Avian Education Program Volunteer

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Program volunteers assist with program delivery for on or off-site programming including but not limited to classrooms, private events, and recurring resorts. This includes crating birds at Avian Behavior, moving crates as needed, handling birds, delivering part or most of the program, assisting staff to return birds to enclosures, contributing to avian ambassador program notes and providing enrichment as needed. Volunteers will work closely with the public including kids, interns, staff and other volunteers. There will be 3 positions to be appointed by the animal care team and Outreach and Education Coordinator

TIME COMMITMENT

The Program Volunteer shift will depend on the programming schedule, but will be a minimum of 4 hours each week, which will include prep, drive time, program delivery, and clean-up.

PROGRESSION

This position is designed for volunteers who have committed at least a year or 100 hours to education programming or bird care.  This volunteer must also have reached the level of certification in both the Avian Behavior Lab and Animal Training Fundamentals approved by the Education Coordinator. Volunteers must attend regularly scheduled handling sessions with the Avian Care Team and/or the Education Coordinator.

JOB DUTIES

• Comply with all state and federal wildlife regulations and Avian Behavior permitting
•  Assist staff, interns, and other volunteers with program preparation
• Deliver a partial or full program
•  Maintain professionalism during programs
• Adhere to Avian Behavior core values with audience, public and team
• Handle all programming birds once approved by staff
• Contribute to avian ambassador notes at the end of the program
• Assist with returning birds to home space
• Aid in special projects
•  Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Duties may require bending, kneeling, twisting, lifting and/or standing for long periods of time*
• Ability to follow a checklist for safety and efficiency
•  Comfort in public speaking
• Eagerness to learn
• Willingness to clean
•  Positive attitude
• Enthusiasm for Avian Behavior’s work
• Exceptional attention to detail

*Physical limitations might make completing all the duties assigned in this job description challenging. We can discuss options to adjust or modify some of the requirements for volunteers who may have special physical requirements.