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Experienced Avian Care Volunteer

Experienced Avian Care Volunteer Description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Avian Care Volunteers support the daily husbandry and treatment of all avian ambassadors at Avian Behavior. This includes feeding, cleaning, and possibly training while working alongside ABC staff, interns, and other volunteers. Volunteers will experience different duties, qualifications, skills, and expectations compared to that of a general Avian Care volunteer. This position is limited to 5 volunteers annually, which is determined by the Avian Care staff and Education and Outreach Coordinator. It is also not dependent on the number of years volunteers have been present with ABC, but more so the skill set that has been proven along with the consistency of Care shifts.

TIME COMMITMENT

The Avian Care shift happens every day from 8 am to 12 pm unless otherwise noted, such as due to programs and staff schedules. There could be a change in shift start time, but those will be communicated in advance by the Coordinator.

Due to the nature of this volunteer position, selected volunteers MUST commit to at least 6 months, but ideally a year.

PROGRESSION

This position is appointed by the Avian Care staff and allows volunteers to learn more in-depth skills of avian ambassador protocols. There are opportunities to lead shifts, train interns and volunteers, and enhance daily care skills.

JOB DUTIES

●  Oversee and maintain the Roost Care shift while staff are in meetings or tending to other cases/business

●  Assist Avian Care staff with training of interns as directed by the staff

●  Train other volunteers at staff discretion on basic tasks such as but not limited to:

    • daily routine, volunteer checklist, cleaning, and laundry
    •  Comply with all state and federal wildlife regulations and Avian Behavior permitting
    •  Assist staff, interns, and other volunteers with daily checklist tasks
    • Daily cleaning of enclosures including but not limited to scooping, raking, scrubbing wall panels, and providing fresh water
    • Prepare and deliver diets and medications as directed by staff
    • Contribute written detail for all daily bird records as necessary
    • Work with various birds as directed by staff
    • Assist with bird enrichment as directed and assigned by staff
    • Aid in projects
    • Other duties as assigned, such as light groundswork, weeding, planting, irrigation, path maintenance, and aviary maintenance
    • Demonstrate Avian Behavior’s core values through guest and team interactions

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Duties may require bending, kneeling, twisting, lifting and/or standing for long periods of time*
  • Patience and understanding of training and husbandry protocols
  • MUST maintain an updated/current tetanus or titer blood test
  • Ability to follow a checklist for safety and efficiency
  • Eagerness to learn
  • Willingness to clean
  • Positive attitude
  • Exceptional attention to detail*Physical limitations might make completing all the duties assigned in this job description challenging. We can discuss options to adjust or modify some of the requirements for volunteers who may have special physical requirements. Our training area is up a short hill on uneven ground.

EXPECTATIONS

  • If you cannot make a shift, you are responsible for removing yourself from the shift. If it is within 24 hours of the scheduled shift, you must  reach out to the Education and Outreach Coordinator or Avian Care team staff to let someone know you are unable to come in for your shift. You can call or text our main line (760) 800-3181 to alert staff you will not be in for your shift.
  • Commit to the duration of your shift. If you have vacation planned during your time commitment, this will extend the time to complete.