Raptor Educator

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center conserves our land’s diverse habitats on Lake Michigan and provides meaningful experience and environmental education for all. Located nine miles north of downtown Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Center offers six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 unique acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs and a shoreline beach. Annually, Schlitz Audubon serves over 145,000 visitors and nearly 27,000 children who participate in our nature science programs. Over 140 preschoolers are enrolled throughout the school year in our nationally recognized preschool. In addition, thousands of adults and families attend our educational programs year round. The Center building received the first Gold LEED certification award in the State of Wisconsin. Schlitz Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

The Raptor Educator provides formal education and community outreach programs. This professional works as a member of a team that is responsible for a variety of tasks related to the Raptor Program, including program development and training of birds and volunteers. The position reports to the Raptor Program & Animal Ambassador Director.

·        Responsible for the safety and daily care of the bird collection

·        Maintain recordkeeping logs as required by federal and state permits and the veterinary medical logs

·        Provide upkeep to raptor equipment and facilities

·        Assist with training and coordination of raptor volunteers for programs

·        Provide raptor education programs for students, visitors, and the general public of all ages

·        Teach up to four youth summer camps per year

·        Work with the marketing team as required to help inform promotional materials, contribute to publications and communicate events

·        Other duties as assigned

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences or related work experience

·        Experience with training raptors and a variety of bird species, eagle handling, and raptor free-flight demonstrations

·        Solid fine motor skills for equipment making and to provide routine medical care and coping

·        Three years interpretive experience in formal conservation/environmental education programs with live raptors

·        Must possess a flexible approach to curriculum development and teaching style to meet the changing needs and interest of the audience

·        Current drivers’ license and good DMV record

·        Availability for evening, weekend and holiday schedule

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·        Proficiency in computer using Windows Office: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

·        Must possess a wide array of both people and raptor skills

·        Ability to take responsibility in challenging situations

·        Ability to follow directions and apply ethics, standards and procedures to all areas of work.

·        Hard-working, self-motivated and responsible

·        Work well as part of team and possess the ability to work independently

·        Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff as well as with the public

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Lifting, reaching, climbing, etc.)

Physical requirements include, but are not limited to, loading and lifting animal crates with care; driving to assemblies off-site; unloading equipment and program set-up; and fitness to lift and carry 50 lbs.

Non Exempt Full-Time, 40 hours per/week including weekends and holidays