Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate, skilled, and reliable Birds of Prey Keeper / Falconer to join our team caring for a small collection of birds of prey. This full-time role offers the opportunity to provide exceptional standards of husbandry, welfare, training, and daily care while working closely with the birds through routine handling, conditioning, and flying activities.
Working as part of a small, dedicated team, you will be responsible for the individual care and management of the birds, including diet preparation, health monitoring, handling, training, flying, enclosure maintenance, and behavioural observation. This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced falconer or bird of prey keeper with strong practical skills, excellent attention to detail, and a genuine passion for maintaining the highest standards of bird care.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Husbandry & Health
- Prepare and provide daily diets in accordance with established feeding plans.
- Manage food preparation, storage, and hygiene standards.
- Administer daily supplements and medications where required, maintaining accurate records.
- Monitor appetite, weight, behaviour, feather condition, and overall health, maintaining detailed daily records.
- Carry out daily visual health checks and promptly report any concerns.
- Liaise with veterinary professionals regarding health concerns and assist with veterinary procedures, including administering treatments in line with veterinary advice and established protocols.
Handling, Training & Flying
- Carry out daily handling, training, conditioning, and flying sessions in accordance with established programmes.
- Maintain positive relationships with the birds through consistent handling and appropriate falconry techniques.
- Safely manage birds during flying activities, ensuring high standards of welfare and security.
- Monitor behaviour, performance, and condition, recognising changes and adapting care accordingly.
- Provide appropriate enrichment and exercise to encourage natural behaviours and maintain physical condition.
Habitat & Equipment Maintenance
- Clean, maintain, and inspect aviaries, housing areas, and associated facilities to a high standard.
- Ensure birds have access to clean water and suitable environmental conditions at all times.
- Maintain falconry equipment, including furniture, handling equipment, and flying equipment.
- Identify and report any maintenance requirements or equipment issues promptly.
Safety & Standards
- Ensure all birds, aviaries, and holding areas remain secure at all times.
- Follow appropriate biosecurity, hygiene, and Health & Safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and professional working environment.
- Ensure all handling and flying activities are carried out safely and responsibly.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- A genuine passion for birds of prey and delivering the highest standards of welfare and husbandry.
- Proven experience handling, training, and flying birds of prey.
- Strong practical falconry skills, including safe handling, weighing, management, and conditioning.
- Experience maintaining accurate animal records and monitoring health and behaviour.
- Excellent observational skills with the ability to recognise subtle changes in condition, appetite, or behaviour.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively within a small team.
- Good physical fitness and the ability to undertake manual duties and work outdoors throughout the year.
- A flexible, reliable, and professional approach to work.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience working with a range of birds of prey.
- Knowledge of avian nutrition, health, moulting, and behaviour.
- Relevant falconry qualifications or recognised practical falconry experience.
- Experience working within a zoological collection or specialist animal facility.
Working Hours
This is a full-time position working 50 hours per week, across 5 days, including a 1-hour paid lunch break.
Weekend working is required on a rotational basis, working 3 out of every 4 weekends.
Flexibility is essential, as working hours may vary to meet seasonal, operational, and animal care requirements.
To Apply:
Soonest starter ideal, as such interviews will be held before the closing date and the position will close once filled, this may be before the closing deadline so please register your interest!
Pay: £31,650.00-£36,750.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Windsor, Berkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Falconry: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driving License (required)
- DBS Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
