The team at Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre is expanding and we are looking for a bird of prey specialist to join our dedicated team.

Based in the Lake District National Park, Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre focuses on the care and conservation of raptors. This role will involve duties that aid in implementing the highest standards of bird of prey welfare and husbandry, delivering strong conservation and education messages as well as the day-to-day operational running of the facility.

The Centre is part of an award winning visitor attraction with other elements including 77 acres of gardens, Muncaster Castle and various other activities. The Hawk & Owl Centre was established in 2015 and is continually evolving as we strive for excellence in our work with raptors.

Our bird of prey collection is entirely free-lofted and we are now moving into an exciting phase as we develop breeding programs for our endangered species. We deliver daily free flight displays with a range of species to over 60,000 visitors per year.

Contract: Full-time permanent contract, subject to a six month probationary period. A working week is 40 hours and will include working weekends and bank holidays.

Ideal candidate qualities include: 

• Experience working within the zoo industry, particularly with birds. Whilst experience with birds of prey is strongly desirable, we will be willing to consider applicants without relevant experience who can demonstrate they can offer the other qualities listed below.
• Possess strong communication skills and have excellent time management.
• Good character is essential: we are looking for a professional person who exemplifies trustworthiness and integrity.
• Will integrate well with the existing team as a proactive team player, but will work independently when required. The successful candidate will be someone who is dynamic.
• It is absolutely essential that our staff will utilise only kind and modern animal training techniques in line with our code of ethics. Applicants are requested to outline any previous experience training birds of prey (or other species) in their application.
• A decent level of fitness to cope with the physical demands of the job and a love of working outdoors.
• A willingness to commentate to and educate a variety of audiences – on any given day, a member of Bird Staff may be tasked to run an exclusive experience for two guests, or commentate a full display to over 1000 visitors. Please include relevant experience in your application.
• As well as good character, other essential personnel skills include keen observational and problem-solving skills, as well as basic DIY and maintenance skills.
• Due to the requirement to drive company vehicles, a full UK driver’s license is essential for this role. Applicants are asked to confirm this in their CV or cover letter.
• A relevant animal qualification (desirable but not essential).

Main job responsibilities: 

• Practice excellent standards of raptor welfare and husbandry.
• Actively participate in high impact and engaging free-flight displays and experiences to our guests.
• Public engagement, working to inspire a positive attitude towards birds of prey and nature.
• To clean and maintain Hawk & Owl Centre facilities, taking pride in its appearance.
• Proactively participate in bird training using positive and modern training methods.
• Working well within the established team.
• Commitment to self-learning.
• Participating in in-situ and ex-situ conservation and research projects as appropriate.
• Fundraising for conservation projects.

In return for your hard work, this role offers: 

• Subsidised staff accommodation available in close proximity to work (if needed).
• Continuous professional development with both in-house and external training opportunities.
• Working with a range of birds of prey, including owls, falcons, eagles, kites and vultures.
• Career progression.
• Staff uniform.
• 28 days annual leave pro rata.
• Passes to Muncaster Castle for family and friends.
• Discounts to local attractions.
• Pension plan.

Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.

Apply for this Role