Education Specialist

Title: Education Specialist

Accountability: Reports to Education Manager

Job Classification: Full-Time, salary, exempt

Compensation: $36,000 annual salary

Benefits: Carolina Raptor Center offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Other benefits include 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO).

Work Schedule: Includes regular weekend and/or holiday work

Tentative

Start Date:

March/April 2026

Apply Online

Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Huntersville, NC dedicated to raptor rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Our mission is to ignite a passion for raptors and a responsibility for our shared natural world. Our vision is to foster communities where raptors and people thrive thanks to our unique blend of innovation, research, and education. We are a world‑class destination for avian rehabilitation and our dedication to the birds in our care provides visitors with a gateway to the natural world.

Excellence – Strive for trusted leadership in the field of raptor rehabilitation, exceptional welfare for our resident birds, and transformational experiences for every person we meet. Sustainability – Employ operational practices that benefit the environment and guarantee the organizational strength to serve the resident birds and our communities for generations to come. Empowerment – Create effective educational experiences that embolden our visitors and our diverse communities to take action in positively impacting our world.

Carolina Raptor Center is seeking a dedicated Education Specialist to join our Avian Ambassador Team. This full‑time position plays a vital role in furthering education and conservation by presenting public and private programming to diverse audiences. The Education Specialist is responsible for daily husbandry operations for ambassador birds as well as creating, scheduling, conducting, and evaluating conservation‑based education programs. This role requires strong organizational skills, a proactive approach, and a commitment to education, animal welfare, and teamwork.

General –

• Understands the importance of each guest to Carolina Raptor Center and drives excellence to ensure an optimal experience in every way.
• Exemplifies the Carolina Raptor Center’s Mission Statement and supports staff, departments and leadership in pursuing and achieving goals.
• Performs any other duties needed to help drive to our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our values.

Educational Programs and Events –

• Design, develop, and deliver education programs with live birds, including formal onsite and offsite outreach programs for schools, camps, etc.
• Schedule programs and communicate with teachers and coordinators participating in education programs.
• Engage with visitors through public educational experiences such as Keeper Chats and bird encounters.
• Assist with morning, evening and weekend events, such as International Vulture Awareness Day and Owl‑O‑Ween.
• Support free‑flight bird programs, including seasonal events like Summer Bird Show.
• Assist with evaluation methods for programs and events that maintain data collection efforts.

Animal Husbandry –

• Prepare and deliver daily diets for birds and administer medications as needed.
• Participate daily in routine husbandry operations, including enclosure cleaning, water changes, enrichment and maintenance in compliance with USDA and other local and federal government regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records in Raptor Med.
• Observe and document avian behavior and health and collaborate with the hospital team and veterinary staff to support avian health care.
• Participate in collection management planning, welfare assessments, and exhibit updates.

Bird Training –

• Develop and implement individualized training plans for ambassador birds using operant conditioning techniques.
• Train and maintain behaviors for designated ambassador birds, including behaviors for husbandry, medical, and educational needs.

Intern and Volunteer Programs –

• Manage the Education Intern and lead the growth and development of the Education Internship.
• Assist with…