What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildlife Weekend Captain position at Piedmont Wildlife Center?
Piedmont Wildlife Center is seeking a Wildlife Weekend Captain to assist our Wildlife Education Team in weekend and holiday care of our Wildlife Ambassadors including reptiles, mammal and birds.
About Our Organization: Piedmont Wildlife Center is a Durham-based non-profit organization inspiring people to develop a lifelong connection with nature and encourage conservation through a community-oriented approach to nature education, leadership development, and environmental science. We offer year-round outdoor education programs as well as conservation-themed outreach and citizen science programs with our resident Wildlife Ambassadors.
Land Acknowledgement: Our camp operates out of Leigh Farm Park in Durham County. Leigh Farm Park is a remnant of a 19th century plantation. The Durham County Park department has preserved multiple historic structures. It is extremely important that we discuss this history with our staff and campers, honor the indigenous and enslaved peoples who cared for the land, amplify their stories, and continue learning about and examining the parks’ legacy. Please let us know if you have perspectives or resources to share - we are always interested in getting staff involved in our journey.
Position Summary: The Wildlife Weekend Captain will focus primarily on providing husbandry to all of PWC’s Wildlife Ambassadors on weekends and holidays by completing both Feathery Friends care and Critter care during each shift. The Wildlife Weekend Captain will not be responsible for every weekend/holiday, but rather, be part of a team of Wildlife Weekend Captains.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide excellent husbandry to all Wildlife Ambassadors through Feathery Friends care (birds) and Critter Care (reptiles, mammals).
- Complete all husbandry duties including but not limited to: preparing and feeding diets, cleaning enclosures, providing medication (as needed) and providing enrichment
- Provide prompt and effective communication to the Wildlife Education Team regarding animal behavior, supply stock and any maintenance issues and/or emergencies
- Complete daily PWC reports and USDA checklists
- Maintain excellent communication with Lead Wildlife Educator & Program Manager regarding schedules.
- Maintain excellent communication with Animal Husbandry & Intern Manager regarding any changes to Feathery Friends or Critter Care.
- Remain up to date on husbandry updates through Google Chat and team website.
- Maintain security and safety of all enclosures and buildings as outlined in PWC’s closing duties.
REQUIREMENTS :
- Passionate and enthusiastic for providing the highest quality husbandry for various wildlife species including reptiles, mammals and birds (mainly raptors).
- Ability (and/or willingness to learn) to dissect rats, mice, chicks and other animals for raptor food.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
- Must be able to maneuver through a variety of terrain through the woods and in and out of enclosures, and be able to lift and move 50 pounds such as full water coolers, supplies, and food for animals. Movements include but are not limited to bending down, standing on step stools, navigating enclosures on floor level and entering and exiting outdoor enclosures.
- Comfortable working in all weather conditions including but not limited to high humidity, light/heavy rain, low and cold temperatures and ice/snow.
- Dependable and must have reliable transportation.
- Comfortable working independently and within a team environment.
Unique Considerations:
- Previous husbandry experience in any capacity
- Ability to problem solve quickly
- Knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training
Schedule: Weekends and holidays based on the applicant's schedule with a maximum of 5 hours/weekend. Saturday and holiday shifts are 3.5 hours and Sunday shifts are 1.5 hours. All shifts are expected to be completed no later than 1:00pm.
Pay Rate: $20/hour for weekend shifts. $30/hour for holiday shifts.
Applications will be accepted through 5/8/26. Expected training dates would be in June with the applicant fully trained by July. If you have any questions, please email Noelle Rizzieri at noelle@piedmontwildlifecenter.org.
Salary : $20 - $30