AVIAN HUSBANDRY & CARE INTERNSHIP

The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy (LRWC) is accepting applications for an avian husbandry & care internship for undergraduates, recent graduates and graduate students in the fields of science or biology.

Interns receive on-the-job trainingalongside our internationally known staff in all aspects of aviculture working with the Conservancy’s large captive collection of waterfowl comprised of approximately 400 birds representing over 60 species from all over the world including raptors.

Position Description:

This internship is for 3 months (90 days) beginning October 1, 2015. Interns are provided with housing and a monthly stipend.

Internship responsibilities include:

  • Feeding, maintenance, and care of the captive waterfowl collection
  •        Cleaning enclosures and ponds
  • Aviary maintenance including grounds and structures
  • Assistance with bird capture/restraint/transport
  • Exposure to raptor husbandry and training
  • Record keeping
  • Interacting with LRWC visitors and donors during public visitation hours and special events
  • Training and working with imprinted education birds
  • Assisting the Director of Education at school and community events
  • Support fundraising initiatives including mailings and general event preparations
  • Experience with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
  • Proficiency MS Word, Excel and Publisher is a plus

This is a demanding position that requires long hours and extended periods outside in adverse weather conditions. Applicants mustbe willing to put in the time and effort to complete projects as needed.

Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy Avian Husbandry Internship page 2

 

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate or graduate students in the field of science or biology
  • Students in related fields may also be considered
  • Experience in animal care and/or experience with avian husbandry is highly desirable
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Capable of performing diverse tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to problem solve in the field
  • High level of professionalism
  • Effective interpersonal skills and a cordial attitude
  • Be able to lift at least 50 pounds, climb a ladder 20 feet or higher and perform overhead work
  • Able to operate maintenance equipment such as riding mowers, weed whackers and basic power tools

Applicants must also be available to work any of the seven days of the week and holidays with the possibility of late evenings asneeded. Days off will vary from week to week. A valid driver license is required.

Compensation: Interns receive housing and a bi-weekly stipend of $200.00 ($400.00 per month).

 

 

 

 

 

Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy

Avian Husbandry Internship

page 3

 

About the Conservancy: The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is a not for-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of waterfowl and wetland habitats through research, education, and conservation action. An integral part of ourconservation and education programs are the aviaries, where over sixty species of waterfowl, as well as cranes, screamers and raptors, are housed. Conservancy staff conducts on-site and off-site environmental education programs relating to biodiversity andwaterfowl and wetland conservation, often utilizing the aviaries and imprinted education birds.

LRWC is located in Litchfield, a small town with 8,000 residents in northwest Connecticut. Applicants should be aware of the opportunities and limitations of living in a quaint New England community. A car is highly recommended. Interns cannot drive Conservancy vehicles. Litchfield is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and LRWC itself has access to several hundred acres of wetland and upland habitats.

To Apply: Qualified applicants should email a letter of inquiry, resume, and at least three references to Cate Hogan, Director atchogan@lrwc.net Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, with application deadline of September 18, 2015. Intern start date is October 2nd or 5th.   No calls please.