Join Our Team!
The National Aviary is a dynamic place to work, where you can use your unique talents to help us fulfill our mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. We offer a variety of employment, internship, and volunteer positions in numerous departments.
If you see a position that matches your skillset, please fill out the application below and return it along with your resume to the hiring manager listed in the job description.
Download Our ApplicationEmployment Opportunities
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Crewmember (Full-time)
Reports to: Manager of Buildings & Grounds
Department: Buildings & Grounds
Status: Non-exempt, Full-time
Date: June, 2025
Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to Kevin Fonner, [email protected].
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The Buildings & Grounds Crewmember is an important role in the Buildings & Grounds Department. The Crewmember is responsible for creating a clean, safe, disinfected and comfortable environment for the National Aviary’s animal residents, 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.
- Sets up and breaks down events, including moving equipment (tables, chairs, benches,
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.
- Performs major cleaning and disinfecting of assigned areas; cleans and maintains buildings,
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Crewmember (Part-time)
Reports to: Manager of Buildings & Grounds
Department: Buildings & Grounds
Status: Non-exempt, Part-time
Date: June, 2025
Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to Jim Fox, [email protected].
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The Buildings & Grounds Crewmember is an important role in the Buildings & Grounds Department. The Crewmember is responsible for creating a clean, safe, disinfected and comfortable environment for the National Aviary’s animal residents, 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.
- Sets up and breaks down events, including moving equipment (tables, chairs, benches,
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.
- Performs major cleaning and disinfecting of assigned areas; cleans and maintains buildings,
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Guest Operations Associate (Seasonal)
Reports to: Assistant Manager of Retail Services
Department: Guest Operations
Status: Non-exempt, Part-time
Date: July, 2025
Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to 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.
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, brunch, all classes and education programs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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Security Officer (Full-time)
Reports to: Manager of Buildings & Grounds
Department: Buildings & Grounds
Status: Non-exempt, Full-time
Date: July, 2025
Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to Kevin Fonner, [email protected].
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The National Aviary’s Security Officer is an important role in the Buildings &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.
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Senior Aviculturist (Full-time)
Reports to: Manager of Animal Care
Department: Animal Care
Status: Non-exempt, Full-time
Date: June, 2025
Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to Jessica McAtee; [email protected].
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The main responsibility of the Senior Aviculturist is to care for the animal collection and to maintain the habitats in their assigned areas of responsibility. They are responsible for ensuring that their assigned area is maintained and operated at acceptable standards seven days a week.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinates and maintains daily husbandry for their assigned area.
- 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 an understanding of the welfare indicators for the species and individual animals under their care.
- Develops cleaning protocols and standard operating procedures for the collection in their area; ensures protocols and procedures are followed.
- Ensures acceptable daily appearance of all habitat components prior to opening and over the course of the operational day.
- Develops an expert understanding of and employs the principles of basic and advanced operant conditioning.
- Works with Assistant Manager of Animal Collections – Tropical Forest & Wetlands to create and implement individualized animal training in habitats.
- Cleans animal habitats daily to maintain cleanliness standards, following standard operating procedures.
- Observes animals daily and immediately verbally reports any issues to management.
- Creates, modifies, and maintains the animals’ habitats, including identifying and implementing solutions to housing problems as they arise, with supervisor approval.
- Identifies and troubleshoots minor problems in air-handling, lighting, and filtrations systems; reports major problems to appropriate parties.
- Prepares and administers medical treatments as prescribed by the Veterinarian.
- Coordinates with Senior Aviculturist – Commissary, to monitor consumption amounts.
- Prepares food for the animals and monitors daily diet consumption for a variety of species with supervisory approval.
- Ensures daily observations are notated in record-keeping database.
- Coordinates breeding management to ensure targeted species have proper nest structures, nesting materials, and breeding management action plans.
- Working with Curator of Animal Husbandry and Wellness, responsible for ensuring appropriate enrichment is given as scheduled and necessary record-keeping related to enrichment is completed.
- Coordinates all training and coaches staff, interns and volunteers in his/her areas of responsibility.
- Conducts daily feeding presentations and encounters for visitors.
- Completes formal welfare assessments regularly.
- Serves as an Institutional Representative for AZA programs as needed.
- Responsible for maintaining animals’ physical condition including bill and nail trims and wing clips as scheduled.
