Large Carnivore Handler- January 2026

Full time

Location: Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Camp Verde, Arizona

Pay Rate: Starts at $16/ hour, commensurate with experience, plus tips.

A salary increase will be considered with evaluation at completion of the 90 day probation period. Paid holidays, vacation and sick time included.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a 104 acre, one of a kind facility that brings people close to animals and inspires conservation action through play, loving relationships and natural behaviors. Our park has worked free contact with large carnivores for over 35 years and we demonstrate remarkable relationships and care for the animals because of it.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: providing daily husbandry and behavioral management for a collection of 35 large carnivores (tigers, lions, leopards, wolves, bears, pumas, spotted hyena), cleaning animal exhibits, preparing diets and feeding animals, administering medications prescribed by the veterinarian, public speaking, driving educational tours, landscaping, and must be ready and willing to work free contact with large carnivores in exciting, educational, and entertaining shows for the public daily.

The ability to work in a team is paramount.

A passion for animal care, education, and conservation is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The position requires 1 year of carnivore experience or a 4 year degree in a related field.

• Should be in excellent physical condition. He or she must be a proficient swimmer, able to sprint, and able to lift 50 pounds above his or her head on a regular basis.

• Must excel at following instructions and protocols very carefully and thrive with constructive criticism as you’re learning.

• Have a vast knowledge of large carnivores.

• Must be able to engage with the public (one on one and over a microphone to large audiences) on a daily basis for tours, demonstrations and scheduled shows.

• Must be able to multi-task and adjust to changing procedures, schedules, and time constraints.

• Must be able to work independently and as a part of a team with good communication skills, a high degree of responsibility, and attention to detail.

• Must be available to work full-time, flexible hours including weekends and holidays. A valid drivers license is required. Drug test required.

Send resume, cover letter and references to:

Brittney Olson core@outofafricapark.com

Subject line: “Large Carnivore Handler”

Name: John Ball Zoo
Email: baovhowell@gmail.com
Phone: $21
Message:
The Zoo Educator for School & Youth Programs facilitates school and community programs onsite and offsite to increase public awareness of age-appropriate concepts in ecology, zoology, conservation, and environmental sciences. These programs include Zoo Lab, Zoo Camp, and STEM programs. The Zoo Educator works with zoo staff, classroom teachers, and community partners to implement programs for diverse school groups from grades pre-K – university that align with state curriculum standards, John Ball Zoo’s mission, and the Zoo’s conservation messaging. The role includes curriculum development including programming on Zoo grounds and in classrooms, creation of supplemental materials for teachers, and program evaluation.

Santa Barbara Audubon Society / Pt Director- Eyes on the Sky  10/9/25

Mission Statement: Santa Barbara Audubon Society protects area birdlife and habitat and
connects people with birds through education, conservation, and science.
The key education program of Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) is Eyes in the Sky
(EITS), featuring live raptors no longer capable of surviving in the wild. EITS is housed at the
SBAS Aviary at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (SBMNH). At the SBMNH,
schools, and other venues, these raptors delight and educate people of all ages about local birds
and their habitat. Established in 2000, EITS is a volunteer-based program funded through
donations, grants, sponsorship, events, and fees charged for presentations and programs. As there
is strong demand for wildlife education in the Santa Barbara area, SBAS seeks a director with
experience in raptor handling to oversee the EITS aviary and education outreach activities.

Position Title: Director, Eyes in the Sky

Description:
The EITS Director is a part-time employee of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS),
reporting to the Executive Director of SBAS and ultimately to the Board of SBAS, carrying out
its mission, policies, and programs. This is a non-exempt, hourly, at-will position. Generally,
hours are 1:00-5:00 pm, five days a week; the hours and the two days off per week can vary. Two
weeks paid vacation per year, 40 hours of sick time, and 6 paid holidays are included. All are
based upon a four-hour workday.
Compensation range is $30 - $40 per hour; will be commensurate with experience.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for the health and welfare of live raptors housed in the SBAS Aviary at the
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. This includes preparing and delivering raptor
diets, training or assisting in the training of captive raptors, transporting them for veterinary
appointments, and health maintenance such as beak and talon trims. Directs and designs any
enhancements to the aviary and oversees any maintenance required. Ensures the aviary is
sufficiently stocked with relevant equipment, supplies and raptor food as necessary.
• Recruits (if necessary), trains, organizes and supervises the EITS aviary assistant, an SBAS
staff member who can deputize for the Director on days when the Director is absent from the
aviary.
• Recruits, trains, organizes, and supervises volunteers who support EITS as raptor handlers,
public presenters, and in other capacities as Director sees fit.
• Organizes and oversees EITS community engagement, educational outreach to schools,
senior centers, environmental organizations, etc. and collects donations generated by the
programs. This may include transporting birds to offsite venues within the Santa Barbara
area.
• Organizes and works with a Steering Committee of senior-level volunteers for EITS.
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• Keeps state and federal licenses and permits for the raptors up to date, including
recordkeeping and data entry in compliance with permit requirements. Submits required
reports.
• Serves as liaison with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
• Collaborates with SBAS to produce marketing and communications about EITS.
• Responsible for submitting EITS news to the editor for El Tecolote, the quarterly SBAS
newsletter.
• Attends Audubon Board meetings quarterly and the Board Retreat annually.
• Works with the executive director and treasurer on EITS expenditures and budget planning.
• Required to transport raptors and carrying crates, as needed.
• Performs other essential duties that may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the
position.
Desired Experience and Qualifications:
• 2 years’ minimum experience in the handling, care, and maintenance of live raptors; 5 years’
experience or master falconer preferred.
• Leadership ability, administrative experience, and organization and communication skills
sufficient to direct a program of the size and scope of EITS (budget about $70,000 per year,
approximately 25 volunteers).
• Experience in community engagement and educational outreach, teaching, or other roles with
an emphasis on public communication.
• Enthusiasm for educating people of all ages about raptors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications--Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.
• Ability to interview, train, supervise, and organize volunteers.
• Ability to write and speak effectively.
• Experience using social media and websites.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that can accommodate raptor carrying crates
in a safe and secure manner.
• Must exercise discretion and confidentiality in handling staff/donor/volunteer information.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and able to pass a background check.
• Local residency preferred.
• As the primary work location is on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural
History, applicant will undergo the Museum’s volunteer training program and must be
willing to follow Museum protocols for health, safety, and conduct.
• Flexible, creative problem-solver.
• Collaborative and eager to work in a team-driven environment.
• Organized and process-oriented when managing multiple projects.
• Accuracy and attention to detail a must.
• Must be able to provide two professional references upon request.
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Physical Requirements:
Applicant must be able to perform the following activities:
• Be able to handle a live raptor on a glove for an extended period
• Adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds in all directions
• Ascend or descend stairs
• Remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods, often standing or sitting at a desk
and working on a computer
• Walk on uneven surfaces and navigate a variety of terrains
10/6/2025