Animal Care Specialist: Avian
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Private) | https://fossilrim.org/
Details
Application Deadline:
12/31/2025
Published:
07/15/2025
Starting Date:
after 10/1/2025
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
Commensurate / Negotiable
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Location:
2155 COUNTY ROAD 2008 (GLEN ROSE, Texas)
Description
Summary/Purpose of Position: This position will assist with the care and maintenance of the entire avian collection, with emphasis on the Attwater’s Recovery Program. Maintain and expand Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s image and awareness through public speaking and publication. This position will also assist in developing avian programs consistent with the USFWS Recovery Program and SSP/SAFE recommendations. Help develop avian programs which Fossil Rim Wildlife Center will benefit from by generating conservation awareness.
Specific/ Mandatory Duties The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: Avian include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide daily care and maintenance of the Avian collection
- Relief coverage for the Texas horned lizard collection
- Provide daily care of facilities, including cleaning and light maintenance
- Assist the Animal Care Dept. with procedures as needed, consistent with the existing “Team” concept
- Attend Attwater’s Recovery Team, and all related meetings when possible, with supervisor approval
- Assist Avian Curator by producing needed reports and records
- Assist Animal Health Dept. with daily treatments if needed
- Assist and provide guidance to Support Services staff when work needs to be done at the facilities
- Provide professional training opportunities for the avian interns
- Regular and dependable attendance is required
- Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
- Be able to bend over
- Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking
- Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat, 100+ degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions
- Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., weed trimmer, mower, hand tools and truck
- Computer skills in PowerPoint, Word and Excel. Also use of the APC Database that Fossil Rim designed and uses
- Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals
The secondary responsibilities of the A/C Specialist: Avian include but are not limited to the following:
- Enhancement of visitor experience and learning opportunities
- Interface with both the Environmental Engagement and the Marketing/Public Relations Departments as needed
- Assist Animal Care Department with public control and management when needed
Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills:
- University Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field, or 2 years’ experience in a profession avian collection. Experience with galliformes desirable
- Interest in artificial incubation of galliformes and other birds
- Understanding of the biology of galliformes and other birds
- Expertise in hand raising birds
- Public speaking experience
- Familiarity with PC’s and competent with Excel and Microsoft Word, and the Fossil Rim APC Database
- Work conduct will be of a mature, responsible, and professional manner
- Work as a team member
- Accept responsibility for the Care of the collection, beyond the daily care and husbandry considerations
Work Requirements:
Usually a 5-day work week, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays.
Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8 hours, especially during the production period of April through July
Please submit your resume today! We are a Non-Profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.
Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.
Contact
Tally Hickey
Tallyh@fossilrim.org (preferred contact method)