Report to: Curator of Animal Husbandry and Wellness

Department: Animal Care

Status: Non-exempt, Full-time

Date: July 2026

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Jessica McAtee, [email protected].

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Aviculturist assists the Senior Aviculturists with husbandry, training, enrichment, and visitor engagement pertaining to the birds and mammals at the National Aviary. The Aviculturist acts as the primary point of contact in the absence of the Senior Aviculturist. The Animal Care department is composed of six sections that the Aviculturist (Relief Keeper) may work in based on departmental needs. The Aviculturist (Relief Keeper) serves as the main coverage when other Animal Care Aviculturists are off.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to be trained and retain skills in multiple sections with flexibility to move between regions as assigned.
• Supports the Senior Aviculturist in the husbandry of the animals in the assigned area, including cleaning, enriching, training and other initiatives as determined by the Senior Aviculturist or management.
• Cleans animal habitats as needed to maintain cleanliness standards, following standard operating procedures.
• Observes animals daily and immediately reports any issues.
• Ensures acceptable daily appearance of all habitat components prior to opening and over the course of the operational day.
• Maintains an understanding of the principles that underlie animal welfare in the zoological field and supports the National Aviary’s Animal Welfare Program.
• Maintains an understanding of the welfare indicators for the species and individual animals under their care.
• Assists in the modification and maintenance of habitats, including identifying and implementing solutions to housing problems with supervisory approval.
• Identifies and communicates minor problems in air-handling, lighting, and filtrations systems.
• Provides approved enrichment to all animals in a given area on the proper schedule and completes necessary record-keeping related to enrichment.
• Conducts daily feeding presentations and encounters for visitors as assigned.
• Develops a proficient understanding of and employs the principles of basic operant conditioning.
• Works with Assistant Manager of Animal Collections/Registrar to train animals in habitats.
• Trains and oversees assistant aviculturists, interns, and volunteers.
• Prepares food for the animals and monitors daily diet consumption for a variety of species with supervisory approval.
• Performs welfare assessments as assigned.
• Notates daily observations in record-keeping database.
• Prepares and administers medical treatments as prescribed by the Veterinarian.
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.
• Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Aviculturist has no formal supervisory responsibilities.
• The Aviculturist may direct the day-to-day work of the Assistant Aviculturist, volunteers, and interns in the absence of the Senior Aviculturist.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to be a good team player and maintain a positive attitude.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a team and in performance of individual tasks
• Self-motivated and able to learn the different aspects of animal husbandry, care, and behavior
• Considerable knowledge of the species’ natural history, breeding and husbandry requirements of animals that are maintained in the collection
• Ability to properly handle and restrain a variety of species
• Strong presentation skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact positively with the public, supervisors, and peers.
• Good decision-making skills
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in biology, animal care, conservation or related field required.
• 2 or more years paid aviculture experience or relevant zoo work required

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly positions self to complete cleaning and maintenance of habitats, including under, over, and around obstacles. The employee occasionally ascends and descends ladders. The employee regularly transports crates and supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly uses utensils and tools including knives, scissors, hoses, falconry equipment. The employee occasionally operates hand and power equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include chilled or humid environments, public areas where the noise level may be loud, outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation, and climate-controlled office spaces. The employee is regularly exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK.

This is a full-time position.  The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.

Report to: Manager of Buildings and Grounds

Department: Buildings and Grounds

Status: Non-exempt, Full-time

Date: August 2026

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Kevin Fonner; [email protected]. 

