The National Avian Research Center (NARC), now part of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAAD) a Governmental Agency based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is recruiting one Aviculturist for its houbara bustard breeding unit. 

NARC mission and strategy: NARC was established in 1989, with the special mission to promote bustard and falcon conservation and reconcile the tradition of Arab falconry with a sustainable use of the resources. The NARC strategy supports eradication of houbara poaching, management of hunting activities, and management of wild populations as well as captive breeding of houbara for restocking depleted populations, reinforcement and re-introduction, or put and take. NARC is currently developing new captive breeding facilities in the desert close to Sweihan town (UAE) to produce houbara bustards in large numbers. 

Job description: The Aviculturist will be part of a team responsible for the day to day management of houbara bustards held in NARC captive collection. Main responsibilities include: -Implement aviculture techniques and supervise day to day management of bustard collection at NARC. -Supervise incubation, chick rearing and breeding of houbara bustards. -Perform semen collection and assessments as well as artificial insemination. -Work with and supervise a team of bird keepers and technicians -Instruct in the proper care and handling of Bustard Collection. -Train new personnel as well as scheduling staff. -Maintain department records, analyze data and write reports. The successful applicant will be expected to work effectively in a team environment and actively support and implement NARC policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection. 

Working environment: NARC is situated in a remote, isolated desert location of the Abu Dhabi Emirate at 30 min minimum of the closest town. The seasonal nature of much of NARC’s work means that certain times of the year will require very intensive working so the successful candidate must demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules. 

Candidate profile: The successful candidate should hold a BSc or equivalent in wildlife management, avian production, zoo biology, or related field and 2 years working experience. The candidate should be familiar with most common computer software including Microsoft access. The successful candidate possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate within a multi cultural environment. The successful candidate will be fluent in English. Arabic would be an asset. 

Package: EAD offers a competitive package, including annual leave of 30 working days, Housing Allowance or and medical insurance. 

Start: The successful candidate is expected to start in Feb 2009. 

Applications & Closing Date/Deadline for application: 20 Dec 2008. Interested candidates should send their CV, a letter explaining their professional experience, copy of their highest diploma, passport copy and a letter of two referees either by fax, email or web: (FX: +971 2 681 7358, EM:: halabed@ead.ae, URL: http://www.ead.ae).