The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is seeking to fill three Aviculture Internship positions for the fall of 2017.

Background: ICF is a leader in the conservation of the world’s 15 crane species and is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to cranes and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. ICF’s world headquarters is located just outside Baraboo, WI (one hour north of Madison, WI.) ICF is open to the public every day from April 15 to October 31 each year. ICF exhibits the only collection in the world of all 15 species of crane. The Crane Conservation Department (CCD) is responsible for the care and management of approximately 120 birds year-round. CCD Aviculture interns assist the full-time staff in the day-to-day management of the collection. For more information, please visit our website at www.savingcranes.org.

Duration:  Six-month internship. One position to start early September; two positions to start in October.

Description: Aviculture Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with the ICF Crane Conservation Department and will:

• Develop husbandry skills related to daily cleaning and feeding of the flock.
• Assist with routine crane facility maintenance activities.
• Learn and practice safe crane handling and restraint techniques.
• Conduct behavior observations associated with new pair socializations.
• Acquire an understanding of captive propagation techniques including artificial insemination, egg incubation, and chick rearing.
• Participates in the management of birds in public display areas to support site visitor program and aviculture goals.
• Achieve experience planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating a behavioral modification program.
• Learn about ICF project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior and husbandry, field conservation and ecology; and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes.
• Meet and work with a variety of international colleagues and professional staff at ICF.
• Assist in the completion of one or several projects related to the goals, work plan, and objectives of the ICF Crane Conservation Department (e.g. help with behavioral monitoring; data entry and analysis; research related projects, etc.)

(more…)