Background: The George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center was founded in 1983 and has pioneered conservation solutions for wild birds and the natural world. Our mission centers on restoring the native birds of the grasslands by recovering endangered and declining species through science, conservation breeding and education. The Sutton Center is a nonprofit organization in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and has become a leader in avian research and conservation through field research on declining grassland birds, the development of techniques for the historical reintroduction of the southern bald eagle to Oklahoma alongside ongoing nest monitoring, collaborative bird surveying in Oklahoma, and management of two endangered species captive breeding programs.

Internship Description: One of Sutton Center’s captive breeding projects is the breeding and reintroduction of the Attwater’s prairie-chicken, a critically endangered grouse native to the grasslands of coastal Texas and Louisiana. The Sutton Center partners with three Texas-based captive breeding facilities. Prairie-chickens produced from the breeding program are released every summer to two release sites in coastal Texas. Time is divided between managing captive flock husbandry, incubating eggs, raising chicks, and maintaining insect colonies. Aviculture interns will assist staff in all day-to-day responsibilities. Daily tasks include preparing diets, feeding birds, cleaning enclosures, caring for mealworm and cricket colonies, assisting aviculturists with new breeding and chick care techniques, maintaining animal records, collecting and processing eggs, monitoring egg incubation, raising chicks, maintaining bird enclosures, and additional tasks as assigned. The Sutton Avian Research Center is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in the workplace. For more information please visit www.suttoncenter.org.

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed two years of college or equivalent practical experience. Applicants must be capable of working long hours in a fast-paced environment, lifting 50lbs and working in high heat, around biting insects and snakes, and in inclement weather conditions. Interns must be able to work independently and in a team atmosphere, be attentive to fine details, observant to animal behaviors and able to follow instructions. A valid driver’s license and good driving record is required. Applicants should have their own vehicle for personal use as this is a rural facility. Prior bird experience is a plus but not required. Interns will be required to work weekends and holidays. 

Desired Availability: Ideal candidate would start in March or April and continue through to the end of August to coincide with the breeding season and transfer of birds for release.  Will consider candidates who are available to start in early or mid May.  The internship is a 3-6 month commitment.  Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Stipend: Wage is $7.25/hour plus overtime. There are both on-site and off-site co-ed housing options for seasonal staff at an affordable $200/month. Available housing is limited and on a first-come first-serve basis. We encourage local applicants to apply as well.