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Buildings and Grounds Crewmember is an important role in the Buildings and Grounds Department. The Crewmember is responsible for creating a clean, safe, disinfected and comfortable environment for the National Aviary’s resident animals, visitors, and staff. The Crewmember directly affects the Visitor Experience and the working conditions of staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs major cleaning and disinfecting of assigned areas; cleans and maintains buildings, furnishings, ground and property.
• Performs daily floor maintenance of all main hallways and visitor space areas.
• Cleans, sanitizes and disinfects restroom facilities and fixtures including sinks, urinals and toilets; washes windows, mirrors and walls; monitors and maintains adequate supplies in the restrooms
• Adheres to sanitization practices and schedules as directed
• Empties, sanitizes and deodorizes trash and recycling containers.
• Cleans and dusts furniture, air vents, doorframes, doors, walls, windows and window blinds, mirrors and baseboards.
• Identifies and reports building maintenance needs throughout the facilities
• Completes special cleaning details as requested.
• Assists with daytime events: moves and arranges furniture; opens and secures buildings; locks entrances, exits, doors and other mechanisms in Aviary buildings.
• When working evening events:
  • Sets up and breaks down events, including moving equipment (tables, chairs, benches, trash/ recycling receptacles, pop tents, portable lamp posts, sound systems, and extension cords); opens and secures buildings; locks entrances, exits, doors and other mechanisms in Aviary facility.
  • Adheres to event guidelines and follows direction from events staff during all events to ensure high visitor satisfaction.
  • Performs frequent rounds of visitor spaces, discreetly tidying and pulling trash/ recycling as necessary.
• Works with Animal Programs in the cleaning and maintenance of off-exhibit holding.
• Performs landscaping duties, as needed, including maintenance of grounds, parking lot, sidewalks, and snow removal.
• Assists with other departments, including but not limited to special events, as needed to support operations
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures
• Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol
• Adheres to and models National Aviary and OSHA safety policies including, but not limited to disinfection procedures, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliance, Hazard Communication, PPE, Infection Control and others as identified.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Crewmember has no supervisory responsibilities

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to follow written, visual, and verbal instructions
• Good communication skills
• Knowledge of cleaning procedures and techniques preferred
• Ability to learn the use of a variety of custodial equipment, supplies and materials

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Some experience in cleaning / maintenance / service industry preferred

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly positions self to complete cleaning projects, including under and around equipment and furniture. The employee frequently moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across the facility. The employee occasionally ascends and descends ladders. The employee occasionally operates hand and power equipment.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include climate-controlled facilities, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK.

The candidate must have a flexible schedule and be able to work on weekdays, weekends, holidays and evenings, as job duties demand.

Report to: Senior Director of External Relations

Department: Marketing & Communications

Status: Exempt, Full-time

Date: August 2026

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Gina Grone; [email protected]. 

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Director of Communications leads the National Aviary’s organization-wide communications strategy to build awareness, strengthen and protect the organization’s reputation, and advance its leadership in animal care, avian medicine, conservation, education, and guest engagement. This position is responsible for media relations, institutional storytelling, issues and crisis communications, executive communications, and other high-profile communications that require sound judgment, a clear organizational voice, and close coordination across departments.

The Director of Communications supervises communications staff, manages public relations agency and vendor relationships, and serves as a senior communications advisor to leadership. This position works closely with the Senior Director of External Relations, Executive Director, Director of Marketing, Philanthropy team, subject-matter experts, and colleagues throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications Strategy and Organizational Storytelling

• Executes an organization-wide communications strategy aligned with the National Aviary’s strategic priorities, brand position, and annual goals.
• Coordinates institutional storytelling that communicates the National Aviary’s impact in conservation, avian medicine, education, animal care, community engagement, and guest experience within larger marketing aims and initiatives for seamless messaging.
• Oversees long-form storytelling initiatives and editorial publications, including research-focused communications, organizational newsletters, native advertising content, and other mission-driven publications.
• Identifies high-value stories and opportunities that advance organizational reputation, determining key messages, audiences, spokespersons, and communications approaches in conjunction with marketing directives, organizational aims, and mission-driven expectations.
• Translates complex scientific, veterinary, conservation, and programmatic information into clear, accurate, and engaging public communications.

Media Relations and Thought Leadership

• Develops and executes proactive and reactive media relations strategies that increase positive awareness and build organizational reputation.
• Oversees creation of media materials, including press releases, advisories, pitches, talking points, and supporting content.
• Maintains media relationships, manages inquiries, and coordinates interviews, media events, and spokesperson preparation.
• Positions National Aviary experts as trusted resources and thought leaders while monitoring coverage and measuring results.

