attwater’s breeding season when chicks are raised and prepared for the release program. This position will also assist with the USFWS APC Recovery Program and SSP/SAFE recommendations. Additional responsibilities include the care and maintenance within the Texas Horned Lizard project as needed. Maintain and expand Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s image and awareness through public speaking and publication.

Specific/Mandatory: The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: Avian include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide daily care and maintenance of the Avian collection

• Relief coverage for the Texas horned lizard collection

• Provide daily care of facilities, including cleaning and light maintenance

• Assist the Animal Care Department. with procedures as needed, consistent with the existing “Team” concept

• Attend Attwater’s Recovery Team, and all related meetings, when possible, with supervisor approval

• Assist the Avian Curator by producing needed reports and records

• Assist the Animal Health Department with daily treatment(s) when needed

• Assist and provide guidance to Support Services staff when work needs to be done at the facilities

• Provide professional training opportunities and supervision for the avian interns

• Regular and dependable attendance is required

• Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies

• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds

• Be able to bend over

• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking

• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat, 100+ degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions

• Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., weed trimmer, mower, hand tools and truck

• Computer skills in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and the use of the APC Database that Fossil Rim designed and uses to document the APC program

• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals

The secondary responsibilities of the A/C Specialist: Avian include but are not limited to the following:

• Enhancement of visitor experience and learning opportunities

• Interface with both the Environmental Engagement and the Marketing/Public Relations Departments as needed

• Assist the Animal Care Department with public monitoring and management when needed

Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills:

• University Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field, or 2 year’s experience in a professional avian collection preferred. Experience with galliformes desirable

• Interest in captive breeding/release programs

• Understanding of the biology of galliformes and other birds

• Experience in hand raising birds

• Public speaking experience

• Familiarity with PC’s and competent with Excel and Microsoft Word, and will also be trained on the Fossil Rim APC Database for all APC specific entries

• Work conduct will be of a mature, responsible, and professional manner

• Work as a team member

• Accept responsibility for the Care of the collection, beyond the daily care and husbandry considerations

Work Requirements:

This position is Essential to Fossil Rim throughout the year and during times when Fossil Rim is closed due to unexpected events, any Essential employee that is scheduled to work must work as scheduled. Usually a 5-day work week, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8hours, and weeks may exceed five days

Please submit your resume today! We are a Non-Profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.

Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.