The Associate Director of Education is responsible for facilitating the performance of Education Department Programming. The ADE is the primary person delivering educational content to groups that have booked programs and tours with The Raptor Trust and will work closely with the Director of Education and Educators for delivery of these programs. The ADE will assist with husbandry and training of the Ambassador Animals (raptors), and training of Educators. The ADE will assist in developing new content for presentations, and conducting prospect research including, but not limited to home school organizations, Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, schools, libraries, and others.  The ADE will report to the Director of Education.

A key component of The Raptor Trust’s mission is environmental education. It will be the ADE’s responsibility to:

• Present a focused environmental conservation message
• Convey The Raptor Trust’s mission and represent the organization in a professional manner
• Engage various sectors of the New Jersey community (general public, school groups, scouts, library groups, garden clubs, other conservation organizations) both in person and via online platforms

Duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and present onsite and offsite educational programs
• Participate in continuing education to maintain and update working knowledge in the field of wildlife rehabilitation, avian training, topics in conservation, leadership, and education
• Identify potential schools, classes, or other groups for the Memorial Fund Scholarships
• Collaborate with the Director of Education on the implementation and assessment of training plans and behavioral goals for birds in the ambassador bird program
• Collaborate with the Director of Education to produce high-quality learning displays for general use and program use including informational signage and games for the classroom, ensuring that brand standards are followed
• Maintain The Raptor Trust’s rotation of informational displays available to the public

General requirements:

• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Up to date Covid and tetanus vaccine
• Valid US Driver's license
• Clean background check and driving record
• Ability to engage in sustained physical activity and to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work outdoors through 4 season weather conditions
• Necessary lifting and moving of up to 30 pounds
• Ability to confidently traverse on grass, gravel, sand and snow
• Ability to climb stairs
• Occasional shoveling of snow, sand, or gravel as needed to facilitate bird feeding, care, and maintenance of enclosures
• Moderate to high degree of manual dexterity necessary for performing some basic avian care and husbandry procedures

Qualifications and experience:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or 3+ years of applicable experience
• 2 years of education, public speaking, or presenting experience
• 2 years animal husbandry/training, preferably with raptors
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills
• Demonstrated experience in leadership and management
• Willingness to work some weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Experience with basic computer applications. Ex: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom
• Preferred experience with InDesign, CMS such as WordPress, video editing, Prezi, Canva, or other design programs
• A strong grounding in the natural sciences, including interest in and familiarity with New Jersey’s native bird species, especially raptors
• Strong customer service and organizational skills
• Spirit of cooperation and teamwork with strong interpersonal skills including collaboration, communication, open-mindedness, and conflict resolution
• Ability to multitask, and work without supervision

Break down of week:

• (50%) Programming
• (25%) Ambassador bird training as determined by the Director of Education
• (25%) Content creation and administrative tasks in collaboration with the Director of Education

Our staffing philosophy is to be as flexible as possible, and we strive to meet people where they are.  If you are interested in this position, yet possess a somewhat different skill set, please feel free to inquire and let us know how you think you might contribute to our team.