Aviculturist
Role & Level/Grade: P1/4
Department: Husbandry
Reports To: Curator of Animal Husbandry
Aviculturists are responsible for carrying out the daily husbandry of animals under Frost Science’s care. Aviculturists serve as the primary caretaker of assigned avian species and habitats. Core responsibilities include food preparation, feeding, habitat maintenance, and thorough record keeping. Aviculturists are expected to recognize, identify, and report any abnormal animal behavior or health concerns. In addition to the primary responsibility for birds, the Aviculturist provides routine support for the herpetology collection and assists with other husbandry areas (including aquatics) as needed. Additional responsibilities include housekeeping of husbandry areas, inventory of supplies, and supporting animal health procedures under the direction of supervisors and veterinarians.
Aviculturists work collaboratively with colleagues across the museum to ensure the highest standards of animal care and exhibit quality. The position may require coverage of other areas as assigned, flexibility with non-traditional workdays and hours, and availability for animal care emergencies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Establish and maintain an environment conducive to the health and well-being of all animals within the Museum's collection.
• Conducts daily inspections of animals and habitats to monitor health and environmental conditions, promptly reporting any concerns or abnormalities.
• Provide daily husbandry of animals under Frost Science’s care, including food preparation, feeding, habitat maintenance, and basic life support system operation and maintenance.
• Assist with animal health care procedures under the direction of supervisors and veterinarians, including administering medical treatments and supporting quarantine protocols.
• Maintain accurate and detailed daily records of animal care, health, and maintenance activities through utilization of electronic record keeping systems (TRACKS).
• Monitor environmental parameters, and assist with adjustments as directed to ensure optimal conditions.
• Assist with exhibit and habitat improvement.
• Manage supply inventory and communicate needs to ensure consistent availability of food, supplements, and husbandry materials.
• Support animal transports, acclimation, and introduction.
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces, tools, and equipment.
• Execute and develop animal enrichment and behavior plans.
• Participate in public interactions, tours, and educational programs as assigned.
• Participate in workshops and trainings as requested by management.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to coordinate daily activities and uphold departmental standards of animal care and guest experience.
• Mentor and train Husbandry Volunteers.
• Provide coverage for husbandry areas as assigned.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Responds to animal-related emergencies, sometimes after hours.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Working knowledge of husbandry techniques for avian species, particularly wading birds, shorebirds, and raptors
• Basic knowledge of husbandry techniques for aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles
• Understanding of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare principles
• Awareness of veterinary and quarantine procedures commonly used in zoological settings
• Ability to prepare and deliver diets appropriate to species needs, including food handling, measurement, and recordkeeping
• Basic proficiency with hand and power tools
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and TRACKS record keeping software
• Strong Observation skills to identify abnormal animal behavior, health issues, or life support system malfunctions
• Effective organizational skills to manage resources, schedules, and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to accurately document daily husbandry records and communicate information clearly to supervisors and colleagues
• Capacity to problem solve routine challenges and recognize when to escalate issues to curators
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team to support museum and departmental goals
• Highly detailed oriented, dependable, and consistent in following established protocols
• Strong work ethic with the ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and animal care
• Commitment to professional conduct and developing positive working relationships with colleagues, interns, volunteers, and partners
JOB QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION
• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Environmental Science is preferred.
• Previous experience in avian husbandry at an aquarium, zoo, or related facility through volunteer work, internships, or a paid position.
• Driver's license or ability to get one.
• SCUBA certification preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT
The physical requirements stated represent those necessary for an individual to fulfill the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move from 50 to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work in high and low/ places. Work is performed both indoors and in outdoor settings. Outdoor work is subject to temperatures up to 100 degrees, rain, humidity, and sun. Work will also be conducted on a boat with the same outdoor conditions already listed.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
• Background clearance
• Drug screening as part of the Drug-Free Workplace Program
In 1949, The Junior League of Miami's "Project Finding Committee" determined that Dade County's children needed a science museum. The Junior Museum of Miami, a private non-profit organization, was established in 1950 in a house on the corner of Biscayne Boulevard and 26th Street. The Junior Museum expanded so quickly that in 1952 it was forced to move to the Miami Women's Club building on Bayshore Drive. It was then christened the Museum of Science and Natural History.
The institution, however, again began outgrowing its new space. By 1960, the first building of the community's new science museum opened its doors. The facility, located on three acres of the historic Vizcaya complex, was built and furnished rent-free by the County.
Late 1966 saw the construction of a Space Transit Planetarium which soon became the leading facility of its kind in the world. Its activities now include international television programming.
In 1989, the Museum's lease agreement with the County for the Vizcaya site was extended for 99 years.
During the last decade, the Museum has expanded to provide space for 4,000 member families, over 250,000 annual visitors, one of the largest summer science camps in the nation (ages 3 to 14) and countless additional exhibits, collections and activities. The yearly operating budget has grown to 2.5 million dollars.
Present science education needs in South Florida again require expansion of these facilities. Though the history of the institution can be charted by the growth of its facility, this story is ultimately one of people. For almost 50 years, the Miami Science Museum and Space Transit Planetarium has been nurtured by a legion of tireless volunteers and generous contributors. Their abundance of vision and dedication has rarely been equaled by any other civic group in the city's history. Here, the greatness of the accomplishment can be found.
