Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture
Colossal Biosciences
Summary
An affiliate of Colossal is seeking an Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture, to serve as a member of the Animal Husbandry Team. The specialist will provide the highest level of care and welfare for the animals under our oversight. The Aviculture Team cares for a diverse collection of bird species including both exotics and domestics. This position reports to the Manager of Animal Husbandry and works closely with Colossal's Head of Animal Husbandry.
Job description
This position will be based out of the Dallas area with ~10% travel required. Relocation assistance is available.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform daily husbandry for a large and diverse collection of birds
- Maintain animal habitats and surrounding areas, husbandry equipment, and tools
- Closely monitor and document animal behavior, health and wellbeing, recording these in the record keeping system and reporting issues to leadership
- Create habitats that promote successful breeding and optimal welfare for bird species
- Assist veterinary and research staff with medical exams, procedures, and treatments
- Stay up to date on developments in aviculture by researching industry best practices and networking with industry professionals
- Develop training and enrichment plans and schedules for Colossal species
- Prepare diets for bird species
- Assist with incubation and hand-rearing
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong abilities in the areas of animal handling for veterinary care
- Expertise in avian animal care and conservation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Practiced interpersonal and critical thinking skills
- Ability to thrive and work well with others in a team environment
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels of an organization
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to function well in a growth-oriented, nimble environment
Education and Experience
- AA/AS/BA/BS in a Biological Science is preferred
- 2+ years of experience in aviculture
- Previous experience with breeding of exotic birds, egg incubation, and hand-rearing are preferred
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a typical Dallas area climate and under field conditions (heat, humidity, plant allergens, insects, etc.)
- Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed
Requirements
- Strong abilities in the areas of animal handling for veterinary care
- Expertise in avian animal care and conservation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Practiced interpersonal and critical thinking skills
- Ability to thrive and work well with others in a team environment
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels of an organization
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to function well in a growth-oriented, nimble environment
- 2+ years of experience in aviculture
- Ability to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a typical Dallas area climate and under field conditions
- Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Paid Time Off
- Company Holidays
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Parental Leave
- Education Reimbursement
Company overview
Colossal Biosciences is a pioneering American biotechnology and genetic engineering company founded in 2021 by Harvard geneticist George Church and serial entrepreneur Ben Lamm. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company specializes in developing radical new technologies to advance the field of genomics and species restoration. Colossal is the first company to apply CRISPR gene-editing technology for the purpose of species de-extinction, beginning with ambitious projects to revive the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, dodo bird, dire wolf, and other extinct species. The company's mission extends beyond de-extinction to include protection of critically endangered species and repopulation of critical ecosystems that support biodiversity and ecosystem health. With over 170 scientists and advisors, Colossal combines cutting-edge genetic engineering with conservation biology to address the global biodiversity crisis. The company has raised significant funding, achieving unicorn status and becoming Texas' first decacorn with a valuation exceeding $10 billion. Beyond its scientific endeavors, Colossal has spun out software platforms like Form Bio and established the Colossal Foundation to support conservation efforts worldwide.