Background: The George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center (Sutton Center) was founded in 1984 with the mission of finding cooperative conservation solutions for birds and the natural world through science and education. The Sutton Center is a private, nonprofit organization located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and has become a leader in avian research and conservation through its successes with conservation-oriented, ecological field research on declining grassland birds, development of techniques for the reintroduction and monitoring of southern bald eagles, management of successful captive breeding of endangered species, and bird surveying across the world. For more information please visit www.suttoncenter.org.

The Sutton Center has partnered with other organizations in recovery efforts focused on the captive breeding and release of the critically endangered Attwater’s prairie-chicken, a grassland grouse native to Coastal Texas and Louisiana.  The Sutton Center is expanding the program with a larger breeding flock and increased chick production. Time is currently divided between managing our captive flock, incubating eggs and raising chicks, preparing and transferring birds for release, constructing bird enclosures, and maintaining the facilities. Aviculturists will be required to participate in all day to day responsibilities.

Description: Daily tasks includes avian husbandry, diet preparation, maintaining accurate animal records and online database system, maintaining breeding colonies of crickets and mealworms, and constructing and repairing netted bird enclosures. Aviculturists oversee artificial incubation and chick care, assist in fostering chicks to Attwater’s hens, administer medications and basic veterinary care, review camera footage to monitor flock health and breeding, and help in finding creative solutions to improve recovery challenges. Aviculturists also assist with property upkeep, training seasonal interns and volunteers and any additional tasks as needed. The Sutton Avian Research Center is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in the workplace. 

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree; must have the ability to lift over 50lbs and work in inclement weather conditions around ticks, chiggers, and mosquitos; must be able to work independently as well as in small group settings; and must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record. Applicants must be capable of working long hours in a fast paced and changeable environment and must be detail-oriented and able to follow instructions and established protocols. Prior bird handling and husbandry experience is required. Supervisory experience is desirable. The ability to operate machinery (electric tools, mowers etc.) is a plus but not required.