Voluntary Internship

The Bird of Prey Project currently has a vacancy for an 8-month internship working with our Senior Bird Team.

Our 8-month internship offers a practical voluntary work and training placement on our bird team. The successful applicant will be requested to work between three to five days a week, depending on candidate availability and current skillset, 8:30am – 4:30pm, including one day of weekend work.

This position will give the successful applicant practical training in the keeping of birds of prey in a welfare prioritised zoo setting, alongside experience in the monitoring and conservation of cavity nesting species in the local area. The position is best suited to applicants at an entry level skillset.

The Senior Bird Team at The Bird of Prey Project is responsible for providing a high standard of care to the 20 different species in residence at the visitor centre, including medical and dietary provision, behaviour training, enclosure development and maintenance, visitor experiences and displays. The bird team also operates the Cavity Nesting Species Programme – working to monitor and conserve Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, Little Owls and Kestrels in the local area.

The Intern will be trained in aspects of the day-to-day operations within the centre, including avian care and management for health, enclosure maintenance and free flight displays, along with other relevant activities as delegated by the Senior Bird Team. The Intern will be provided with opportunities to gain experience in cavity nesting species monitoring and conservation in action. The Intern will be expected to deliver experiences and support with displays during the busy season at the visitor centre, and will in return gain experience in a successful bird of prey centre environment.

As part of the position, the Intern will also have allocated hours within their placement for guided study sessions and guided training workshops relevant to the internship.

The successful applicant should have an enthusiasm for learning, working as part of a varied team and confidence to develop skills in communicating with the public.

The minimum age for applicants is 18, and whilst previous experience working with birds of prey or using positive reinforcement training techniques could be advantageous – it is not a requirement.

This position is unpaid; however, The Bird of Prey Project will cover travel expenses within a 15 mile radius via public transport, or mileage (paid at 45p per mile) in a personal car, and provide a daily lunch allowance. This will be paid via stipend, and a 12-month membership with the International Association for Avian Trainers and Educators (www.iaate.org). Within the 8-month internship, interns are also given two complimentary private flying experiences for friends and family, and a 12-month family membership enabling unlimited free entrance to the visitor centre.