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Opportunities currently available

• Bird Team Internship – applications close 17th February 2025

2025 Bird of Prey Project 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 5 days a week 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, but 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 1:1 practical workshops.

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, provide a daily lunch allowance 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.

Expected duties

• Assisting with daily avian care routines, including food preparation, feeding, training, enrichment and husbandry
• Aviary care and site maintenance
• Maintain accurate daily records 
• Visitor interaction and provision of flying displays and experiences, also including participation in seasonal events such as British Bird of Prey Day
• Working alongside volunteers at the direction of the senior bird team

What you receive as an intern:

• Eight 1:1 guided training workshops including the science of behaviour, aviary design, diet analysis, safe restraint, medical care in routine management, emergency first aid and cavity nesting species conservation
• Twice monthly theoretical study sessions outlined by your line manager
• Weekly training review meetings with line manager
• Funded 12 month membership to the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (offering the opportunity for external mentorship)
• Other CPD opportunities
• Bird of Prey Project uniform

Requirements to apply

An animal science related qualification or previous work experience with animals or in a public facing role is beneficial but not required.

Good communication skills and willingness to work as part of a varied team.

Fit and able to carry out the duties outlined above.

How to apply

Email naomi@birdofpreyproject.org with an expression of interest and CV attached. Interviews will be held throughout the open application period so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you feel you are the right fit for the role.

Expected start date is March 2025.