Since 1973, the International Crane Foundation has led global efforts to conserve all 15 species of cranes by protecting the ecosystems they depend on and the communities connected to them. With work spanning Asia, Africa, North America, and its Global Headquarters in Wisconsin, the organization brings a uniquely global perspective to conservation, using cranes as ambassadors for some of the most important landscapes on Earth.

Benefits and Work Schedule

At ICF, we recognize and value the contributions of our team members. Compensation for the position is competitive and commensurate with experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with employer contributions, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support work-life balance and well-being. This position, located at our headquarters in Baraboo, WI, is an hourly paid position with a range of $19.50-20.50. Please note that weekends and holidays are part of the regular schedule for this position.

The Aviculturist plays an essential role in this mission by delivering exceptional avian husbandry and supporting the health and well-being of the Foundation's resident flock. This position is responsible for the daily care of cranes, maintaining enclosures, and contributing to breeding and reintroduction programs, all while working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Position Summary

The Aviculturist supports the mission of the International Crane Foundation (ICF) by providing the highest standards of avian husbandry to support the health and well-being of the captive flock. The Aviculturist is responsible for the daily care of the birds, the maintenance of enclosures, and assisting with breeding and reintroduction programs. This position must be able to work as an integral team member and communicate effectively with coworkers, colleagues, volunteers, and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry tasks for the captive flock, such as cleaning of crane pens, providing clean water and fresh food according to established protocols, and maintaining accurate and timely database records.
• Assist with daily management of flock to meet institutional collection management and annual breeding goals.
• Participate in captive propagation programs by observing crane breeding behavior, monitoring pair socializations, practicing artificial insemination, regulating diet, implementing various egg incubation techniques, and rearing chicks.
• Participate in Whooping Crane reintroduction efforts, including rearing of chicks through use of costume rearing protocols. May include assisting with field-based rearing and release efforts.
• Participate in seasonal maintenance activities related to flock management and welfare, including vegetation management, annual disinfection of crane holding pens, repairs to crane enclosures, snow removal, camera installation, and pen rotations.
• Support ICF’s behavioral husbandry program through provision and evaluation of enrichment, participation in operant conditioning plans, and welfare assessments.

Additional Duties

• Facilitate communication related to CCD activities through updates of various platforms (e.g. ZIMS, Teams, email), participation in ICF staff meetings, morning and weekly department meetings, and participation in planning sessions.
• Collaborate with Department staff on management actions to improve flock welfare, advance breeding and program goals, and improve staff efficiency.
• Assist in training apprentices, fellows, scientists, trainees, and volunteers on the techniques involved in breeding, exhibiting, and caring for the captive flock.
• Work closely with the Conservation Medicine Department to provide high quality health care to the flock, including treatment of sick or injured birds as directed by veterinary staff.
• Assist with purchasing departmental operating supplies as assigned.
• Perform other relevant departmental duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork and Collaboration:Work cooperatively with individuals across departments, assisting with project completion and free sharing of information and expertise. Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work ethically and with integrity.
• Communication Skills:Communicates effectively in writing or verbally, including the ability to effectively document notes and instructions clearly, listen well to requests and directions given, speak effectively to individuals and groups, and respond well to questions from conservation colleagues and visitors.
• Detail-oriented:Carefully monitors the details and quality of own and others’ work, ensuring accuracy, effectiveness, and safety of birds where relevant.
• Organization and Time Management:Manage multiple concurrent and competing priorities in a fast-paced workplace to meet designated deadlines and desired results.
• Adaptability:Quickly, effectively, and continually adapt to changes in work environments, duties, processes, and technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in biology, zoology or conservation related sciences.
• Two years relevant experience in care, breeding, and rearing of birds.
• Experience working in outdoor environments and field conditions.
• Flexibility to shift between headquarters and field operations
• Valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of paid experience at an AZA accredited institution.
• Experience working with a wildlife reintroduction program.
• Experience with ZIMS database software.
• Experience with operant conditioning.
• Experience using a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as mowers and string trimmers.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment

The following physical abilities and work environment are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Abilities:

• This position requires the ability to safely handle and restrain large and powerful birds.
• Ability to assume multiple positions when caring for the cranes and their enclosures, including reaching, balancing, crouching, and kneeling.
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff and visitors. Communication will include both one-to-one, small, and large group communication.
• Ability to operate computer, phones, and two-way radios.
• Ability to understand and follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed and operation of equipment.
• Ability to move around the worksite and perform physical duties for long periods of time.
• Occasionally required to ascend and descend stairs and ladders.
• Occasionally required to navigate uneven terrain, including marshes, while wearing a hooded costume that obscures vision.

• Frequently moves up to 50 lbs.; occasionally moves 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to work the number and schedule of hours needed to accomplish regular and ad hoc job responsibilities, including weekends and holidays.
  • Occasional travel may be required, primarily in the United States or Canada.

Work Environment:

• Daily work outdoors under all weather conditions found in Wisconsin.
• Position involves working with live animals that are often unpredictable.
• Noise levels can occasionally become elevated.
• Occasionally exposed to high strength disinfectants, herbicides, and heavy dust loads (appropriate PPE is provided).