Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture

About the role

An affiliate of Colossal is seeking an Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture to join the Animal Husbandry Team. The specialist will provide the highest level of care and welfare for a diverse collection of bird species, including exotics and domestics. The position reports to the Manager of Animal Husbandry and works closely with Colossal’s Head of Animal Husbandry. It is based out of the Dallas area and relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry for a large and diverse collection of birds
• Maintain animal habitats and surrounding areas, husbandry equipment, and tools
• Closely monitor and document animal behavior, health and wellbeing, recording these in the record keeping system and reporting issues to leadership
• Create habitats that promote successful breeding and optimal welfare for bird species
• Assist veterinary and research staff with medical exams, procedures, and treatments
• Stay up to date on developments in aviculture by researching industry best practices and networking with industry professionals
• Develop training and enrichment plans and schedules for Colossal species
• Prepare diets for bird species
• Assist with incubation and hand-rearing

Skills

• Strong abilities in animal handling for veterinary care
• Expertise in avian animal care and conservation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Practiced interpersonal and critical thinking skills
• Ability to thrive and work well with others in a team environment
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels of an organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to function well in a growth‑oriented, nimble environment

Qualifications

• AA/AS/BA/BS in a Biological Science is preferred
• 2+ years of experience in aviculture
• Previous experience with breeding of exotic birds, egg incubation, and hand‑rearing are preferred

Requirements

• Ability to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a typical Dallas area climate and under field conditions (heat, humidity, plant allergens, insects, etc.)
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
• Education reimbursement
• Opportunity to help return the Earth to a healthier state
• Relocation assistance
• Approximately 10% travel required