Assistant Aviculturist (Term Assignment)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.Priority deadline for applications is May 20, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than May 20, 2026.Please note: This position is a 4-month term assignment.Job Summary:Under direct supervision, support the care and maintenance of our avian collection and avian exhibits. Perform routine husbandry duties including diet preparation, cleaning of spaces and equipment, animal observations, and record-keeping. Support the aviculture during feeding, training, and enrichment sessions for all bird collections. Maintain the highest animal care and exhibit maintenance standards that continually meet or exceed all AZA accreditation standards. Perform other duties as required.Core Activities:Perform daily animal husbandry duties including but not limited to diet preparation, feeding, and live exhibit maintenance.Assist with routine support duties including the cleaning of service areas, holding areas, and husbandry equipment.Assist in formal bird training sessions under the guidance of more experienced staff members.Assist with behavioral enrichment including implementation, monitoring/observation, recording/documentation, and/or development of species-appropriate enrichment.Document husbandry tasks, animal observations, animal health records, animal welfare assessments, and other pertinent animal transactions into the Tracks software database in accordance with departmental standards.Conduct regular observations of animal health, behavior, and welfare and communicate issues to more senior staff.Perform routine monitoring and maintenance on critical water and mechanical systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fractionators, mechanical filters, UV sterilizers, small pumps, recirculation loops, and exhibit lighting systems following established protocols.Assist in the capture and restraint of birds for onsite health examinations or medical treatment.Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):Working towards a college degree in Biology or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experiencePrevious animal husbandry experience through volunteer work or equivalent highly desirableKnowledge of the basic taxonomy of and natural history of birdsAbility to use Microsoft Office Suite or related softwareThe ability to quickly learn the Tracks animal database systemExcellent interpersonal skills and desire to work in a productive team environmentExcellent organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent time management skillsAptitude for analytical and problem-solvingAptitude for using basic hand and power toolsAbility to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core ValuesPhysical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:Typical office equipment, basic hand and power tools, MBA vehicles, small boats Extended periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, and squatting Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs Typical office, main aquarium, aquarium exhibits, animal care spaces, open field work (boats on open ocean, coastal habitats, tidepools, etc.) Hourly Compensation Range:$22.00-$25.00 per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.