Education Program Director / Avian Trainer August 2024
Position Summary:
Ojai Raptor Center is seeking an Education Program Director/ Avian Trainer to oversee the development,
expansion, management, and implementation of ORC’s Education Programs under the direct
supervision of the ORC Executive Director. The Education Program Director will manage and
oversee Education Program staff, including facilitating training for staff, volunteers, and Ojai
Raptor Center’s birds of prey. This position will require strong leadership skills and the ability to
promote and build cohesiveness among teams.
This role is crucial in promoting the mission of our organization:
Mission:
• The rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife
• Participating in scientific discoveries that improve the standards of care for wildlife
undergoing rehabilitation, and
• Educating and inspiring the community to become stewards of our environment
Vision: We envision a world where communities are inspired to be stewards of the
environment and coexist peacefully with healthy native wildlife populations.
The director will lead and support ORC staff and volunteers to pursue the highest quality care
for our non-releasable raptors and develop and administer impactful and inspiring educational
programming while fostering a positive, enthusiastic, and sustainable work environment. This
position requires strong project management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to
set up and maintain efficient systems. Candidates must have advanced knowledge of and
experience with:
• Environmental and Wildlife Education
• Avian biology and behavior
• Leadership and project management
• Building and managing cohesive teams
• Avian training and welfare
• Administrative management and organizational development
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Raptor Husbandry and Training
• Oversee and collaborate on the healthcare, husbandry, and training protocols of
ambassador birds while maintaining a high level of attention to animal welfare
and operant conditioning.
• Work with staff and volunteers to create and maintain schedules regarding
feeding, cleaning, and facilities maintenance.
• Oversee and maintain collection planning in line with ORC’s collection statement
and IAATE standards.
• Develop and assess collection planning evaluation.
Wildlife Education Programming
• Oversee education programming to meet the mission, vision, and strategic goals
of the organization.
• Oversee program formation for schools, community groups, and the general
public.
• Develop program organization, auditing, and yearly evaluation.
• Assist in fundraising efforts and grant applications to support the educational
programs.
• Assess and optimize staff and volunteer time in regard to educational
programming and outreach.
• In collaboration with other staff, prepare educational materials such as
brochures, informational videos, and website and social media content.
Administrative Management and Organization Development
• Oversee, assess, and develop key roles of staff and volunteers in both
husbandry, training, and education programming.
• Create internal structure, policy, and protocols across the program.
• Develop and oversee volunteer program.
• Work with the Executive Director and Director of Development and Fundraising
to create program budgets and assist with key fundraising goals and educationrelated grants.
• Assist the Executive Director in processing all necessary reports and permits
related to the education program.
• Serve as the executive director’s thought partner, assisting in developing and
growing the Education Programs and the overall organization.
• Maintain standards that are in line with all state and federal guidelines.
• Build and maintain relationships with other educators and agencies, including
but not limited to CDFW, USFWS, USDA, NWRA, IWRC, IAATE, and CCWR.
• Report to the board of directors as needed.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Professional Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in captive raptor management using operant
conditioning/positive reinforcement training methods.
• Advanced knowledge of hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, and eagles; their natural
history, biology, conservation, medical care, training, enrichment, and diets.
• 2-3 years of experience managing 2-4 direct reports, including regular meetings
with strong and organized agendas.
• Experience creating and maintaining a volunteer program.
• Experience in collection planning.
• Must be detail oriented, have high project management and multi-tasking skills.
• Be able to provide strong leadership/team management, support, mentorship
and training to key staff and volunteers.
• Foster a positive work environment that revolves around respectful and clear
communication.
• Be able to give and receive feedback in the spirit of growth and progress.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demeanor when
representing ORC.
• Have excellent public speaking skills and create a deep fluency to communicate
ORC’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
EDUCATION
Educational Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, wildlife science, or a related discipline is
required. An advanced degree in a related field is desirable.
• International Avian Trainers Certification Board preferred.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements
• Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and speak for up to an hour.
• Must be able to operate motor vehicles.
Schedule Requirements
• Flexible work hours, and ability to work some weekends and special events.
• Comfortable working long hours outdoors.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation and Benefits
• Salaried/exempt position. 70-80k commensurate with experience.
• Health benefits, retirement, vacation, and sick time.
Note: All applicants must pass a background check and have Covid vaccines.
This is a general job description and may be subject to changes based on the specific needs of
the organization. The Education and Training Director is expected to adhere to all organization
policies and to act as a role model within and outside the organization.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, CV, and three reference letters to:
Executive Director Kimberly Stroud- kim@ojairaptorcenter.org
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