Education Program Associate 2 - Interpretive Naturalist

The Raptor Center is looking to hire a 2-year temporary Interpretive Naturalist to join the team. This position supports the education department by presenting raptor-focused, interpretive programs that cultivate meaningful relationships between diverse cultures/ identities and the natural world. It also assists in updating and developing program content and curriculum; training other presenters, including new staff, volunteers, and professionals in the field; and providing care to our raptor ambassador collection.

Essential Functions
1. Advance The Raptor Center's mission of public outreach by providing onsite, offsite, and digital educational programs using live birds. (60%)
* Using The Raptor Center's curriculum, provide professional, engaging, scientifically accurate, and culturally significant interpretive programs to school classrooms, grant-funded targeted audiences, and the public. Programs focus on raptor natural history, ecology, conservation, and general environmental science topics and encourage environmentally responsible actions.
* Assist in developing new programming elements and environmental education curriculum.
* Assist in the training of presenters and evaluation of outreach programs
* Develop and maintain professional skills in the fields of raptor management, care, training, and conservation.

2. Assist with The Raptor Center's approved methods of raptor handling, physical care, training and other management duties to maintain the education raptor collection in
excellent health and welfare. (25%)
These include but are not limited to:
* Assist in maintaining facilities including outdoor enclosures.* Assist in managing daily education volunteer crews. This includes up to 4 morning and 4 afternoon volunteers.
* Follow biosecurity protocols to minimize the spread of disease among the collection.
* Assist in training and maintaining core raptor behaviors required for programs and management
* Assist with providing daily ambassador bird care.

3. Assist in training new staff, volunteers, and visiting raptor professionals on handling, training, and daily raptor management. (10%)
* Assist in developing, maintaining, and implementing handler training protocols for new staff and volunteers.
* Assist training professionals during online and in-person professional workshops

4. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Qualifications Minimum:
* BA/BS with at least 2 years experience in public outreach or teaching diverse audiences, or a combination of related education and experience to equal 6 years.
* Excellent presentation and teaching skills
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
* Ability to work independently and effectively with others using strong interpersonal skills
* Ability to work a Monday - Friday schedule until fall, then switch to a Sunday - Thursday.
* Willingness to travel with overnights
* Willingness to work a flexible schedule including dates outside of the normal working schedule including evenings and holidays
* Ability to obtain a driver's license as this position will involve driving a university vehicle to deliver programming to schools in greater Minnesota
* Able to lift 35 pounds (weight of an adult eagle in a crate)
* Comfortable around large birds

Preferred:
* Advanced studies in Animal Science, Biology, Environmental Studies, K-12 Education or other related area
* Experience presenting outreach programming utilizing captive wild animals
* Raptor handling experience
* Curriculum writing or education program design experience
* Experience working with and managing volunteers

Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is first and foremost a hospital for ill and injured raptors, caring for over 1,000 birds annually. As an internationally renowned veterinary teaching hospital, TRC trains students and professionals from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, TRC has a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. Through the use of raptor ambassador birds, TRC's education team uses innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through a variety of programming at on and offsite venues and through virtual technology https://www.raptor.umn.edu . All of this work is done with the assistance of a cohort of more than 300 volunteers.

Pay Range:$20.44 - $22.25; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).