Wildlife Keeper

Contact Us 802.359.5000 info@vinsweb.org Nature Center Hours VINS Nature Center 10am to 5pm Daily Wild Bird Rehab is Open Accepting Calls Only 802.359.5000 x212 8am to 4pm Wildlife Keeper VINS is seeking a strong candidate to fill the full-time position of Wildlife Keeper. REPORTS TO: Director, Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation and Ambassador Care JOB LOCATION: VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, Vermont SUMMARY: The Wildlife Keeper takes responsibility for all aspects of animal care for the exhibit birds and reptiles at the Nature Center. This includes daily enrichment, diet prep, feeding, public programming, the management of volunteers, compliance with state and federal permitting, and the cleaning and repair of enclosures. This position is predominantly in animal husbandry with components of public speaking and animal training. The Wildlife Keeper ensures that the physical and mental welfare of all exhibit ambassadors is kept to a high standard. This person is an effective communicator capable of supporting volunteers and giving formal and informal programs. Qualifications Minimum two years of experience in a paid/professional animal husbandry setting (some Avian specific experience required) Minimum One year of environmental education experience Experience with reptile husbandry Confident and effective public speaker Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Experience handling and restraining raptors and corvids Experience with animal enrichment preferred Experience with basic power tools Able to lift up to 50 pounds and traverse irregular terrain Fluent with Microsoft Office suite and Google suite programs Strong attention to detail, work ethic, and personal initiative Flexibility with schedule; weekends and some holidays are expected Ability to work independently and a part of a team Willingness to work in all weather conditions Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations Possession of a valid driver’s license Responsibilities Performs daily husbandry of exhibit ambassador birds and reptiles Monitors the welfare of all exhibit and reptile ambassadors on campus, including daily care records Coordinates, trains, and manages exhibit volunteers Assists in maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies for the care of animals Coordinates and reports animal health concerns to the Director, Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation Manages maintenance projects related to the exhibit care, including proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques to lessen the spread of disease Works collaboratively with the VINS Nature Center Education team in support of VINS outreach and onsite programs Performs formal and informal educational programs (Exhibit tours, feeding, reptile talks) Creating and managing a robust enrichment program for exhibit birds and reptiles Familiarity with principles of operant conditioning and/or willingness to learn choice-based training paradigm under the supervision of the Director of Wildlife Ambassador Programs Attends VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check. Compensation & Work Schedule Compensation and benefit information available upon request. Regular work week is 40 hours with some exceptions based on particular program offerings. Work day schedule will vary. To Apply To apply for this position, send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of at least three employer references to: Grae O’Toole Director, Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation and Ambassador Care gotoole@vinsweb.org Subject line: Wildlife Keeper Application APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 11, 2024 START DATE: December 1, 2024 Position post date: September 2024 VINS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants.