Trainer & Educator I

Salary Range: $15-$18 hourly, non-exempt

Work Hours: 40 hours, 5 days/week including weekends and some holidays and evenings.

Organization Summary:

Through wildlife rehabilitation and public education, Cascades Raptor Center fosters a connection between people and birds of prey. We are a nature center and wildlife hospital open to the public year-round. The Cascades Raptor Center Resident Care Team strives to exceed the national standards of raptor welfare in every aspect of our daily work.

General Description of Position:

Trainer & Educator I is an entry level position responsible for carrying out day to day husbandry, training, programming, and facility maintenance using the highest standards of applied behavioral management and welfare as a guide. The position is public facing, engaging with guests to further Cascades’ mission of connecting the public to wildlife. This position will work closely with several experienced raptor trainers with over 60 years of combined experience. Cascades’ training staff will assist you in improving your training skills, your program presentations, and refer you to the latest in best practices in the field. Advancement opportunities are available through continuing education opportunities.

Benefits:

Health insurance, paid sick leave, approximately 4.5 weeks paid vacation per year (this includes both rollover PTO and 11 non-rollover personal days per year). PTO accrual increases after the first two years of employment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Resident Care (50%)

• Aviary cleaning and maintenance to Cascades’ high standards of cleanliness.

• Diet preparations.

• Enrichment development, delivery, and record keeping.

• Maintenance of trained wellness, husbandry, and select programming behaviors.

• Keeping detailed and complete records of training and programming data.

• Regular observation of ambassador raptors and communication with senior staff regarding irregularities.

Program Presentation (25%)

• In partnership with Senior Raptor Training and Educator, deliver high quality and accurate educational content in both informal and formal settings, with and without ambassador raptors.

• Engage with general admission guests to make them feel welcome and answer any questions.

• Welcome and host program participants upon arrival to the center.

Facilities (25%)

• Communicate and assist in any repairs, improvements, and modifications of ambassador aviaries.

• Clean and disinfect shared workspaces of the Resident Care Team.

• Assist in site improvements, landscaping work, and general maintenance as requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong belief in the mission and future of Cascades Raptor Center.

• Desired candidates would have 2 years’ experience working with raptors related to husbandry, training, and enrichment. A combination of education, related volunteer work, and professional positions in any captive animal training and management may be considered.

• Knowledge of software for record keeping and communication (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing).

• Ability to complete multiple tasks and meet goals with minimal supervision.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate well through written and verbal avenues.

• Commitment to giving, receiving, and applying constructive feedback.

• Efficiency and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

• A strong foundation in and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice, especially as they relate to nonprofit work and the zoological field.

• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions, year-round, outdoors.

• Ability to lift and/or move 50 lbs.

• Possess or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license.

 How to Apply:

Email the following materials to Cascades Raptor Center at info@cascadesraptorcenter.org, with subject line “Trainer & Educator I”:

• Cover letter clearly outlining why you are a good fit for this position and the specific skills and knowledge you bring to the job.

• A resume detailing relevant experience, work history, and accomplishments.

Even if your background does not exactly match the preferred qualifications above, we encourage you to apply and to address how your professional and lived experience will contribute to our organization. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, which may be an applicant from a less traditional background.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled, with priority given to applications received by Nov 18, 2023.

At Cascades Raptor Center, we strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome, safe, and heard. We are committed to the wellbeing of our marginalized visitors, staff, volunteers, and board members, and do not tolerate behavior that threatens, demeans, or excludes them. Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, family status, national origin, or any other status protected by law.