Aviculture 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 Aviculture Apprenticeship at our International Headquarters in Baraboo, WI. In this role, you will learn through hands on experience and mentorship by seasoned professionals as you play a fundamental role in the care and management of our resident-flock of around 120 cranes. Many of our existing staff started their careers in this program, and apprentices typically accept full-time positions at other zoos, conservation organizations, and graduate programs at the completion of their apprenticeships.
The position runs for 6 months starting in March/April 2025, 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. The Aviculture Apprentice will gain hands-on experience in the care, management, and breeding of cranes, learning key skills in avian husbandry, captive propagation, and behavioral observation. Apprentices will assist with crane facility maintenance, plant species management, and safe handling techniques while participating in projects aligned with ICF’s conservation goals. Additional opportunities include exposure to veterinary care, field conservation activities, and educational outreach. By the end of the program, apprentices will present their work through a formal presentation, contributing to crane conservation and gaining valuable professional experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participate in the management of birds in captivity specifically for zoological institutions or reintroduction programs
- Perform husbandry skills related to the health, daily feeding, and cleaning of the flock
- Acquire an understanding of captive propagation including participation in artificial insemination, egg incubation, and chick rearing
- Assist with a variety of crane facility maintenance activities and invasive plant management
- Learn about and practice safe crane defense techniques used during egg collections; may also learn and practice crane handling and restraint techniques
- Conduct behavioral observations associated with breeding, chick-rearing, or animal welfare assessments
- Participate in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating a behavioral modification program (enrichment or training based)
Additional Duties:
- Develop interpretation skills by participating in on-site visitor outreach through scheduled keeper chats or tours in conjunction with the Conservation Education Department
- Participate in projects related to the goals, work plan, and objectives of the ICF Crane Conservation Department. These projects are shared through a formal presentation and paper
- Observe medical procedures and treatments to learn about veterinary medicine for crane species
- Participate in conservation field-related experiences such as radio-telemetry tracking of cranes, Whooping crane chick releases, and prescribed burns
- Learn about ICF project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior and husbandry, field conservation and ecology, and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes by attending all staff meetings or volunteering with other departments
Qualifications Required:
- 2 years of college or equivalent practical experience
- Demonstrated animal care experience; a focus in avian biology or zoo-keeping is preferred
- Attention to detail related to health and behavior of animals
- Able to commit to a 6-month program
- Valid driver’s license (USA or International) and an acceptable driving record
- Eligible to work in the United States at the time of application
- Ability to work both independently and as a team with minimal supervision
- Well-developed communication skills, including speaking to large visitor groups
Physical Abilities and Work Environment:
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.
- Ability to work outdoors in difficult conditions for long periods of time
- Ability to work outdoors every day in all weather conditions found in Wisconsin, but also indoors in an office environment
- Ability to carry 50 pounds unaided and be able to lift, bend, or stoop for extended lengths of time
- Ability to stand and walk over uneven ground for long distances for extended lengths of time while carrying supplies
- Ability 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: “Aviculture Apprenticeship.” In the cover letter, please include your earliest available start date on or after March 1. The deadline to apply is January 31, 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.
