Eyes in the Sky (EITS) Raptor Caretaker and Outreach Assistant

Mission Statement of Santa Barbara Audubon Society: Santa Barbara Audubon Society protects area birdlife and habitat and connects people with birds through education, conservation, and science.

The key education program of Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) is Eyes in the Sky (EITS), featuring birds of prey no longer capable of surviving in the wild. EITS is housed at the SBAS Aviary at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (SBMNH). At the SBMNH, schools, and other venues, these birds delight and educate people of all ages about local birds and their habitat. As there is increasing demand for wildlife education in the Santa Barbara area, SBAS seeks an experienced raptor caretaker to assist the EITS Director.

Position Title: Eyes in the Sky (EITS) Raptor Caretaker and Outreach Assistant

Description:

The EITS Assistant is a part-time employee of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS), reporting to SBAS's EITS Director, carrying out its mission, policies, and programs. This is a non-exempt, hourly, at-will position. Generally, the expected hours are 1:30 - 4:00 pm on Thursday and 1:00 - 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, with possible other or additional hours, as needed by SBAS; hours may range from 10-12 hours in a typical week. Compensation from $25 - 30 per hour; will be commensurate with experience.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Assists the EITS Director in managing the care of the live birds of prey and their housing at the SBAS Aviary at SBMNH. This may include preparing and delivering raptor diets, training or assisting in the training of captive raptors, transporting birds for veterinary appointments, assisting with health maintenance such as beak trims, and assisting with aviary design and upkeep.
• Assists the EITS Director in the supervision of EITS volunteers.
• Assists the EITS Director in overseeing EITS community engagement, educational outreach to schools, senior centers, etc. This may include transporting birds to offsite venues within the Santa Barbara area.
• Assists the EITS Director in maintaining state and federal permits, which may include recordkeeping and data entry in compliance with permit requirements.
• Performs other essential duties that may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

Desired experience and qualifications:

• 100+ hours of experience in caring for live birds of prey.
• Experience in community engagement and educational outreach, teaching, or other roles with an emphasis on public communication.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized and process-oriented when managing multiple projects and volunteers.
• Local candidates are required for this position.
• Collaborative and eager to work in a team-driven environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and able to pass a background check.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation that can accommodate driver and a raptor carry case in a safe and secure manner.
• Must be able to provide two professional references upon request.
• As the primary work location is on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, applicant will undergo the Museum's volunteer training program and must be willing to follow Museum protocols for health, safety, and conduct.

Physical Requirements:

Applicant must be able to perform the following activities:

• Adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
• Ascend or descend stairs.
• Walk on uneven surfaces and navigate a variety of terrains.
• Remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods, often standing or sitting.

To be considered, please submit resume, cover letter, and hourly rate requirements.

No phone calls, please.