Part-Time Exotic Avian Caregiver

Purpose of Position This position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to animal husbandry of approximately 35 species of softbills including aracari, toucanets, toucans, macaws, cockatoos and hornbills. This includes hand-rearing chicks during baby season.

Essential Duties

• Provides for husbandry needs of all animals in care by participating in daily cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, training, enrichment, and daily observations.
• Understanding basic medical terminology and use of variety of medications
• Ability to administer oral and IM medications
• Ability to administer SQ fluids or ability to learn
• Understanding or ability to learn avian behavior and handling
• Following daily enrichment plans
• Willingness to clean variety of cages and aviaries, while being exposed to feces and urates
• Participate in hand rearing of babies
• Responsible for daily observation of animal health and welfare. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor. Maintains accurate daily records of animal collection.
• Cooperates and assists with veterinary treatments and instructions.
• Adheres to established animal handling, chick, breeding, and related safety protocols.
• Participate in capturing, restraining, and transporting animals.
• Ability to adhere to strict quarantine protocols following guidelines in the proper use of PPE, transmittable diseases and understanding of HPAI.
• Collect fecals
• Identifies and communicates regarding maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
• Ability to learn how to cut down and place branches inside all aviaries safely.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of Emerald Forest Bird Gardens. Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including some weekends, holidays and varied after hour events and feeding schedules as needed.

• Candidate will be expected to operate various equipment, including dicing machines
• Valid form of transportation to and from job site
• Ability to act calmly and professionally in all situations such as emergencies

Competencies

• Flexible - Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments.
• Independent - Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Positive - Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
• Critical thinking- Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise on a daily basis
• Innovative - Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to animal care.
• Efficient- Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner.

Education and/or Experience

Education level of Diploma in a relevant field or higher is essential.

Experience working with animals in a professional setting is essential.

Experience working with birds and hand-rearing various species is highly favored.

Knowledge of:

• Care, feeding, and handling of exotic and/or domestic animals
• Animal behavior
• Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
• Understanding of basic and advanced medical techniques, administration of oral and IM medications including SQ fluids

Language Ability Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, to staff and visitors of all ages.

• Effective communication and conflict resolution with coworkers and supervisors
• Reporting any animal care or concerns to appropriate supervisor in a timely manner
• Multilingual is a bonus

Physical Demands There are significant physical demands that must be performed by an employee to to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must be able to work outside year-round in weather conditions and temperatures typical for hilly San Diego, California for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work navigate uneven terrain with exposure to dust, and allergens over 40 acres of property.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to household and industrial chemicals

Benefits

• Housing and utilities can be provided to candidates eager to learn hand- rearing birds and ready to work evening shifts.

Job Types: Part-time, Internship

Pay: $17.50 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19