- Serves as a Responsible Party; adheres to all National Aviary established policies and protocols.
- Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol and promotes Visitor Engagement in their area of responsibility.
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 Senior Aviculturist has no formal supervisory responsibilities.
- The Senior Aviculturist supervises the work of aviculturists, assistant aviculturists, interns, and volunteers assigned to the area.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to be a good team player and maintain a positive attitude.
- Extensive knowledge of the principles, methodologies, and practices of optimal animal care and husbandry
- Extensive knowledge of the species, natural history, husbandry and breeding management requirements of animals that are maintained in the collection.
- Ability to properly handle and restrain a variety of species
- Good decision-making skills
- Proactive problem solving skills
- Strong oral and written communications skills; ability to communicate effectively and interact positively with supervisors, staff, interns, volunteers, and management.
- Strong presentation skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner
- Strong interest in conservation and environmental education.
- Ability to work as an individual as well as part of a team.
- Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Undergraduate degree in biology, zoology or related field required.
- Three to five years paid aviculture experience 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 check required
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, and 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.
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Veterinary Department Coordinator (Full-time)
Reports to: Manager of Veterinary Programs
Department: Veterinary Hospital
Status: Exempt, Full-time
Date: July, 2025
Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to Pilar Fish; [email protected].
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The Veterinary Department Coordinator is a key position in the Veterinary Hospital, under the supervision of the Manager of Veterinary Programs. The Veterinary Department Coordinator oversees aspects of hospital operations, including patient care schedules, medical record system, inventory maintenance, budget tracking, and medical equipment servicing. The Veterinary Department Coordinator assists the Manager of Veterinary Programs and Veterinarians with National Aviary education and conservation programs, including organizing aspects of the veterinary internships, philanthropic projects, and wildlife conservation projects. The Veterinary Department Coordinator is part of the veterinary team, and receives specialized training in aspects of avian healthcare, and has opportunities to lend support and assist with patient care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supports the National Aviary’s mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.
- Follows and implements National Aviary protocols and programs. May participate in committees and events to maximize the growth and success of the National Aviary. Serves as a Responsible Party.
- Supports the National Aviary’s goals of providing high quality visitor experiences, educational programs, and conservation messaging. Initiates visitor engagement opportunities, and interacts with visitors utilizing the National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol. Assists with preparations for hospital tours for donor relations.
- Serves as a representative of the National Aviary, and fosters inter-departmental projects, team-building, and communication.
- Daily responsibilities as department coordinator include organizing and implementing hospital operations of schedules, projects, and programs to maintain quality veterinary services and aviary projects. Duties include coordinating healthcare schedules and appointments, medical records, hospital orders and inventory, and assistance with aviary programs such as education and conservation projects.
- Coordinates hospital scheduling, including preparing daily patient care and procedure schedules, examinations, rechecks, admissions, discharges, tests, and treatments.
- Coordinates preventative medicine program, including preparing and updating animal exam, test, & treatment calendars; scheduling appointments for preventative flock healthcare, including penguin preventative care calendar, animal ambassador preventative care calendar, nebulization calendar, parasite prevention treatments, and vaccinations.
- Assists Manager of Veterinary Programs and Veterinarians with the animal transfer process of moving animals to other facilities in accordance with National Aviary, AZA, USDA, State Dept of Agriculture protocols and regulations. Coordinates, prepares, and follows up with pre-shipment calendars, scheduling animal exams, processing test results, communications with zoos & state regulatory organizations, and health certificate preparations. Prepares updates, and participates in veterinary meetings to oversee aspects of animal transfers.
- Assists Manager of Veterinary Programs and Veterinarians with the animal transfer process of receiving new animals to the National Aviary, including communications with other zoos for pre-shipment test recommendations, assimilating new medical records, and test result updates. Assists with planning process for new animal quarantine care, treatments, discharges, and interdepartmental updates.
- Coordinates medical record system of hard copy files and ZIMS data system, including utilization of medical forms, assimilation, and processing information. Maintains accurate and organized medical records and assists veterinarians with record preparation.
- Maintains hospital resources and references, including organizing and updating laboratory test requirement binder, test pending log, necropsy log, sample bank log, and radiology log.