Issues Management and Crisis Communications

• Leads communications planning and response for emerging issues, sensitive matters, and crisis situations in coordination with organizational leadership.
• Develops a crisis communication plan.
• Maintains crisis communications protocols, messaging resources, media procedures, and spokesperson preparation efforts.
• Monitors developments that may affect the National Aviary’s reputation and recommends appropriate communications strategies.
• Develops timely statements, key messages, guidance materials, and stakeholder communications during rapidly evolving situations.

Executive and Internal Communications

• Drafts and edits speeches, talking points, announcements, opinion pieces, letters, and other communications for senior leadership.
• Collaborates with the Director of Marketing to align institutional storytelling with marketing campaigns.
• Supports organization-wide communications related to major initiatives, operational changes, emergencies, and significant announcements.
• Partners with Philanthropy and External Relations to develop compelling content for donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ensures consistency, accuracy, and effectiveness of messaging across internal and external audiences.

Content Leadership and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Leads editorial planning for major stories, announcements, publications, and communications priorities across the organization.
• Collaborates with the Director of Marketing to align institutional storytelling with campaigns.
• Develops and reviews content for digital channels, major organizational news, executive communications, and reputation-related initiatives.
• Partners with creative staff, program experts, and external organizations to strengthen storytelling and advance communications goals.

Team, Agency, Budget, and Performance Management

• Supervises the Assistant Manager, Content and Communications, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Directs external communications agencies, consultants, and vendors, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and expectations.
• Manages communications budgets, establishes performance measures, and evaluates results to strengthen strategy and effectiveness.
• Monitors communications trends and best practices while ensuring compliance with National Aviary policies, protocols, and visitor engagement standards.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Director of Communications supervises the Assistant Manager, Content and Communications and directs the work of public relations agencies, consultants, and communications vendors.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Exceptional writing, editing, verbal communication, and storytelling skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing communications strategies that advance organizational goals and generate meaningful media visibility.
• Significant media relations experience, including cultivating journalist relationships, managing media opportunities, preparing spokespeople, and serving as a spokesperson.
• Experience leading issues management and crisis communications with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to translate complex scientific, conservation, veterinary, or technical information into clear and compelling public communications.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven leadership experience, including supervising staff, managing external agencies and vendors, and overseeing budgets and performance metrics.
• Collaborative and resourceful professional with excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, journalism, or organizational communications, including at least three years in a management or supervisory capacity.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification.
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles check.

WORKING FROM HOME (HYBRID):

The position requires the Director to be on site as necessary for management, media activity, emergencies, and external meetings in order to properly manage the critical operations outlined in this job description. The position may also work from home per the National Aviary Telecommuting Policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly operates a computer and occasionally moves about the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces and public areas where the noise level may be loud. At times, outdoor work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Report to: Assistant Manager of Retail Services

Department: Guest Operations

Status: Non-exempt, Full-time

Date: May 2026

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Victoria Grace, [email protected] and Cindy Fisher, [email protected]. 

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Guest Operations Associate assists with all front-of-house operations, which includes the Retail Shop and Admissions. This position is responsible for promoting walk-in membership sales and the sales of in-house encounters and programs, providing excellent customer service, maintaining accurate admissions and retail records, and safeguarding cash. Full time associates will also assist with online retail promotion and sales operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Hospitality and Guest Experience

• Greets guests and completes the check-in process by following established protocols focusing on excellent customer service.

