Facility
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance- satellite program in CNMI
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Title: Aviculture Technician
Agency: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Location: Tropical Pacific
Job Description: VOLUNTEER AVICULTURE TECHNICIANS – Seeking enthusiastic candidates for a 6+ month position to assist in an ongoing conservation program for the critically endangered Mariana Crow (Aga) on the island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The desired start time is early April. Participants will be directly involved in releasing a cohort of captive reared crows into the wild. Main duties include those typical of bird husbandry- preparing diets, cleaning aviaries and food prep areas, as well as facility maintenance. Additionally, technicians assist in preparing adult crows for release- collecting native food items for crows and conducting regular behavioral observations of captive adults at the facility and within the release aviary to ensure they are gaining the skills needed to succeed in the wild. Post release of the crows, technicians assist in supplemental feeding for the released birds & track their progress via video observations & remote weight capture methods.
Exceptional volunteers will have the opportunity to extend their time and participate in the egg and chick rearing season (begins in October) to assist in raising the next group of release birds. In depth training will be provided on egg incubation and puppet rearing of corvids. Technicians will be involved in all aspects of the chicks’ daily care & learn techniques that will help prepare them for life in the wild.
Applicants should be physically fit, self-motivated, enthusiastic, enjoy working and living with others in close quarters, and have a good sense of humor. Those applicants with experience in avian husbandry and carpentry will be given priority. Benefits include round-trip airfare to Rota (reimbursed), housing plus utilities, shared vehicles, and $800/month non-taxable stipend. Additional perks include snorkeling in pristine waters during time off & experiencing life on a laid-back & beautiful island.
Covid-19 vaccination is required for this position. Necessary travel information will be given to the chosen applicant. The selected applicant will be responsible for providing necessary documentation & following the current CNMI travel restrictions.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications: Attention to detail, background in wildlife biology or related field, previous experience in animal husbandry, basic carpentry skills. Applicants must be US Citizens or green card holders. Applicants from the Mariana Islands are strongly encouraged.
Compensation and benefits
$800/month non-taxed stipend, roundtrip airfare from US to Rota, housing and utilities all provided. Regular access to shared vehicle.
Application instructions
Last Date to apply: March 15, 2022
To apply, e-mail a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for at least 3 references to Phil Hannon ([email protected]). Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Word document and include your full name in the title of the document. Please indicate the earliest date you would be available to travel to Rota and your preferred length of commitment in your cover letter (6 months minimum, longer commitments are given preference).