Wildlife Educator | Raptor Keeper
Hawkquest
Parker, Colorado
Handle, interact with, and take care of 30+ non-releasable raptors, representing over 20 species of eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and one vulture on a regular basis.Present 3-8 lectures a week at schools across the front range to educate students in groups of 10-200 ranging in age from pre-school to middle school about birds of prey. In charge of all aspects of animal husbandry and enrichment including: Maintenance of living space by repairing perches, cleaning mews and facilitating proper seasonal living conditions for certain species. Creating menu based on bird’s dietary requirements, prepping food, feeding and providing water for all raptors. Fly raptors on a creance for exercise and to prevent muscle atrophy.Lead numerous educational programs and booths at both public and private events. Educate and interact with general public through one on one questioning, quick informational talks on a microphone or full lecture programs.Train all new volunteers on proper handling, how to retrieve and put away bird species from their individual mew safely, and how to correctly tie a double falconers knot for leashing birds. Supervise 1-7 of our 40+ volunteers with varying degrees of bird handling experience at lectures and events. Perform hands-on training with new birds to get used to stepping up and standing on a glove, wearing a hood and being moved in and out of kennels for transportation purposes.Make close observation of animal behavior, weight, eating habits, and daily amount of food consumed to ensure safety and health of each animal. Aid in grooming (talon clipping and beak coping) and medical application of ointments and bandaging. Keep in close contact with employers and co-workers about observations and any concerns regarding health and behavior.Observe bird equipment such as anklets, jesses, swivels and leashes for deterioration. Aid in making of new anklets and jesses as well as outfitting the birds with the new equipment.