• Enhances guest experience by promoting and selling memberships, shows, and encounters.
• Interacts with guests, asking if they are enjoying their visit, need any help finding a habitat, or have any questions in order to ensure a superior customer experience. Contacts appropriate department personnel, as needed, to properly respond to a guest.
• Utilizes the Point-of-Sale system efficiently for admission, merchandising, and scheduling. Accurately enters purchase orders following all protocols and policies.
• Periodically serves as Shift Leader to maintain orderliness of educational areas, assist guests with wayfinding, respond to guest phone and email inquiries, and maintain gift shop merchandise so all products are stocked and neat.
• Maintains the cleanliness of all front-of-house operations.
• Assists in outside telephone call coordination, answering general guest questions and directing calls to appropriate individuals.
• Stays up to date with the National Aviary messaging and is equipped to share interesting facts about our birds, changes, and updates with guests.
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.
• Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol.

Membership and Program Promotion

• Greets guests and completes the check-in process. Promotes and sells memberships, encounters, and add-on programs.
• Utilizes the Point-of-Sale system efficiently for membership processing, admissions and timed entry, merchandising, and scheduling.

Online Retail Promotion and Sales

• Utilizes Shopify to fulfill online gift shop orders in a timely manner
• Upload merchandise to Shopify with accurate pricing and descriptions
• Maintain accurate inventory and sales records for online purchases
• In coordination with the Senior Manager of Guest Operations and Manager of Retail Services, responsible for creating and implementing strategies to achieve gift shop revenue goals.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

OTHER DUTIES:  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• The Guest Operation Associate has no supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be highly professional, respectful, and responsive when interacting with guests and colleagues.
• Well organized, with the ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands.
• Proficient in both written and oral communication skills, positive and professional appearance, and proficiency in public speaking.
• Must be able to clearly convey information and respond to questions in a professional manner 
• Reliable and punctual
• Positive and professional appearance
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to record detailed and accurate information necessary when booking events
• Must be able to operate the phone system and Point of Sale system

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience with Point-of-Sale system preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly operates a computer and phone and regularly moves about the office to access fixtures, file cabinets, office equipment, etc. The employee occasionally will use a stepladder and other tools to access merchandise. The employee occasionally lifts boxes up to 25 pounds across the facility.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and occasionally outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation.  

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:  

The candidate must have a flexible schedule and be able to work on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.  

Report to: Manager of Buildings and Grounds

Department: Buildings and Grounds

Status: Non-exempt, Full-time

Date: August 2026

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Kevin Fonner; [email protected]. 

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The National Aviary’s Security Officer is an important role in the Buildings and Grounds department. The primary responsibility of the Security Officer is to protect the National Aviary premises, assets, and personnel. This unarmed position maintains a high visibility presence, inspects and patrols the National Aviary to ensure safety, and guards against trespassing, theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Protects the National Aviary’s property, staff, and visitors by maintaining a safe and secure environment, enforcing established guest policies and staff protocols.
• Observes premises for signs of crime and/or disorder and investigates disturbances
• Takes accurate notes of unusual occurrences.
• Reports in detail any security risks and/or suspicious incidents, via an incident report.
• Patrols the buildings and perimeter randomly and regularly.
• Monitors parking lot for unauthorized or illegal use.
• Monitors and controls access at building entrances and vehicle gates.
• Safeguards temporarily restricted areas (e.g. construction sites).
• Performs basic safety walkthroughs and alleviates or reports unsafe conditions.
• Monitors security cameras. Reports and responds to, as trained, any and all facility issues noticed (e.g. alarms, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, storm impact).
• Responds to and assists in visitor situations following Aviary protocol.
• Responds to emergencies in accordance with Aviary protocols.
• Escorts and/or provides transportation as requested.
• Assists staff members in light logistics (e.g. moving packages), tidying (e.g. pushing in chairs), and light housekeeping (e.g. wiping spills off of floors).
• Ensures crowd control stays at a reasonable level and assists in conflicts as needed.
• Adheres to and models Aviary safety policies.
• Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol.
• Serves as a Responsible Party; adheres to all National Aviary policies and protocols.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Security Officer has no supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Integrity and professionalism
• Organized with strong attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in various situations
• Ability to maintain a calm and courteous demeanor under pressure
• Ability to learn how to operate security systems and emergency equipment
• Working knowledge of public safety and security procedures/protocols a plus

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Security or equivalent experience a plus

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for extended periods of time, to walk moderate distances, to talk, and to hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The employee is required to hear conversations in noisy environments. The employee occasionally moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across the facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

The employee will be scheduled to work on weekends, holidays and occasional evenings as job duties demand.

