Aviculturist (Relief Keeper) (Full-time)

Aviculturist (Relief Keeper) (Full-time) Report to:

Curator of Animal Husbandry and Wellness Department:

 

Animal Care Status:

Non-exempt, Full-time Date:

July 2026 Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Jessica McAtee, Jessica.

McAtee@aviary.org.

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

The Aviculturist assists the Senior Aviculturists with husbandry, training, enrichment, and visitor engagement pertaining to the birds and mammals at the National Aviary. The Aviculturist acts as the primary point of contact in the absence of the Senior Aviculturist. The Animal Care department is composed of six sections that the Aviculturist (Relief Keeper) may work in based on departmental needs. The Aviculturist (Relief Keeper) serves as the main coverage when other Animal Care Aviculturists are off.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ability to be trained and retain skills in multiple sections with flexibility to move between regions as assigned. Supports the Senior Aviculturist in the husbandry of the animals in the assigned area, including cleaning, enriching, training and other initiatives as determined by the Senior Aviculturist or management. Cleans animal habitats as needed to maintain cleanliness standards, following standard operating procedures. Observes animals daily and immediately reports any issues. Ensures acceptable daily appearance of all habitat components prior to opening and over the course of the operational day. Maintains an understanding of the principles that underlie animal welfare in the zoological field and supports the National Aviary's Animal Welfare Program. Maintains an understanding of the welfare indicators for the species and individual animals under their care. Assists in the modification and maintenance of habitats, including identifying and implementing solutions to housing problems with supervisory approval. Identifies and communicates minor problems in air-handling, lighting, and filtrations systems. Provides approved enrichment to all animals in a given area on the proper schedule and completes necessary record-keeping related to enrichment. Conducts daily feeding presentations and encounters for visitors as assigned. Develops a proficient understanding of and employs the principles of basic operant conditioning. Works with Assistant Manager of Animal Collections/Registrar to train animals in habitats. Trains and oversees assistant aviculturists, interns, and volunteers. Prepares food for the animals and monitors daily diet consumption for a variety of species with supervisory approval. Performs welfare assessments as assigned. Notates daily observations in record-keeping database. Prepares and administers medical treatments as prescribed by the Veterinarian. Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures. Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Aviculturist has no formal supervisory responsibilities. The Aviculturist may direct the day-to-day work of the Assistant Aviculturist, volunteers, and interns in the absence of the Senior Aviculturist.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to be a good team player and maintain a positive attitude. Strong written and oral communication skills Able to work effectively as part of a team and in performance of individual tasks Self-motivated and able to learn the different aspects of animal husbandry, care, and behavior Considerable knowledge of the species' natural history, breeding and husbandry requirements of animals that are maintained in the collection Ability to properly handle and restrain a variety of species Strong presentation skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner Ability to communicate effectively and interact positively with the public, supervisors, and peers. Good decision-making skills Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Undergraduate degree in biology, animal care, conservation or related field required. 2 or more years paid aviculture experience or relevant zoo work required

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check Valid Driver's License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly positions self to complete cleaning and maintenance of habitats, including under, over, and around obstacles. The employee occasionally ascends and descends ladders. The employee regularly transports crates and supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly uses utensils and tools including knives, scissors, hoses, falconry equipment. The employee occasionally operates hand and power equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environments will include chilled or humid environments, public areas where the noise level may be loud, outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation, and climate-controlled office spaces. The employee is regularly exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK.

This is a full-time position. The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.