Assistant Aviculturist (Term Assignment)

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA, USA

USD 22-25 / hour

Posted on May 14, 2026

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is May 20, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than May 20, 2026.

Please note: This position is a 4-month term assignment.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, support the care and maintenance of our avian collection and avian exhibits. Perform routine husbandry duties including diet preparation, cleaning of spaces and equipment, animal observations, and record-keeping. Support the aviculture during feeding, training, and enrichment sessions for all bird collections. Maintain the highest animal care and exhibit maintenance standards that continually meet or exceed all AZA accreditation standards. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

  • Perform daily animal husbandry duties including but not limited to diet preparation, feeding, and live exhibit maintenance.
  • Assist with routine support duties including the cleaning of service areas, holding areas, and husbandry equipment.
  • Assist in formal bird training sessions under the guidance of more experienced staff members.
  • Assist with behavioral enrichment including implementation, monitoring/observation, recording/documentation, and/or development of species-appropriate enrichment.
  • Document husbandry tasks, animal observations, animal health records, animal welfare assessments, and other pertinent animal transactions into the Tracks software database in accordance with departmental standards.
  • Conduct regular observations of animal health, behavior, and welfare and communicate issues to more senior staff.
  • Perform routine monitoring and maintenance on critical water and mechanical systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fractionators, mechanical filters, UV sterilizers, small pumps, recirculation loops, and exhibit lighting systems following established protocols.
  • Assist in the capture and restraint of birds for onsite health examinations or medical treatment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

  • Working towards a college degree in Biology or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Previous animal husbandry experience through volunteer work or equivalent highly desirable
  • Knowledge of the basic taxonomy of and natural history of birds
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite or related software
  • The ability to quickly learn the Tracks animal database system
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and desire to work in a productive team environment
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Aptitude for analytical and problem-solving
  • Aptitude for using basic hand and power tools
  • Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

  • Typical office equipment, basic hand and power tools, MBA vehicles, small boats

  • Extended periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, and squatting

  • Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs

  • Typical office, main aquarium, aquarium exhibits, animal care spaces, open field work (boats on open ocean, coastal habitats, tidepools, etc.)

Hourly Compensation Range:

$22.00-$25.00 per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

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