Raptor Ambassador Bird Trainer and Educator
Job Title: Raptor Trainer and Educator
Organization: Ojai Raptor Center
Location: Ojai, CA (In-Person)
Reports to: Education Program Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Salary: Starting hourly rate commensurate with experience (+/- $29 p.h)
Schedule: 40 hours per week, including weekends and occasional holiday scheduling.
Closing Date: February 15, 2026
ABOUT US
Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife, focusing on birds of prey. Located in Ojai, California, ORC also provides environmental education to inspire conservation and stewardship and supports raptor conservation through research and community engagement. ORC serves thousands of community members annually through education programs, tours, and outreach initiatives, and operates as a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Raptor Trainer and Educator is responsible for the care and training of the ambassador bird collection, the maintenance and cleaning of ambassador aviaries and holding areas, and the presentation of high-quality informal and formal educational messaging. This position requires strong, respectful working relationships with both the ambassadors and human co-workers. Team members coordinate daily work activities with the overarching goal of providing the highest level of health and welfare for the raptors in the collection. This is a hands-on role suited to a detail-oriented, compassionate professional who is enthusiastic about choice-based training and comfortable presenting to guests of all ages in a professional, engaging manner with a shared vision to expand and strengthen the educational experiences that support the organization’s mission.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Ambassador training and husbandry (75%)
• Develop and carry out training programs for ambassador animals in collaboration with the Education Program Manager, ensuring that training goals align with current education programming, ambassador capabilities, and overall departmental priorities.
• Conduct training using the least intrusive, most positive methods to influence behavior.
• Prepare ambassador diets and train or supervise volunteers, interns, or other personnel in proper diet preparation protocols.
• Observe ambassador health and behavior and promptly report concerns to the veterinarian and appropriate staff. Ensure medications are refilled, administered, and documented as required.
• Develop and maintain enrichment for education ambassadors.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation of training plans, progress notes, and significant changes in ambassador behavior or readiness, using shared department systems, and communicate updates regularly with relevant staff.
• Oversee mew cleaning and maintenance, including developing cleaning schedules and protocols, and identifying repair or improvement projects.
• Manage daily diet records and maintain accurate online documentation.
• Train and guide volunteers and interns assisting with ambassador care, training, cleaning, maintenance, enrichment, and related tasks, following established protocols and maintaining clear professional boundaries and consistent communication with education staff.
• Participate in the assessment of current ambassadors and potential acquisitions.
• Identify maintenance and safety issues and help facilitate their resolution.
• In coordination with the staff veterinarian, manages regular health checks of education ambassadors.
• Participate in identifying volunteers to assist with ambassador care
Educational Programming (25%)
Educational programming content, learning objectives, and guest-facing messaging are developed collaboratively within the education team, this position supports the delivery and implementation of those programs.
• Participate in educational programming, including in-person tours and experiences, virtual programs, and additional presentations as directed.
• Assist in editing educational materials as needed.
• Assist in the development and implementation of education outreach programming to communities and schools.
• Assist with setup, teardown, and waiver coordination for private tours, including directing volunteers or interns as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
• Minimum of two years of experience in raptor husbandry, handling, and training, including demonstrated success preparing birds for educational programs, demonstrations, or ambassador roles.
• Strong understanding of raptor natural history, species-specific behavior, welfare considerations, and enrichment needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to choice-based, least-intrusive, and positive training methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with staff, volunteers, and members of the public across a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records, follow protocols, and manage daily responsibilities consistently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, hands-on environment that may at times be physically and mentally demanding.
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt to changing needs while maintaining high standards of animal care, safety, and professionalism.
• Experience training, supervising, or working effectively with volunteers or interns, and contributing to a positive, respectful team culture.
• Strong customer service orientation and comfort interacting with visitors, donors, and program participants in a public-facing setting.
• Proficiency with common computer applications, including Word, Excel, Adobe, and Google Workspace, with the ability to learn and use organization-specific systems.
• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by animal care and program schedules.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and appropriate insurance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Medium to heavy physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 – 25 pounds frequently and up to 10 pounds constantly. Requires handling, using vision and hearing, and talking. Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, sitting, reaching, pushing/pulling, balancing, and twisting and working on concrete floors for extended periods. Exposure to zoonotic diseases, bites, scratches, dust, allergens, and outdoor environmental conditions. Work is often fast-paced, detail-oriented, and occasionally stressful.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Overtime is paid in accordance with California labor law. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Benefits include:
● Health Benefits: Access to comprehensive health plans.
● Retirement Plan: Enrollment in the CalSavers retirement program.
● Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, including sick time.
● Paid Holidays: Observance of five flexible paid holidays annually.
● Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Ojai Raptor Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and community members.
WORKPLACE CONDUCT
All staff are expected to maintain a positive and professional work environment through respectful collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to ORC’s mission and values. All incidents, injuries, and concerns must be reported in accordance with ORC’s policies and procedures.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit the following with the subject line “Raptor Trainer and Educator” to employment@ojairaptorcenter.org:
CV or Resume
Two contactable professional references
Cover letter explaining your experience and fit for the position.