Sylvan Heights Bird Park is seeking a dedicated animal care professional to join our aviculture team!
Job Title: Aviculturist/Lead Aviculturist
Position Category: Full-time/40 hours per week
About Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is designed to give visitors an unforgettable up-close experience with over 2,000
waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds from around the world. Open to the public since
October 2006, the 28-acre facility features spacious, walk- through aviaries displaying birds from South
America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The aviaries are surrounded by large gardens and
lush natural areas, which enhance the beauty of the birds on exhibit and immerse visitors in native North
Carolina wildlife habitat. For more information, please visit www.shwpark.com.
Department Structure
The avian department is responsible for all aspects of bird husbandry in addition to the general construction,
maintenance, landscaping, etc. throughout the park. The team consists of the Director of Aviculture, Curator
of Grounds, Lead Aviculturists and Lead Groundskeeper, Aviculturists, and Bird Keepers. This position is for a
senior position on the team. Once trained, the individual will be expected to supervise and lead other members
of the team on their assigned area of responsibility.
Position Summary
To maintain and care for a variety of birds within the park; to assist senior staff as needed; and to perform
variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. Positions at this level are initially expected
to perform under immediate supervision, progressing to general supervision as knowledge operating of
procedures is gained. This position is 40 hours a week and is open until filled.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Feed and water birds in and around aviaries; clean, sanitize, maintain, and repair aviaries as required;
sweep, dust, and mop floors.
Prepare diets for birds; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers.
Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight
loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury.
Maintain bird’s daily routines according to established schedules and guidelines.
Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment;
resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving, and uncrating of animals.
Manage and direct team members on area of responsibility.
Must possess ability to:
Work with a variety of bird species.
Clean and maintain assigned aviaries enclosures as directed by lead aviculturists.
Operate a variety of animal equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
Implement diet instructions specified by lead aviculturists.
Maintain accurate records on bird behavior and prepare reports.
Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, prioritizing
work activities, demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
which may include sitting, walking, or standing for extended periods of time, working closely with
others, operating assigned equipment.
Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:
Must hold a valid driver license.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb and reach overhead.
Frequently required to lift 50-75 lbs., unassisted.
Must be able to push and pull exhibit/animal doors with push/pull force of 50-75 lbs.
Must be able to use heavy duty, 100ft. water hose and squeegee to clean out animal areas.
Must be able to rake and sweep; lift with shovel into trash cans; lift (assisted) trash cans onto truck;
haul to dumpster; remove trash cans from truck and empty into dumpster.
Must be able to operate assigned equipment.
Work Environment
Ability to work flexible hours on occasion.
Exposure to a variety of domestic, wild and/or endangered animals, animal odors and animal body
fluids.
Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions.
Sylvan Heights is in the rural community Scotland Neck, with staff commuting from Greenville (50min),
Tarboro (20min), Raleigh (~1hr), or living in town. Sylvan Heights does have a student/intern house
5 minutes from the park where rooms are available to rent for staff members.
Compensation
Salary based on experience; however base salary is competitive for cost of living in Eastern North
Carolina. Position includes health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, and pension plan
opportunities.
How to Apply:
Please send cover letter, resume, and three references to dustin@shwpark.com. Applications will be reviewed
on a rolling basis.