VINS Wildlife Position
Contact Us
Nature Center Hours
VINS Nature Center
10 AM to 5 PM Daily
Wild Bird Rehab
802.359.5000 x212
8 AM to 4:30 PM Daily
Wildlife Keeper
VINS is seeking a strong candidate to fill the full-time position of Wildlife Keeper, beginning November 1, 2025.
REPORTS TO: Director, Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation
JOB LOCATION: VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, Vermont
SUMMARY: The Wildlife Keeper takes responsibility for all aspects of animal care for the exhibit birds and reptiles at the Nature Center. This includes daily enrichment, diet prep, feeding, public programming, the management of volunteers, compliance with state and federal permitting, and the cleaning and repair of enclosures. This position is predominantly in animal husbandry with components of public speaking and animal training.
The Wildlife Keeper ensures that the physical and mental welfare of all exhibit ambassadors is kept to a high standard. This person is an effective communicator capable of supporting volunteers and giving formal and informal programs.
Qualifications
- Minimum two years of experience in a paid/professional animal husbandry setting (some Avian specific experience required)
- Minimum One year of environmental education experience
- Experience with reptile husbandry
- Confident and effective public speaker
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Experience handling and restraining raptors and corvids
- Experience with animal enrichment preferred
- Experience with basic power tools
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds and traverse irregular terrain
- Fluent with Microsoft Office suite and Google suite programs
- Strong attention to detail, work ethic, and personal initiative
- Flexibility with schedule; weekends and some holidays are expected
- Ability to work independently and a part of a team
- Willingness to work in all weather conditions
- Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
Responsibilities
- Performs daily husbandry of exhibit ambassador birds and reptiles
- Monitors the welfare of all exhibit and reptile ambassadors on campus, including daily care records
- Coordinates, trains, and manages exhibit volunteers
- Assists in maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies for the care of animals
- Coordinates and reports animal health concerns to the Director, Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation
- Manages maintenance projects related to the exhibit care, including proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques to lessen the spread of disease
- Works collaboratively with the VINS Nature Center Education team in support of VINS outreach and onsite programs
- Performs formal and informal educational programs (Exhibit tours, feeding, reptile talks)
- Creating and managing a robust enrichment program for exhibit birds and reptiles
- Familiarity with principles of operant conditioning and/or willingness to learn choice-based training paradigm under the supervision of the Director of Wildlife Ambassador Programs
- Attends VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required
All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check.
Compensation & Work Schedule
Compensation and benefit information available upon request. Regular work week is 40 hours with some exceptions based on particular program offerings. Work day schedule will vary.
To Apply
To apply for this position, send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of at least three employer references to:
Bren Lundborg
Director, Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation
blundborg@vinsweb.org
Subject line: Wildlife Keeper Application
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
START DATE: November 1, 2025
Position post date: August 2025
VINS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants.