Aviculture Volunteer Mariana Crow Rear & Release Program Rota Island, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

VOLUNTEER AVICULTURE TECHNICIANS – Seeking enthusiastic candidates for a 8-to-10-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). We are seeking to fill the position immediately, so candidates who are available to arrive in June will be given preference. 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.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the egg and chick rearing season (October through January) 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.

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 and possess a passport. Applicants from the Mariana Islands are strongly encouraged.

Applicants should be physically fit, self-motivated, enthusiastic, enjoy working and living with others in close quarters, and have a good sense of humor. Experience in avian husbandry and carpentry will be given priority. Benefits include round-trip airfare to Rota, housing plus utilities, shared vehicles, and $1,400/month non-taxable stipend. Additional perks include snorkeling in pristine waters during time off and experiencing life on a laid-back and beautiful island.

Covid-19 vaccination and being up to date on boosters is highly encouraged.

To apply, e-mail a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for at least 3 references to Phil Hannon (phannon@sdzwa.org). 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 (8 months minimum, longer commitments are given preference).