Naturalist

~ World Bird Sanctuary is both a unique St. Louis attraction and entertaining environmental education opportunity. ~

With over 305 acres and over 200 animals in our care, we offer a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. World Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to preserve, protect and inspire to safeguard bird species as part of the global community for future generations. Our vision is to create a world where diverse bird species are secure and thriving in a variety of stable ecological communities. We work to fulfill this mission through our six core competencies of sanctuary services, education, rehabilitation, propagation, research/field studies and advocacy efforts.

World Bird Sanctuary operates under the leadership team of the executive director, Brian Bissonnette, and the three senior directors, Dawn Griffard, Roger Holloway and Jeff Meshach, along with a dedicated staff, volunteers, interns and an active Board of Directors. The leadership team directs daily operations of the sanctuary, but is responsible to the Board of Directors in all matters, ensuring that WBS is above reproach in this field. The sanctuary employs a full time staff of 19 and hires approximately 16 part time employees each year.

World Bird Sanctuary is one of North America’s largest facilities for the conservation of birds. World Bird Sanctuary is on the leading edge of public awareness regarding the plight of bird species worldwide.

Position Overview

Responsible for working with a collection of animals to include a wide variety of birds of prey and work effectively with other naturalists and volunteers to ensure that animals are utilized safely and appropriately to provide fun and engaging wildlife presentations to promote ecological literacy, conservational stewardship and general educational information about a variety of avian wildlife.

Naturalists are also responsible for the general animal care of the collection which includes general animal care, food preparation, bird training, enrichment activities and general upkeep/maintenance of enclosures, animal housing and WBS facilities. Additionally naturalists are responsible for interacting professionally with guests who visit World Bird Sanctuary to answer questions and provide interactive encounters for the guests.

Responsibilities

• Engage and inspire audiences through fun, exciting and safe avian wildlife shows that promote the mission of World Bird Sanctuary.
• Train and present for Wildlife show programming to both large and small audiences on a regular basis.
• Prepare and administer proper diets and supplements for the entire collection.
• Understand and apply operant conditioning and primarily positive reinforcement strategies to train and maintain husbandry and show behaviors.
• Duty will include animal husbandry, training, and enrichment for a diverse collection of avian wildlife. Ensure high standards for animal welfare and safety.
• Interact with public regularly at World Bird Sanctuary.
• Travels locally and at times nationally to conduct educational programs. This includes being able to effectively communicate to small and large groups and handling a variety of avian wildlife.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related major; 2 years of experience as a wildlife presenter in lieu of bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with public presentation and animal training strongly desired.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft based office programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a strong appreciation for wildlife and the environment.
• Must possess the ability to function in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Must be able to work as part of a team and independently to achieve positive results.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able and willing to actively work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license required to operate World Bird Sanctuary vehicles.

Compensation

• Starting salary of $1450 per month.
• Health and dental benefits.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match.