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Current Openings
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Aviculturist (Full Time, Benefitted Position)
Tracy Aviary is seeking an individual dedicated to avian husbandry, conservation, and education to fill the full-time position of Aviculturist.
Salary: Starting wage for this position is $15-17/hour depending on experience. Raises are merit-based.
Job Summary: This position is an animal care position working directly with a collection of over 300 birds, and a few tortoises. Duties involve physical work outdoors throughout the year in conditions common for Utah. The department has a strong focus on avian sustainability, with many breeding recommendations and goals within the collection. Recent hatching highlights include Black-naped Fruit Dove, Black-Necked Stilt, Cape Thick-Knee, Red-Capped Cardinal, Troupial, and Scaly-Sided Merganser. The department runs an intern program focused on mentoring people interested in getting a job in the zoo field, and all aviculture staff members support the program through leadership and on-the-job training, preparing interns for future job opportunities in zoology and animal care. Physical work requirements include lifting up to 50lbs, bending, cleaning, use of non-motorized and motorized tools, pulling of carts, carrying large items, climbing ladders, and driving vehicles. Animals need care 365 days a year, aviculture staff work all holidays and weekends, luckily they have some great feathered colleagues to spend their days with, and supportive team members if they need flexibility with those days!
Day in the life of an Aviculturist:
- Provides animal care essentials through cleaning (hosing, fecal removal, raking, shoveling), diet preparation (including preparing items ranging from fruits and grains, to insects, rodents, and other meats), health and patient care (including providing vaccinations, triage care, and treatments for patients), safety (including exhibit repair, animal capture and restraint), provision of enrichment, husbandry training.
- Learns about the cultural and natural history of the animals in the collection.
- Works with the horticulture team on exhibit needs and plant care.
- Observes and records the health and behavior of the birds, recording daily details through the online database.
- Performs some computer related tasks (updating protocols, responding to email).
- Working with people is just as important as working with animals, duties include training and supervising interns and volunteers while communicating effectively with team members.
Qualifications:
Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are much less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification as described. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate for this position. Please think about the breadth of your life experience when considering the following list of qualifications:
Must Haves for Applicants:
- Passionate about birds and committed to inspiring curiosity and caring for birds and nature.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to follow direction from supervisors and colleagues.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience providing and receiving constructive feedback.
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions with bending, lifting, and navigating uneven terrain daily, with reasonable accommodation.
Additional Skills and Experience Welcomed:
- Fluent in speaking and writing Spanish, to support engagement with guests through keeper talks, sign development, and social media support. Native speakers are preferred, but not required. Fluency in other languages is also welcome.
- Experience mentoring teens and young adults through youth development programs.
Being on the Tracy Aviary Team:
Tracy Aviary provides health, dental, and vision, paid family support leave, paid time off and nine observed holidays, paid sick leave, and committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion.
Tracy Aviary values growth of its team members, providing opportunities for employees to expand their skills. Staff led Committees support multi-department camaraderie with the support to make a difference within the organization, committees focus on staff support and acknowledgement, safety, volunteer programs, green practices, diversity and inclusion, and many other ways to bring new ideas to support the Aviary’s mission and values.
If you would like to learn more about what Tracy Aviary can offer you, or have more questions, feel free to reach out to Kate Lyngle-Cowand at katel@tracyaviary.org.
How To Apply:
Applications are being accepted immediately. Position is open until filled. Send 1) a cover letter which describes your life experience, interest, and qualifications for this job and 2) resume, to Kate Lyngle-Cowand (she/her), Curator of Exhibits, at katel@tracyaviary.org.
If you would like to know more about this position or have questions about working at Tracy Aviary, please contact Kate for a more comprehensive list of benefits, duties, and responsibilities.