Raptor Specialist - Callaway Gardens

The qualified candidate is primarily responsible for presenting educational programs while utilizing birds of prey on-the-glove and in free-flight. Secondary duties include, but are not limited to, assisting in the maintenance of established training and husbandry practices of raptor collection, cleaning & maintenance of work site and animal facilities, and daily record-keeping as relates to animal care. This individual should have a strong background in the biological sciences field, experience in the handling & care of birds of prey, and experience in the presentation of conservation-based, educational programming.

This individual will possess the following characteristics:

Experience & comfortability with public speaking for diverse audiences

Trainability in the adoption & execution of departmental policies & procedures

Exhibit effective interpersonal communication skills

Ability to adapt & work closely with other staff in a fast-paced environment

Strong interest & dedication to wildlife conservation & education

Capacity to clearly project voice

Manual dexterity and flexibility

Ability to efficiently multi-task

Ability to focus & maintain attention to detail

Other job duties include:

Daily husbandry & routine maintenance of resident raptor & non-raptor animal collection

Cleaning & upkeep of enclosures and facilities

Implementation of on-site & off-site education program outside of birds of prey programs

Provide excellent guest service

Any other departmental duties needed or assigned by Manager

Other considerations:

Preference will be given to those candidates with prior handling and presentation

experience with birds of prey in an educational setting

Preference will be given to those candidates with degree in Wildlife Sciences,

Biology, Zoology, or other related field

Successful candidate is available to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age

Ability to lift & carry loads 30 lbs.

Qualification Summary

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Degree in Wildlife Sciences, Biology, Zoology, or closely related field;those with completion of college level course work in related field and a minimum of one year relevant experience will be considered
• Experience in presentation of public programs using birds of prey in educational setting
• Experience in daily husbandry & routine maintenance of birds of prey
• Experience in the maintenance of training through use of operant conditioning techniques
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent oral communication during public speaking events
  Working knowledge of the utilization of telemetry
• Capable & experienced in working well in teams & with diverse constituencies, being self-motivated, working well under pressure, and being able to handle several projects at one time
• Possess strong work ethic, good judgment and, ideally, a sense of humor

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for hours at a time
• Ability to bend, lift, and carry loads 30 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to hold "static" birds on glove for extended amount of time on daily basis
• Ability to obtain a GA State Driver's License
• Ability to work year-round in outdoor weather conditions
• Ability to work occasional early morning & later evening shifts
• Ability to work weekends & holidays throughout the year

Critical Thinking Skills:

• Be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately
• Be able to effectively listen to, understand, and clarify concerns & issues raised by team members & guests
• Be able to perform basic math functions
• Be able to work well in high-pressure situations while maintaining composure and objectivity, including the ability to listen carefully to and resolve guest issues to satisfaction
• Be able to identify potential guest issues and then develop methodologies to prevent or limit the impact of those issues

Other Duties

• Understand and comply with all United States Fish and Wildlife Service and GA Department of Natural Resources regulations
• Interact with all guests and Callaway team members a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Callaway standards, as required by scheduling that will vary according to the needs of Callaway Gardens' business levels
• Uphold high standards of personal appearance and grooming to include wearing a nametag when working
• Comply at all times with Callaway standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations
• Reliably work a schedule to include weekends and holidays, as needed
• Participate in daily educational programs utilizing birds of prey
• Deliver programs that are educational, technically and scientifically accurate, interactive, age appropriate and enjoyable and consistent with Callaway's mission.
• Aid in maintaining health of planted landscape in Birds of Prey amphitheater and surrounding localities
• Communicate with Manager regarding training challenges and successes; implement training directives as issued by Manager
• Assist in animal display maintenance and behind the scenes housing areas
• Convey educational information and ideas clearly to guests and other team members
• Conduct non-raptor focused environmental education programs
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager
• Attend all meetings as required by Manager