The Tracy Aviary is now hiring for a Bird Show Internship position starting November 1st. This internship is 6 months long and designed to provide training and skill development for career-focused individuals in preparation for an entry level position working in the bird show or ambassador animal field. Under direct supervision of bird care staff, intern job duties will include: Performing daily animal care procedures including cleaning, feeding, diet preparation, enrichment, and other tasks. Learning about the natural and individual history of a variety of species of birds and how that applies to their care. Working safely around all birds, including hands-on experience with ambassador birds via voluntary husbandry and programming behaviors. Participating in guest experience through informal and formal programming, including development and presentation of a public bird demonstration. Introduction to behavioral management using best practices, including an intern training project. Observing birds and their behaviors, communicating them with keepers, and recording them in our record keeping system. In addition to the hands-on training received on a daily basis, interns receive training via attending intern classes taught by our skilled staff. Classes include, but are not limited to, avian anatomy and physiology, exhibit preparation, medical procedures, artificial incubation, record keeping, training, and public speaking. Interns work 7:30am - 4:00pm, working 40 hours a week with two consecutive days off. Tracy Aviary provides off-site housing and a $1097/month stipend (pre-taxes).

Qualifications:

Three months of experience working with animals in a captive or research setting is desired. Examples of the type of experience desired may include: zoological institutions, education programs working with ambassador animals, bird shows, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related facilities. Experience may be paid or unpaid. In lieu of animal experience, a degree in biology or a related field is desired. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications. If you are an inviting, optimistic person with a strong desire to learn and can stand with the Tracy Aviary's mission to inspire curiosity and caring of birds then we would love to see your application!