Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt, Hourly
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life & long-term disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays),
employee assistance program, membership privileges, professional development, 403(b) plan and casual work
environment

Soar into a unique career as a Raptor Care Specialist at Fontenelle Forest! Not only will you have the chance to
work with several species of non-releasable, educational birds of prey that call the Forest home, you will also
play a role teaching in our community about the importance of conservation through our statewide raptor
education efforts. If you would like to join a team that is dedicated to the care and conservation of raptors,
apply for the position of Raptor Care Specialist today!

JOB SUMMARY
The Raptor Care Specialist is responsible for managing the raptor care and husbandry operations at Fontenelle
Forest and performing related work of maintaining the Raptor Woodland Refuge and delivering raptor education programs and visitor interpretation. This position must be familiar with the best practices in raptor and
animal welfare, observation, feeding, and training. This position generally works Sunday through Thursday,

ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska\xe2\x80\x99s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest
private nature centers in the nation. Fontenelle Forest owns and manages Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue and Neale
Woods in Omaha. The properties encompass over 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands along the Missouri
River in the geographically significant Loess Hills. Fontenelle Forest aspires to be a national leader in environmental
stewardship and education and the region\xe2\x80\x99s premier nature center. Fontenelle Forest embraces the values of
Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, Engagement, and Sustainability.

Fontenelle Forest values its employees and is committed to maintaining a positive working environment; a culture
and a value proposition that attracts and retains top, diverse talent. Beyond a personal commitment to diversity,
equity, and inclusion, we are looking for candidates with a strong commitment to integrating equity and inclusion
best practices into programs and services. People who have lived experience in historically marginalized and
excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• For captive education and display raptors per established protocols

o Clean and disinfect raptor living quarters daily; maintain effective husbandry operations. o Observe and evaluate raptor health and well-being and communicate observations to the Raptor Program Manager. Implement enrichment and perform minor medical treatment of education and display raptors as directed by raptor program manager. o Obtain and maintain food supply; prepare food and feed raptors according to established feeding schedules. o Perform or assist with responsibly handling, crating, moving, and unloading raptors and other small animals.

• Document feeding and husbandry of raptors. Maintain pertinent data-based information using Raptor Med

program ensuring records are current and accurate.

• Conduct educational programs with captive raptors and other educational animals both on and off-site.

• Engage with volunteers regularly to train and guide safe and appropriate raptor handling and husbandry

techniques. Assist with volunteer scheduling and hours tracking.

• Maintain the Raptor Woodland Refuge and mews in a manner to ensure safety for both raptors and nature

center guests, including seasonal snow and ice removal. Perform exhibit cleaning and maintenance and basic horticultural work.

• Assist with the care of other educational animals including, but not limited to, snakes and turtles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school degree or GED (required); Bachelor of Science degree (preferred).

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in handling and caring for raptors. Additional consideration given

to candidates with two (2) or more years of experience working with Bald Eagles.

• Proven ability to handle raptors and animals safely and respectfully, and the ability to perceive and act upon

relevant changes in animal behaviors and physical conditions.

• Must have a familiarity with, and understanding of, federal and state migratory bird permit requirements.

• Must commit to working Sunday - Thursday, 9:00 am \xe2\x80\x93 5:30 pm.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver\'s license.

• Ability to successfully pass a background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position requires regular exposure to raptor/animal (\xe2\x80\x98animal\xe2\x80\x9d) bites and scratches, disinfectant solutions,

animal odors, allergens, and animal waste. The person in this position must be able to perform the required work in these conditions while adhering to standard safety precautions.

• Position requires frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, walking, standing, and climbing. Position

also requires some repetitive movements related to seasonal outdoor work including, but not limited to, sweeping, raking and snow shoveling. Requires occasional work at heights using ladders or step stools.

• The person filling this position must be able to occasionally lift, carry and transport weighted objects (up to

• The person in this position must be able to see differences between colors, shades and brightness, and see

details of objects that are a few feet away.

• Ability to work in extreme outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold and wind.

• Must be able to drive a motor vehicle.

To Apply: Send introductory email or cover letter, resume or description of work history and related experience, and three professional references to info@fontenelleforest.org. Please reference \xe2\x80\x9cRaptor Care Specialist\xe2\x80\x9d in the subject line. Fontenelle Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of in any of its employment related policies and
practices.