Hawk Conservancy Trust
South East Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2025
Are you experienced at working with birds of prey and looking to advance your career? This might just be the role for you. If you are talented and dedicated, and open to learning the latest approaches to welfare and training, then we can offer you a role with our world-class team of bird staff and the opportunity to contribute to the success of this internationally renowned conservation charity and highly-rated visitor attraction.
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.
About the Hawk Conservancy Trust
The Hawk Conservancy Trust has enjoyed considerable success over the last 60 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 separate 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.
Main duties and responsibilities
Overall objectives for the role are:
* To 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.
* To contribute to and assist the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s bird staff team, ensuring that operations run smoothly and our birds are cared for to the highest standards.
* To promote and support the conservation mission of the Trust and its aims of being a leading UK attraction.
* To increase awareness of the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s conservation work, events, products and function capabilities.
Responsible for:
* Ensuring high standards of the welfare of the livestock, undertaking the full range of general husbandry duties, including cleaning, maintenance, feeding and enrichment.
* Contributing to 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 if required.
* Supporting training of birds.
* 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 raising public awareness.
* Supervising work experience students and volunteers.
* Assisting with other departments when needed, including with site development projects and conservation and research projects as appropriate.
* Contributing to effective teamwork within the Hawk Conservancy Trust as a whole and in particular within the bird 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.
Person specification:
We’d love to hear from you if you are:
* Knowledgeable of and passionate about birds of prey and their conservation.
* Experienced at handling, training and flying a range of birds.
* Dedicated and determined to provide exemplary standards for husbandry and welfare.
* Tenacious, enthusiastic and committed to delivering consistently high standards for customers.
* Confident in delivering commentaries and talks and speaking with individual visitors; outstanding communications and ambassadorial skills.
* Flexible and resilient, can adapt to changing work requirements, cope with the unexpected and be hardworking; willing to pitch in and help where necessary.
* An exceptional team player.
* Pride yourself on a professional appearance and impression.
* Have unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness.
* Able to balance a warm reception with calm authority.
* Committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
* Experienced with modern animal training techniques.
* Familiar with assisting or leading in event organisation.
* Interested in and conversant with conducting or assisting with research studies.
* Able to fly falcons.
* Have practical skills.
* Interested in putting your theatrical experience to good use.
Training on Hawk Conservancy Trust methods will be given.
Apply for this job:
Submit a CV and covering letter stating which role you are applying for to hr@hawkconservancy.org or by post to Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hants SP11 8DY.
Closing date: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with interviews starting from mid-February.
Please Note:
Successful candidates will be subject to DBS and reference checks.
Due to the location, it is important to have your own transport.
#J-18808-Ljbffr