 |
| Lois the great horned owl at TRC's Fall Raptor Release event. |
The Raptor Center is often asked how each of our winged ambassador birds is chosen for their roles as
educators. These important teachers reach over 150,000 people of all ages each
year with nose to beak experiences that engage and stimulate the imagination.
But what is the job description for
being an education bird? What are the considerations that The Raptor Center’s
team of clinic and education staff use to decide which birds will be successful
in their new roles? We thought we'd describe it as if the birds were applying
for a job.
Winged
Ambassador - Description of Position
This position is responsible for
teaching more than 150,000 people each year, as an ambassador for wild raptors.
Responsibilities
Provide opportunities for all ages to learn about raptors and the world we
share.
Minimum Qualifications
While training will be provided, the successful candidate must be able to adapt
to various and diverse environments while appearing at programs.
Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities/Selection Criteria
-Ability to project a positive attitude towards the public and handlers
-Ability to represent The Raptor Center
-Willingness to travel and work a flexible schedule
Work Environment
This work is performed at The Raptor Center and at off-site venues.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand on glove, or perch, for program-designated time.
Supervisor
The Raptor Center Education Program Manager
Required Training
Must be able to travel in crate, step onto weight scale.
TRC will provide safe and healthy
housing, food and continued medical care as needed.
Our winged ambassadors appear at
events as diverse as community centers, stadiums and outdoor festivals. We can
ensure that the environment/space that they are brought into is safe, but there
are obviously many sights and sounds that are not a part of a wild raptors’
previous experience. While continued training helps the birds be tolerant of
these diverse conditions, the individual bird always chooses how they respond.
Some adapt very quickly to new situations with the help of specific training to
aid in confidence building. Some birds will always be better suited to less
“busy” situations, and so will conduct the majority of their programs onsite.
Each bird is
presented with the best possible circumstances to succeed in their new roles as
educators and ambassadors for their wild cousins. It’s our privilege to work
with these magnificent birds, and we appreciate how much they give all of us
the opportunity to learn
