Senior Bird Trainer

Job description / Role

Job Purpose:
This position is required for managing the day to day aspects of the bird collection at bird training centreto organise public bird shows, educational demonstrations and staff management.

Job Scope:
The Senior bird Trainer performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects Al Ain Zoos mission and vision of connecting people to wildlife and conservation. Supervise and performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling and care of exhibit birds used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs, bird shows and performs related work as required. This position reports to Coordinator, outreach and training.


Key Tasks and Duties:
- Trains birds in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors.
- Setup bid show and presentations program.
- Develop special programs (EID, special events, etc.)
- Supervise safe transportation of birds to exhibit or performances.
- Supervise handlers at performance.
- Supervise setting up props, stages or other performance areas.
- Initiate purchase and maintenance requests.
- Coordinate with concerned departments in coordination with outreach coordinator.
- Implement local legislation and standards.
- Establish and maintain networks with international business partners.
- Grooms birds for public appearance and health maintenance.
- Ensure implementation of public and animals safety procedures.
- Supervises and conducts special tours.
- Makes informational presentations to the public.
- Participate in developing educational programs and campaigns.
- Contribute as required to new developments projects.
- Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned birds.
- Maintains and regularly update bird inventory.
- Plans, oversees, directs implementation and coordination of bird husbandry and training programs, regularly inspects and observes assigned collection for overall health and welfare.
- Ensures dietary requirements of the assigned collection are met and fulfilled.
- Discusses morbidity and mortality with veterinary and pathology staff.
- Adheres to the organizations policies and practices.
- Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics.

Requirements

- Applicants must have knowledge of operant conditioning.
- A minimum of four years of exotic bird training experience is required.
- Desirable qualifications for these positions include a Bachelor of Science in biology or other scientifically related field, knowledge of behavioural enrichment, as well as a broad base knowledge of birds.
- Additional desired qualifications for this position include excellent public speaking and presentation skills, the ability to communicate effectively with others (guests, co-workers and others).
- Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined.
- At least four year experience as a bird trainer at a comparable organization.

About the Company

In a unique desert setting on the edge of Al Ain, a historic oasis settlement in the United Arab Emirates, the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort is a place for people to come and learn about arid land wildlife and conservation through vivid, first hand experience.

The aim is to evolve the resort AWPR into a showcase for sustainable living in harmony with nature and wildlife that will be known all over the world. As well as creating a highly attractive destination, we are also committed to the increasingly important and never ending scientific challenge of conserving desert and plant life.