Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture

An affiliate of Colossal is seeking an Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture, to serve as a member of the Animal Husbandry Team. The specialist will provide the highest level of care and welfare for the animals under our oversight.  The Aviculture Team cares for a diverse collection of bird species including both exotics and domestics. This position reports to the Manager of Animal Husbandry and works closely with Colossal’s Head of Animal Husbandry.

**This position will be based out of the Dallas area with ~10% travel required. Relocation assistance is available. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily husbandry for a large and diverse collection of birds
• Maintain animal habitats and surrounding areas, husbandry equipment, and tools. 
• Closely monitor and document animal behavior, health and wellbeing, recording these in the record keeping system and reporting issues to leadership.
• Create habitats that promote successful breeding and optimal welfare for bird species.  
• Assist veterinary and research staff with medical exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Stay up to date on developments in aviculture by researching industry best practices and networking with industry professionals. 
• Develop training and enrichment plans and schedules for Colossal species.
• Prepare diets for bird species.
• Assist with incubation and hand-rearing.

  Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong abilities in the areas of animal handling for veterinary care.  
• Expertise in avian animal care and conservation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Practiced interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to thrive and work well with others in a team environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a growth-oriented, nimble environment.

Education and Experience:

• AA/AS/BA/BS in a Biological Science is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in aviculture.
• Previous experience with breeding of exotic birds, egg incubation, and hand-rearing are preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a typical Dallas area climate and under field conditions (heat, humidity, plant allergens, insects, etc.).
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed.