Whooping Crane Chick Rearing and Release Apprentice
Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to play a vital part of our renowned conservation effort to save the world’s cranes and their habitats? The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is seeking motivated and passionate individuals for multiple openings in our Whooping Crane Chick Rearing and Release Apprenticeship at our International Headquarters in Baraboo, WI. In this role, you will gain an understanding of captive breeding and participate in the rearing of Whooping cranes for release in two reintroduction programs. Apprentices will gain valuable experience in the management of these birds in both zoological and release settings.
The position will start between March 24 – April 15, 2025, and run for 6-8 months, with some flexibility in start and end dates. It includes a stipend of $1,500/month plus housing. Would you like to be surrounded by people who are passionate about our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates? Then read on.
Position Summary:
The Crane Conservation Department supports the International Crane Foundation’s global mission by providing for the care and management of our resident flock of cranes. Whooping Crane Chick Rearing Apprentices (WCCRRA) will receive training and assist in the intensive care and management of raising endangered crane chicks, specifically whooping cranes for captivity and release and will:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop husbandry skills related to daily cleaning and feeding of the flock
- Participate in the management of birds in a zoological setting, and specifically for release
- Acquire an understanding of captive propagation including some participation in artificial insemination, egg incubation, chick rearing
- Assist with routine set-up, maintenance & winterization of crane facilities both on campus & in the field
- Learn and practice safe crane defense, handling and restraint techniques
- Learn and follow strict isolation rearing protocols for raising chicks for release
- Acquire and exhibit proper costume parental behaviors when working with chicks, providing them with experiences to develop survival skills in the wild
- Conduct behavioral observations associated with chick-rearing, breeding, or animal welfare assessments
- Learn and use ZIMS for record keeping and communication among staff
- Acquire knowledge of and participate in tracking free roaming cranes in WI
- Learn about ICF project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior and husbandry, field conservation and ecology; and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes
- As time allows, assist in the completion of one or several projects related to the goals, work plan and objectives of the ICF Crane Conservation Department including summarizing those projects in a formal paper and presentation
- Part of apprenticeship will be conducted on either state or federal lands requiring compliance with their regulations
Additional Duties:
- Assist the Conservation Education Department with on-site visitor outreach through special tours
- Have the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of professional staff at ICF
- Participate in conservation field-related experiences such as prescribed burns
- Whooping Crane Chick Rearing Apprentice may help with all aspects of the captive flock and responsibilities will vary depending upon timing and number of chicks hatching
Qualifications:
- Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
- All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply
- Ability to abide by all USFWS/WIDNR policies when working on USFWS/WIDNR properties
- Must be able to commit to the full term of apprenticeship offered
- Two years of college or equivalent practical experience required; 4-yr college degree or Associate degree in a relevant program preferred
- Six months animal care experience with a focus in avian biology or zoo-keeping preferred
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision
- Well-developed communication skills including speaking to large visitor groups
- Reliability, sound judgement, and ability to master tasks and comprehend concepts quickly and correctly
- Basic CPR & First Aid training is desired
- Knowledge of tracking, reading maps & GPS skills are a plus
Physical Abilities:
The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This position is physically demanding. Applicants must be able to carry 50 pounds and be able to lift, bend, or stoop for extended lengths of time.
- Applicants must be able to stand and walk over uneven ground for long distances, extended lengths of time while carrying supplies.
- Ability to work outdoors every day in all weather conditions found in Wisconsin, but also indoors in an office environment.
- Applicants must be able to work in physically & visually limiting capacities in a costume for long hours outdoors.
How to Apply: Apply in minutes by sending a single document containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references to icfinternships@savingcranes.org with the subject: “WCCRR Apprenticeship.” The deadline to apply is February 16, 2025.
Join us in protecting cranes and the ecosystems they inhabit—together, we can make a difference!
“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people.”
ICF is an equal opportunity employer.
