We are looking to add to our team! We are hiring a lead bird trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement training in raptors (including eagles), corvids, and parrots, has experience leading a team, and has free flight experience. We are hoping to fill this position late July or August. We should be wrapping up construction on our education building which features an ~230 person auditorium designed for free flight. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at mjudkins@iowanation.org
Aviary Education Specialist (Lead Avian Trainer)
Grey Snow Eagle House
Perkins, OK
Eagles.iowanation.org, http://www.facebook.com/greysnoweaglehouse
Contact information: Dr. Megan Judkins, mjudkins@iowanation.org, 405-880-0734
Salary is DOE. Benefits include: full health including eyes and dental, 401K, life insurance policy, and paid sick leave and personal leave.
To apply: Please visit: https://www.bahkhoje.com/employment/
Summary of Responsibilities:
The Aviary Education Specialist will assist the Aviary Director in the daily care of the education birds, daily cleaning of the aviary, and educational presentations as needed. The incumbent will perform routine office activities necessary to facilitate the goals and objectives of the Eagle Aviary Program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop educational shows for schools and other venues utilizing the trained education birds.
• Carry out daily care needs for education birds.
• Handle and ensure proper care and training for education birds.
• Ensure there is enough equipment for each bird.
• Train other approved members of the staff to work with education birds per management’s request.
• Plan and oversee aviary education committee to ensure staff members are receiving training, shows are adequately planned and scheduled, and any problems are discussed.
• Seek out and remain current on all education bird techniques and methods.
• Attend trainings and seminars regarding education bird techniques at management’s request.
• Assist Aviary Assistant Manager to ensure program activities meet federal and state regulations.
• Maintain a detailed log of aviary activities and program files as determined by funding sources and aviary management.
• Assist in outreach activities including presentations and tours for Tribal members and the community.
• Assist with upkeep of the facility including daily cleaning, food preparation, and care of feeder animals.
• Participate in aviary committees when needed skill set will help that committee’s goals.
• Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
• Previous experience working with or handling various species of raptors, parrots, and other avian species.
• Previous experience working in free flight programs.
• Preference for certified avian trainers through International Avian Trainers Certification Board or equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Must possess good communication skills when dealing with Tribal members and the community.
• Knowledge of Ioway’s or Native American cultural activities preferred.
• Is required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Routine exposure to outside weather conditions, bird holding areas where noise level in the work environment may be loud.
• Ability to lift and/or move items of up to fifty pounds.
• Must be able to read, understand, apply and retain knowledge of departmental rules, regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of animal behavior.
• Knowledge of procedures used for the proper care and handling of exotic and native birds.
• Knowledge of aviary safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to tolerate stress working with exotic and native birds.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, exhibit, service and holding spaces.
• Ability to exhibit patience when caring for animals.
• Ability to exercise judgment concerning assigned work activities.
• Skill in tact and diplomacy when interacting with co-workers, visitors and volunteers.
• Skill in observation in order to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets and behavior.
Conditions of Employment:
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.
• Must submit to and pass applicable drug test.
• Must pass background investigations for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver license with no serious violations.
Mission: The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s Grey Snow Eagle House strives to be the leader in eagle conservation. Through rehabilitation, education, research, and providing sanctuary to permanently injured eagles, we continue to preserve this culturally important species for future generations.