Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture

Colossal Biosciences; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible spending accounts

Company matched 401k retirement plan

Paid parental leave at 100% salary for

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Colossal Biosciences in Dallas, TX is seeking an Animal Husbandry Specialist II, Aviculture, to provide the highest level of care for a diverse collection of birds, including exotics and domestics.

You will join the Animal Husbandry Team, assist veterinary and research staff, develop enrichment and breeding plans, and support incubation and hand-rearing. Relocation assistance is available and travel ~10%.

Qualifications

• AA/AS/BA/BS in Biological Science preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in aviculture.
• Previous experience with breeding of exotic birds, egg incubation, and hand-rearing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry for a large and diverse collection of birds.
• Maintain animal habitats and husbandry equipment.
• Document animal behavior, health and wellbeing in the record keeping system.
• Create habitats that promote successful breeding and welfare for birds.
• Assist veterinary and research staff with medical exams, procedures and treatments.
• Stay up to date on aviculture developments and network with industry professionals.
• Develop training and enrichment plans for Colossal species.
• Prepare diets for bird species.
• Assist with incubation and hand-rearing.

Skills

Animal handling

Avian care

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team orientation

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Growth mindset

Education

Biological Science degree

Job description

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.

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.

What Colossal Offers Full-Time Employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays so you can rest and recharge
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
• Education reimbursement
• An opportunity to help us return the Earth to a healthier state

The team at Colossal is committed, colorful, passionate, intelligent, collaborative, creative, experienced, scientific and world-class. That sounds like a lot to fit into one building. That's why we are spread out in several locations that include laboratories, test facilities, academic institutions, libraries and offices.

Through it all, however, we maintain a culture of positivity, hope, happiness and belief that we're doing something big. Something Colossal.

Colossal is proud to be an equal employment opportunity workplace. We welcome people from all backgrounds as well as celebrate and support diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment so everyone can thrive.

EEO is the Law

Search Firm Representatives: Colossal does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. No fees will be paid for a hired candidate where no pre-existing agreement is in place. We handle most recruitment in-house.

Colossal is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn for 4 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026:

• #1 on the 50 Best Startups to Work For in Dallas in 2023!
• 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Dallas in 2024 & 2025
• 100 Best Places to Work in Dallas, TX (All Size Employers) in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Built In 2026 Award Lists

Great Place to Work Certification Page

Most Loved Workplace Certification Page - Proud to be certified as a most loved workplace including: most loved CEO, most loved workplaces for LGBTQ+, most loved workplaces for women, and most loved workplaces for young professionals.

Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces 2024 Award List - Excited to be amongst the winners of Newsweek's 2024 Most Loved Workplaces!