Rainforest Aviculturist

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Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

Job Title:
Rainforest Aviculturist

Posting Date: 1/6/2026

Job Department: Rainforest

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site

Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a dedicated and skilled Aviculturist to join our Upland Tropical Rain Forest team. This position is responsible for providing exceptional care to a diverse collection of birds and mammals within a large, free-flight Neotropical aviary, as well as North Atlantic seabirds in an alcid habitat.

The ideal candidate will ensure excellent welfare through approved husbandry practices, maintain habitats, equipment, and work spaces to National Aquarium standards, and contribute to the acquisition, disposition, transport, and behavioral training of assigned species. The role is based in the Upland Tropical Rain Forest but may provide support to other areas, including but not limited to Australia:
Wild Extremes teams and the Animal Care and Rescue centers. Team members may be required to cross-train with additional taxa as needed.

Core responsibilities include diet preparation (including live colony management), daily behavioral husbandry, health monitoring, and meticulous record-keeping. Additional duties may involve delivering public presentations and behind-the-scenes tours, mentoring volunteers and interns, and participating in emergency response efforts during after-hours or severe weather events. This position is considered essential, and applicants may be required to work severe weather events, power outages, holidays and other such events

This position reports to the Assistant Curator of Australia-Rainforest and is based in the Upland Tropical Rain Forest department. This position will have a Thursday –Monday work week with Tuesday and Wednesday off. Daily hours are 7:30a – 4p each day.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of natural history and professional husbandry standards for avian species and mammals is required

Understanding behavioral husbandry and operant conditioning with the ability to create plans and execute behavioral goals is preferred.

Ability to represent the Aquarium to the public

Experience with maintenance of large life support systems or the aptitude to learn maintenance of life support equipment

Ability to work in extreme environments safely, including wet, extremely cold, and hot.

Ability to carry up to 50 lbs, and complete standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions

Ability to climb ladders and work in high spaces and near and in water.

Ability to work weekends and holidays regularly

Ability to report evening or night hours during emergencies or severe weather

Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of unpredictable situations

Support company mission.

Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Other duties as assigned or required.

4-year degree in biology or animal behavior or related field plus 1 year of professional paid experience or professional experience equivalent to required education

Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Maryland driver’s license

Experience with animal data management software such as Tracks, ZIMS etc.

Must be capable of emergency response to avoid injury to…