Avian Husbandry Opportunity - San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Conservation Breeding Program

Company: Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 15, 2025

Job Description:

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Certified Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.Avian Husbandry Opportunity - San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Conservation Breeding ProgramPosition Duration: Three (1-year) Aviculture Volunteer Positions Available, July 2025 - July 2026This position is with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's (SDZWA) San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Conservation Breeding Program (Shrike Project) on San Clemente Island. The San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike is a critically endangered songbird found only on San Clemente Island and was once North America's most endangered songbird. The island is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy and they have been guiding and funding the recovery of this species for more than thirty years. The SDZWA Shrike Project manages the conservation breeding component of the Shrike Recovery Program, and participants will have the opportunity to be involved first hand with the recovery of a federally listed endangered species, while also gaining animal care experience.The Navy provides room and board while on the island, and transportation to and from the island at the beginning and end of the workweek from Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. Program participants will have the choice to fly off the island for their days off or remain on the island. Participants on the Shrike Project provide essential assistance to both facility and program operations. The primary responsibilities consist of daily avian husbandry and facility projects.Under direct supervision of wildlife care staff, the participant will:

• Learn basic avian husbandry procedures including daily cleaning, feeding, and preparation of diets
• Learn proper avian capture and restraint techniques
• Observe birds for health concerns and breeding behaviors
• Learn basic medical care procedures and assist with treatments
• Provide scheduled enrichment and develop new enrichment techniques/ideas
• Learn basic husbandry procedures for live prey items (mice, insects)
• Collect nesting material, observe breeding pairs, follow specific breeding protocols, learn about artificial incubation and hand rearing of chicks (breeding season only)In addition to the hands-on training received on a daily basis, all participants will have access to SDZWA Academy, which is an online learning platform with courses in animal care, behavior, conservation, safety and much more. Participants will receive a $30/day stipend in addition to the free room and board while on the island, and this is a full-time, one-year position.Applicants must:
  • Be at least 21 years old, have a valid U.S. Driver's License and good driving record, and have health insurance
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in a biology related field or equivalent experience
  • Display enthusiasm for working in avian husbandry and conservation, have previous animal care experience, and be comfortable working on a remote island/field site that is only accessible by plane
  • Maintain high standards of excellence, teamwork, and project completion
  • Be detail oriented, have good interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to work effectively with colleagues
  • Be able to respectfully share living space with others, and be comfortable in a communal living arrangement on a remote islandCompensation: $30 per day plus room and board while on the island.How to ApplyTo apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references to Sarah Sheldon at SSheldon@sdzwa.org by April 13, 2025. Do not use third party sites to submit your application documents; the requested documents must be sent directly to the email provided.
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Keywords: Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Long Beach , Avian Husbandry Opportunity - San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Conservation Breeding Program, Other , San Diego, California