Wildlife Educator & Caretaker

WILDLIFE EDUCATOR & CARETAKER

Position Title: Wildlife Educator & Caretaker
Status: Full-time hourly 40 hours/week
Reports to: Education & Outreach Director (EOD)
Updated: January 2026

POSITION PURPOSE Under the supervision of the Education and Outreach Director (EOD), the Wildlife Educator & Caretaker is responsible for delivering a wide variety of programs; for creating and stewarding our Nature Center and Campus educational areas; for the care and enrichment of Ambassador animals; for training others to work with ambassadors; for overseeing and managing volunteers; and for representing CFW at events. The Wildlife Educator & Caretaker is a member of the CFW team and provides the EOD with support in all aspects of the Education program.

I. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Ambassador Care & Enrichment (35% percent of work)
a. Serves as Education Team liaison with our medical clinic to ensure ambassador enclosures are maintained according to the care and enrichment guide and CFW standards.
b. Ensures that all travel boxes & ambassador equipment are clean, safe and up to USDA permit specifications.
c. Follows program pack-up/ unpacking expectations (jess checks, body checks, feather/feet)
d. Notifies clinic of ambassador observations, changes in enclosures or travel boxes according to the ambassador communication process.
e. Lead Trainer (along w/ EOD) for handling of ambassadors, husbandry and enrichment.
f. Point person in contact with medical clinic staff with monitoring of ambassador weights, well-being and medical needs (follows protocols, tracks data, enters online).
g. Responsible for onboarding, oversight and giving feedback to volunteers (occ. interns) according to strategic priorities and ambassador care and enrichment guide.
h. Assist Facilities & Maintenance Coordinator with improvements for animal ambassadors.
i. Assist in leading public workdays to carry out cleaning, repair and other projects.

B. Educator: Programs, Presentations & Special Events: (30% of work)
a. Educator on programs, tours, field trips, birthday parties and camps (avg. 4-5 program/wk)
b. Assists in the evaluation of educational programs via feedback sessions.
c. Attends and supports major events (fundraising, public events, etc.).
d. Researches and remains current on wildlife natural history, ecology, and CFW statistics. relevant to programming, and ambassador care, handling and enrichment.
e. Assist in the upkeep of educational totes & displays (e.g. organized, inventoried, stocked).

C. Nature Center/Campus & Volunteer Management (25% of work)
a. Responsible for the management of interns and volunteers on daily tasks and projects according to strategic priorities and ambassador care & enrichment guide.
b. Responsible oversight and upkeep of the nature center and campus visitor areas including: displays, outdoor trails and ambassador exhibits inside/outside the CFW campus.
c. Assist in managing cleanliness of educational areas according to CFW standards (i.e. to be tour ready at all times and remain within permitting guidelines).
d. Responsible for front desk management, including welcoming visitors, answering phone calls, and accepting admission fees.

D. Organization-Wide Support, Duties, and Expectations (10% of work)
a. Attends CFW All-Team Meetings and contributes to policies and procedures of organization
b. Punctual and ready to begin work at start time
c. Supports and fosters positive work culture
d. Remains up to date with organizational policies, protocols, messaging, and handbook
e. Maintains a growth mindset and being active in critical thinking and problem solving processes with coworkers
f. Assists in the development of CFW strategic planning, policies and procedures
g. Recommends changes to improve quality and services for CFW and areas of responsibility
h. Works with others to coordinate workflow and activities to insure a seamless operation
i. Prepares progress reports, informs supervisor of project status and deviation from goals
j. Ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operation functions
k. Establishes rapport with diverse range of staff, interns, volunteers, and constituents
l. Maintains dignity and self-control in difficult situations
m. Assisting staff in other areas as needed, all other duties as assigned

II. QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

1. Basic knowledge of native species and their natural histories
2. Ability to follow directions & ask for support when needed
3. Physically fit to work on feet for 8-10 hrs, lift up to 30 pounds, and safely restrain large raptors & mammals
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
5. Experience motivating and training volunteers and interns
6. Strong organizational skills for coordinating the multiple functions and planning
7. Ability to maintain confidential information
8. Candidates must have preventative rabies vaccinations or acquire them within 60 days of start date on their own accord

III. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Specific knowledge of New England Wildlife: range, diets, habitats, current challenges, research, and management practices.
2. General & ambassador species-specific knowledge of handling, husbandry & medicine.
3. Ability to incorporate stories, statistics, wildlife challenges, in spoken and written word.
4. Ability to effectively and professionally present engaging information and respond to questions from staff, the general public, and program participants.
5. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
6. Ability to work independently, anticipate roadblocks and present solutions
7. Highly organized and proficient in time management.
8. Requires ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.
9. Proficient in Google Drive and ability to learn Altru, and Constant Contact platforms.
10. Ability and desire to keep customer service front-of-mind

IV. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
BA / MS from a four-year college or university in the fields of environmental education, environmental science, wildlife ecology, biology, or zoology preferred. 1-2 years of experience in wildlife care and/or environmental education required (a combination of education and relevant experience may be accepted in place of a degree).

V. JOB PERFORMANCE & REVIEWS
Annual performance reviews are performed by the Education & Outreach Director and Executive Director, and merit-based raises may be eligible depending on annual budget and position’s ability to successfully meet or exceed education budget.

VI. WORKING CONDITIONS & SCHEDULE Extended work hours periodically required. Work is subject to inflexible deadlines. The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented. Schedule: This position is on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule for 40 hours per week. Typical hours are 9am-5pm, but earlier or later hours will be expected regularly via programming demands. Overtime must be approved and will be paid 1.5 hourly rate.

VII. BENEFITS & COMPENSATION Employee is eligible for all professional staff benefits including:
● 11 paid holidays
● Accrued paid time off (PTO)
● 65% contribution to Health Insurance Plan
● Employee IRA Program with 3% contribution (after 1 year)
● Travel Reimbursement
● Annual Workshop/Conference Stipend
● Organization-wide professional memberships

Compensation
● Hourly pay, $18 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week. One weekend day is required.
● Annual performance reviews are performed by the Education & Outreach Director and the Executive Director, and merit-based raises may be eligible depending on annual budget and position’s ability to successfully meet or exceed department earned income targets.

-----
To Apply:
Send a cover letter, updated resume and three professional references to: Dan Gardoqui, Education & Outreach Director, staffing@thecenterforwildlife.org