Bird Staff

Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre

Lake District
Closing date for applications is: 5th Jan 2026
Contact: Emma McLachlan ) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

The team at Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre is expanding and we are looking for an
experienced bird of prey specialist
to join our dedicated team. Based in the Lake District National Park, Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre focuses on the care and conservation of raptors. This role will involve duties that aid in implementing the highest standards of bird of prey welfare and husbandry, delivering strong conservation and education messages as well as the day-to-day operational running of the facility.

The Centre is part of an award winning visitor attraction with other attractions including 77 acres of gardens, Muncaster Castle and various other activities. The Hawk & Owl Centre was established in 2015 and is continually evolving as we strive for excellence in our work with raptors. Our bird of prey collection is entirely free-lofted and we are now moving into an exciting phase as we develop breeding programs for our endangered species. We deliver daily free flight displays with a range of species to 60,000 visitors per year.

Contract: Permanent contract working 40 hours per week, subject to a six month probationary period.
Staff are expected to work their fair share of weekends and bank holidays.

Essential Candidate Qualities Include

• Experience with birds of prey across a range of family groups, including eagles and falcons (the ideal candidate should already be competent in flying both small and large falcons to a swing lure).
• Possess strong communication skills, demonstrate trustworthiness and have excellent time management.
• Will integrate well with the existing team as a proactive team player, but will work independently when required. This role will occasionally involve the overseeing of volunteers, work experience students and junior Bird Staff members.
• Ability to demonstrate a passion for birds and their conservation.
• It is absolutely essential that our staff will utilise only kind and modern animal training techniques in line with our code of ethics. Applicants are requested to outline any previous experience training birds of prey in their application.
• A decent level of fitness to cope with the physical demands of the job and a love of working outdoors.
• Must have experience in commentating to and educating a variety of audiences – on any given day, a member of Bird Staff may be asked to run an experience for two guests, or commentate a full display to over 1000 visitors.
• As well as good character, other essential personnel skills include keen observational and problem-solving skills, as well as basic DIY and maintenance skills.
• Due to the requirement to drive company vehicles onsite, a full UK driver's license is essential for this role.
• A relevant animal qualification (desirable but not essential).

Main Job Responsibilities

• Practice excellent standards of raptor welfare and husbandry.
• Actively participate in high impact and engaging free-flight displays and experiences to our guests.
• Public engagement, working to inspire a positive attitude towards birds of prey and nature.
• To clean and maintain Hawk & Owl Centre facilities, taking pride in its appearance.
• Proactively participate in bird training using positive and modern training methods.
• Working well within the established team.
• Commitment to self-learning.
• Participating in in-situ and ex-situ conservation and research projects as appropriate.
• Fundraising for conservation projects.

In Return For Your Hard Work, This Role Offers

• Subsidised staff accommodation available in close proximity to work (if needed).
• Continuous professional development with both in-house and external training opportunities.
• Working with a range of birds of prey, including owls, falcons, eagles, kites and vultures.
• Career progression.
• Staff uniform.
• 28 days annual leave pro rata.
• Passes to Muncaster Castle for family and friends.
• Discounts to local attractions.
• Pension plan.

Apply For This Job
We are looking to fill this role as soon as possible so please do not delay submitting your application as we may close the advert early if we find the right candidate soon. Short-listed candidates will be invited to join the team for a working day at the Hawk & Owl Centre where an interview will also be held on the same day. Candidates may be asked to deliver a short presentation as part of this interview stage. The successful candidate will be subject to reference checks. To apply, please email a CV and a covering letter to Emma McLachlan