Bird Manager / Specialist Aviculture (Eastern Cape)

About the role

An exceptional opportunity for a passionate, hands‑on bird specialist to take responsibility for the care, management, breeding and wellbeing of a specialist bird farm in the Eastern Cape. The role requires genuine technical knowledge of birds, a strong conservation ethos and the ability to own day‑to‑day aviculture operations.

Key responsibilities

• Hands‑on management and daily care of birds
• Developing and managing breeding and reproduction programmes
• Monitoring breeding pairs, nesting, incubation, hatching and chick development
• Maintaining accurate records of individual birds, health and movements
• Monitoring health, nutrition, behaviour and liaising with veterinary professionals
• Managing temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting and overall environmental conditions
• Ensuring aviaries and facilities meet hygiene, safety and welfare standards
• Implementing quarantine, disease‑prevention and bio‑security procedures
• Overseeing feed programmes and nutritional requirements
• Ensuring compliance with CITES documentation, permits and relevant legislation

Required profile

• Nature Conservation qualification (essential)
• Extensive hands‑on experience working with birds (essential)
• Strong practical knowledge of avian husbandry, breeding and reproduction
• Sound understanding of bird health, nutrition, behaviour and welfare
• Knowledge of environmental requirements such as humidity, temperature and lighting
• Experience with CITES certification, permitting and compliance
• Understanding of conservation principles and responsible captive breeding
• Excellent observational, organisational and record‑keeping abilities
• Valid driver’s licence and ability to work independently

Required skills

• Computer literacy
• CITES compliance knowledge

What we offer

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Housing provided