- Coordinates medical equipment maintenance for anesthesia, oxygen, x-ray, surgery, autoclave, microscope, and lab equipment. Organizes annual service schedule and certification appointments, renewal of radiology badges, sharps & biohazard disposal.
- Coordinates hospital service or repair projects by working closely with the National Aviary Building & Grounds Department.
- Supervises purchase and inventory system, including medical supply orders, invoices, and stocking to maintain efficient hospital function. Assists with orders for hospital areas including pharmacy, lab, necropsy, surgery, treatment rooms, and patient wards. Works closely with the Manager of Veterinary Programs and Veterinarians to track expenses, prepare monthly budget assessments, and maintain a cost-effective inventory. Assists with research of new products and services to compare costs and utilize the budget efficiently.
- Assists during veterinary care procedures as a member of the veterinary team along with veterinarians, veterinary manager, veterinary technicians, and veterinary care assistants. Has opportunities to serve a role in preparing and implementing patient care, exams, tests, procedures, and treatments. Participates in continual training to acquire knowledge and skills in avian medicine and patient care customized for birds.
- Follows protocols for human and animal safety, including protocols for handling animals, sanitation, and maintaining biosecurity in a veterinary hospital.
- Maintains a strong understanding of the principles that underlie animal welfare in the zoological field, supports the National Aviary’s Animal Welfare Program, and implements Animal Welfare protocols and projects.
- Assists the Manager of Veterinary Programs and Veterinarians with coordinating animal wellness practices and protocols. Coordinates the completion and submission of animal welfare documents and assessments, prepares schedules and calendars.
- Lends project support to the Senior Director of Zoologic Advancement and Avian Medicine’s philanthropic projects by helping coordinate donor tours and events. Assists with maintaining healthcare statistics and photographic files of preventative treatments, neonatal care, geriatric and special needs care, reproductive healthcare, which are key components of grant reports and philanthropic projects.
- Coordinates projects associated with AZA, such as annual surveys and accreditation documents, and inspection preparations.
- Supports and assists the Manager of Veterinary Programs with educational programs, including aspects of coordinating schedules and documents for veterinary intern applicants, interviews, and training materials.
- Supports National Aviary wildlife conservation programs, such as assisting with medical supply donation preparations, itinerary planning, and hosting visiting veterinarians.
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 Department Coordinator has supervisory responsibilities within the hospital overseeing aspects of animal care, veterinary care, budgetary utilization, and hospital operations.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge and experience in veterinary hospital operations of patient admissions, patient care schedules, maintaining medical equipment & supplies, and supervising inventory.
- Medical record-keeping skills and experience. Familiarity with ZIMS database preferred.
- Has a familiarity and understanding of standard zoo practices including preventative medicine plans, animal transfer processes & quarantine, animal ambassador programs, and animal welfare practices. Experience in zoos preferred.
- Knowledge and experience in animal husbandry and veterinary medical care. Experience in wildlife centers, veterinary hospitals, and/ or zoos preferred.
- Strong organizational skills, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills. Practices positive, professional communication. Values and edifies teamwork, participates in team projects and activities.
- Ability to organize and complete projects in a timely manner, using initiative and proper professional judgment; ability to work independently and as a team.
- Competency in project planning, status updates, reports, and implementing follow-up plans.
- Proficiency in word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel) and presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint).
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a domestic animal, zoological, or wildlife veterinary hospital and/or in hospital operations, administration, or veterinary services.
- Associate or Bachelor degree 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 may be required to sit for long periods of time. The employee may be required to position self in habitats or rooms, including under, over, and around obstacles. The employee occasionally ascends and descends ladders. The employee may be required to carry and transport supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee may be required to 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 may be exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood. The employee may be exposed to hospital biohazards such as sharps, x-ray, anesthetic gas, oxygen tanks, chemicals, and infectious agents.
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.
Internships
Seasonal onsite and remote Internships are available in a variety of departments. Interns at the National Aviary can develop marketable skills, make important connections, and learn firsthand about the rewarding career opportunities available in zoos. For information on application periods and additional Internships, click the link below!
Search InternshipsVolunteering with the National Aviary
The National Aviary is accepting applications for select positions allowing volunteers to engage with Aviary visitors in free-flight habitats responsibly.
Learn more about volunteering here.
Already a volunteer? Login here.
The National Aviary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.