Hawks, owls, falcons, vultures! You’ve probably seen them in the wild, you may have even studied them in classes, but have you ever held one on your arm? Here’s your chance to explore a different, and often ignored, aspect of conservation biology and environmental education — Live Raptor Education! Join the Draper Natural History Museum Raptor Experience team and work one-on-one with birds of prey while engaging the public with the amazing traits that make these birds some of the best-known animals in the skies.
The Raptor Experience is one component of a robust program of research and public education developed and delivered by the widely renowned Draper Natural History Museum, one of five museums of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Along with conducting field research on golden eagles and other raptors and wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone region, the Draper Natural History Museum provides high-quality educational experiences for the public through exhibits and programming.
If you would like to learn more about the highly rewarding world of wildlife education, if you have a strong stomach as well as a strong back, if you feel comfortable giving presentations to large groups, and you have a passion for learning and teaching, the Draper Museum Raptor Experience may be the perfect place to spend your summer.
Status: Seasonal – up to 14 weeks between May and September
Supervisor: Reports directly to Melissa Hill, Draper Museum Raptor Experience Program Manager
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Clean bird facilities and feed birds daily
• Assist with bird training
• Handle birds during educational programs
• Present public educational programs and assist with merchandise sales
• Assist with field research depending on time availability and interest of intern
Qualifications:
• No prior experience handling birds of prey necessary – training will be provided
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Must have strong interest in wildlife and natural science
• Must be willing to prepare food items (frozen rats, mice, quail, etc.) for raptors
• Must be willing and able to learn up to 30 minutes of information and present programs to audiences of up to 200 people
• Must have strong work ethic and be dependable
Deadline to apply is March 1, 2019. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Terry Harley at TerryH@centerofthewest.org