Report to: Manager of Veterinary Programs

Department: Veterinary Hospital 

Status: Non-exempt, Part-time

Date: July 2026

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Jess Lindberg, [email protected].

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Veterinary Care Assistant provides husbandry, diets, and enrichment for animals under veterinary care, and assists with hospital procedures and maintenance. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the National Aviary’s mission to inspire a respect for nature through an appreciation of birds and its goals of providing high quality visitor experiences, educational programs, and conservation messaging.
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.
• Maintains a strong understanding of the principles that underlie animal welfare in the zoological field and supports the National Aviary’s Animal Welfare Program.
• Maintains understanding of the welfare indicators for the species and individual animals under their care.
• Assists with preparing welfare assessments for animals under veterinary care.
• Responsible for performing daily husbandry to animals under veterinary care, including hospitalized patients and residents in the Special Care Program.
• Follows established protocols for maintaining clean and safe habitats, including perches, substrates, pools, heaters, humidifiers, and air purifiers.
• Provides diets for animals to maintain optimal nutrition, including assembling individualized diets and adding supplements following standard operating procedures.
• Provides approved enrichment to animals following National Aviary protocols.
• Capable of handling birds in a safe manner, including a variety of bird species.
• Continually learns and increases proficiency in patient assessments, including evaluating behavior, appetite, activity, and engagement. Assists with hospitalized patient recovery evaluations and reports improvements or concerns to supervisors.
• Actively participates in skill training sessions conducted by veterinarians and veterinary managers.   
• Maintains animal habitat sanitation and cleanliness, included but not limited to cleaning habitats, washing dishes, and doing laundry.
• Maintains hospital rooms with a high level of sanitation and cleanliness, included but not limited to cleaning foot baths, floors, and sinks.
• Actively gives supervisors progress reports on animal care and hospital projects.
• Assists with stocking medical supplies in hospital areas, such as instruments, treatment supplies, and equipment.
• Assists veterinary team with administering treatments in food items, orally, topically, and with bandage changes.
• Assists veterinary team with setting up and completing medical procedures, such as examinations and diagnostic tests. Assists with primary, emergency, preventative, and geriatric health care practices.
• Assists veterinary team with the National Aviary Teaching Hospital by participating in pre-veterinary student educational programs in animal care practices.
• Participates in veterinary team meetings to discuss and plan animal care, veterinary department projects, and aviary activities.
• Maintains a high level of professional work behavior and conduct. Promotes team-work and positive communication.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Veterinary Care Assistant has no supervisory responsibilities.  

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledgeable and experienced in animal husbandry and nutrition practices.
• Has a general knowledge of avian behavior and natural biology.
• Experienced in maintaining high level sanitation practices with animal care.
• Familiarity with veterinary health care including primary and preventative health care practices.
• Competency in handling animals for general care.
• Strong organizational skills and work habits.
• Adaptable to change within a hospital setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Competency in following protocols with accuracy.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum requirement of 1 year of zoo, wildlife, or other animal care experience is preferred.
• Degree in biology, animal behavior, or a field associated with animal care is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must possess the manual dexterity required to perform the job duties. The employee may be required to stand for long periods of time. The employee constantly positions self in habitats, including under, over, and around obstacles. The employee occasionally ascends and descends ladders. The employee regularly transports crates and supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly uses utensils and tools including sharps, knives, scissors, and hoses. The employee occasionally operates hand and power equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include chilled or humid environments, public areas where the noise level may be loud, outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation, and climate-controlled office spaces. The employee is regularly exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood. The employee is may be exposed to biohazards such as radiographs, chemicals, and infectious agents.  

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.