Aviculture Intern

The Tracy Aviary is now hiring for Aviculture Internship positions starting June 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 zoo keeping position or similar animal husbandry position.

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 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 capture and restraint techniques.
• Participating in guest interaction through keeper talks and feedings.
• Observing birds and their behaviors, communicating them with keepers, and recording them in our record keeping system.  

Interns will have opportunities to observe or participate in husbandry training, medical procedures, and breeding protocols as they become available.

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 $1032/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, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary clinics, laboratories, 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!  

To apply please email cover letter, resume and three professional references to: 

Mindy Rabideau (she/her)

mindyr@tracyaviary.org

Aviculture Coordinator/Intern Coordinator

Application materials will be accepted through April 7th.  Afterwards, selected candidates will be contacted for an interview