Bird Team Member/Senior Bird Team Member

Hawk Conservancy Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our world-class team of bird staff and contribute to the success of this internationally renowned conservation charity and highly-rated visitor attraction. This role is open to those candidates with at least 2 years’ experience, and preferably those with substantial experience.

Your role will be to ensure the high standards of the Trust’s bird welfare and visitor experience is sustained. You will work as a valued member of the team and, in collaboration with staff across the organisation, ensure the smooth running of our visitor attraction.

Responsible to:	Head of Living Collection
Responsible for:	Bird welfare, visitor experience and liaising effectively with colleagues
Salary:	Dependent on experience
Fixed term:	2 years
Hours:	Full-time including weekends and school holidays. Flexibility in schedule may be needed. Some evening hours are required as events demand.
Additional:	On site accommodation may be available

About the Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust has enjoyed considerable success over the last 55+ years, as an award-winning visitor attraction and conservation charity dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. We are fortunate to be situated on a stunning 22-acre park with a range of facilities, including three flying arenas. Our reputation for a warm welcome, passion for our birds and dedication to our visitors is central to our success and has led us to become highly ranked in England according to TripAdvisor.

Role purpose and objectives:

Promote and support the conservation mission of the Trust and its aims of being a leading UK attraction.

Contribute to the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s bird staff team, ensuring that operations run smoothly and our birds are cared for to the highest standards, and potentially lead in key areas depending on experience.

Provide thrilling and educational experiences for our visitors and guests as part of the Hawk Conservancy Trust visitor centre. Maintain and further develop the Trust’s reputation for its exceptional displays, passion and enthusiasm, as reflected in the superb customer ratings and feedback.

Increase awareness of the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s conservation work, events, products and function capabilities.

Main duties and responsibilities:

· Ensuring high standards of the welfare of the livestock, undertaking the full range of general husbandry duties, including cleaning, maintenance and feeding

· Providing for the upkeep of the centre, taking pride in its appearance

· Taking part in flying demonstrations – working with the birds in front of an audience and behind the scenes, and commentating as needed

· Assisting members of the public with professionalism and courtesy

· Participating with the morning routine of the park, prior to opening up to the public, assisting other members of the team on their sections, including the National Bird of Prey Hospital™, if required

· Supporting training of birds, taking the lead if appropriate

· Leading or supporting additional activities, such as experiences, evening events and private functions; giving welcome talks and guided tours to groups and schools

· Keeping up to date with our work, including our conservation projects, events and activities at the Trust, and inform the public as relevant

· Supervising work experience students and volunteers

· Assisting with site development and construction projects if required

· Participating in conservation and research projects as appropriate

· Contributing to effective teamwork within the Hawk Conservancy Trust as a whole and in particular within the Bird and Park team.

· Compliance with Health & Safety legislation at all times

· Working to consistent professional standards in all aspects of the role

· Any other relevant duties which are requested by the management

· To be prepared to take on leadership responsibilities within the team as the role progresses

Essential experience and qualifications:

· Knowledge of and passion for birds of prey and their conservation

· Experience of handling, training and flying a range of birds, with more senior applicants expected to have experience with larger birds and flying falcons to a lure

· Determination and dedication to exemplary standards for husbandry and welfare

· Tenacious, enthusiastic and committed to delivering consistently high standards for customers

· Confident at delivering commentaries and talks, and speaking with individual visitors; outstanding communications and ambassadorial skills. Senior applicants are expected to have experience in leading demonstrations through commentary and be able to deliver a variety to styles of commentary to match audience, weather and theme variations

· Flexibility and resilience to adapt to changing work requirements, cope with the unexpected and tolerate hard work; willingness to pitch in and help where necessary

· Exceptional team player

· Professional appearance and impression

· Unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness

· Able to balance a warm reception with calm authority

· Committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practises

· Practical skills would be advantageous

· Training on Hawk Conservancy Trust methods will be give

Complete an application form and submit with a CV and covering letter to hr@hawkconservancy.org or by post to Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hants SP11 8DY

Closing date: rolling process with final date of acceptance of applications on 11 April

First interviews: initial interview will be held online on or before 21 April

Please Note: successful candidates will be subject to DBS and reference checks.

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