Zoo Jobs: Falcon Aviculturist

Falcon Aviculturist

Job Title: Falcon Aviculturist

Location: Carmarthen, Wales

The Workplace: International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd. is one of the oldest established falcon breeding facilities in Europe; having bred falcons since 1975 and exporting to the Middle East since 1987. IWC (UK) was the first falcon facility in the UK to qualify as a CITES registered breeder and every year we breed over 200 falcons at our facility in Wales. IWC undertakes research and conservation programmes in many countries - see www.falcons.co.uk.

The package: Salary to be negotiated based on experience. Housing may be available.

The person:

Essential

· Practical experience of falconry and breeding birds of prey.

· Experience working with imprinted raptors or other birds.

· Driver’s license with access to own vehicle.

Important

· Practical skills in hands on work

· Reliable and conscientious team player

· We are based on a farm so a driving licence is essential.

The job: During the spring and summer staff work extended hours to cover the breeding season so the holder of this position must demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.

Responsibilities include:

1. Daily food preparation and feeding of adult/young falcons.

2. Helping to manage breeding falcons

3. Working with a small number of imprints.

4. Helping to ensure falcons are inseminated with the correct semen and semen collection

5. Participation in the incubation of falcon eggs.

6. Participation in the rearing and training of young falcons where necessary

7. Participation in the shipping of falcons to clients in the UK and overseas

8. Avicultural record keeping.

9. Stock-keeping of avicultural equipment and supplies.

10. Maintaining the hygiene levels of all falcon pens and general facilities maintenance.

11. Participation in the management and upkeep of avicultural facilities (cleaning, vegetation management, maintenance, repairs and building). This includes a small amount of farm work managing a small flock of sheep that are used to keep the vegetation in some parts of the aviculture facility and aviaries grazed.

To contribute to the development and implementation of work plans to deliver IWC objectives.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the post holder is required to perform any other reasonable duties that may be assigned by the supervisor shown above, from time to time.

Type of person we are looking for has:

· Falconry background

· Strong practical skills with manual dexterity

· Aviculture experience or familiarity with zoological collections

· Good organisational & communication skills

· Familiar with Microsoft Office programs (preferred but not essential).

To apply for this position, please send your CV with a covering letter to wayne@falcons.co.uk or by post to:

International Wildlife Consultants, PO Box 19, Carmarthen, Dyfed, Wales, United Kingdom, SA33 5Y