Curator of Raptor Ambassadors

The primary role of this position is to curate TRC's collection of 25-28 raptor
ambassadors, ensuring their daily management, training, and work is aligned with a high level of behavioral and physical welfare. In association with managing the collection, this role is responsible for staff and volunteer handler training, and, in collaboration with the education director, some details of program delivery, including content and staff scheduling. This role will also lead the education team in developing and executing online and in-person professional training on ambassador management and training and responding to consultation requests.

Essential Duties:
Curation of ambassador bird collection and programming tools (65%)
Primary curation responsibility for the collection of TRC ambassador birds, including, but not limited to: managing bird husbandry, enrichment, training, medical care, record keeping,
enclosure management and maintenance, and federal/state required reporting
Oversee the maintenance of biofacts, equipment, and other resources used in educational programming
Coordinate the training of staff and volunteers in bird handling and training
Operational Support of Education programming (25%)
Work with the education director to create and update programming content and standards
Coordinate program scheduling in collaboration with TRC's education program scheduler, manage employee schedules
Provide backup support as an education programmer or Center tour host

Professional training (5%)
Lead the team in maintaining, developing, and implementing professional workshops and online trainings on ambassador care and training Consult with raptor ambassador caretakers on training and management as requested

Other duties as assigned (5%)

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Minimum:
BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 4 years
At least 2 years of experience managing/training a raptor ambassador collection of 5 or more raptors
Experience working with volunteers
Experience leading a team to achieve desired goals
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to create reports and
presentations
Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
Ability to lift 35 pounds
Valid driver's license

Preferred:
Two or more years of experience managing/training an ambassador raptor collection of 10 or more raptors
Experience training and handling eagles
Knowledge of raptor behavior, ecology, or other related field
Experience managing complex staff schedules
Experience in experiential education programming

Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is first and foremost a hospital for ill and injured raptors,
caring for over 1,000 birds annually. As an internationally renowned veterinary teaching hospital, TRC trains students and professionals from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation and conducts multi-disciplinary ecosystem health research. In addition, TRC has a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. Using raptor ambassador birds, TRC's education team uses innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through a variety of programming at on and offsite venues and through virtual technology https://www.raptor.umn.edu . All of this work is done with the assistance of a cohort of more than 300 volunteers. While part of the University of Minnesota, The Raptor Center functions as a nonprofit organization relying on philanthropic donations for the majority of its budget.

Pay Range: $26.44 - $27.88 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).