Volunteer Aviculture Technician - Aga Rear and Release Rota Island

VOLUNTEER AVICULTURE TECHNICIANS - needed for 8+ months 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 start date for the positions is mid-August to September. Duties include those typical of bird husbandry- preparing diets, cleaning aviaries and food prep areas, as well as facility maintenance. Additional duties include work focused on 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.

The volunteer technicians will have a unique opportunity to participate directly in multiple aspects of a rear and release program, from the collection of eggs of wild nests to the release of captive reared adults. 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 be used to help prepare aga for life in the wild. Preference is given to applicants specifically seeking to expand their hand rearing skills.

Applicants should be physically fit, self-motivated, enthusiastic, enjoy working and living with others in close quarters, and have a good sense of humor. Prior experience in avian husbandry will be given priority. Benefits include round-trip airfare to Rota, housing plus utilities, shared vehicles, and $800/mo.

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.

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 in 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).

Attention to detail, 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.