Raptor Apprentice – Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust – Rotorua

With the exciting growth and development at the Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, we’re thrilled to offer an apprenticeship opportunity for a passionate and motivated individual to join our small but dedicated conservation team.

Wingspan is a registered charitable trust and NGO, located on the ancestral lands of Ngāti Whakaue (Te Arawa) in Rotorua. Our raptor conservation program has been operating for over 30 years and is now recognised as New Zealand’s leading conservation, education and research organisation for birds of prey. (Learn more about our work on our website www.wingspan.co.nz or social media pages on Facebook and Instagram).

Our Raptor Apprentice must be comfortable and confident working with both people and animals. This role provides a unique chance to work closely with our experts, gain hands-on experience with raptors, and educate the wider public, contributing to the vital conservation efforts aimed at preserving New Zealand’s birds of prey.

Role Description

• Present in our flight shows, demonstrating falconry techniques and educating visitors to promote awareness.
• General customer service tasks, including answering phone calls and emails and operating the cash register.
• Co-ordinate volunteers including planning, scheduling, and communicating to align volunteers’ skills with organisational needs.
• Assist in the captive management of raptors including training, feeding, cleaning, food preparation, and monitoring of health and behaviours.
• Participate in the rehabilitation and release of injured/orphaned birds of prey.
• Assist in the general maintenance of aviaries, grounds and facilities.
• Technical support with electronic equipment including UAVs, transmitter/receivers, GPS, and sound equipment.Essentials:
• A genuine passion for the conservation of our birds of prey and a basic understanding of conservation within a New Zealand context.
• A positive attitude with good organisational skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.
• Highly motivated and eager to learn.
• Respect for and willingness to embrace cultural significance.
• The ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team but also work independently.
• Willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions and not afraid to get your hands dirty.
• A good level of physical fitness.
• A current full driver’s licence and New Zealand citizenship/residency.

Preferred:

• Previous experience with wildlife, raptor handling, hunting, animal training, and/or ecology would be valuable.
• Co-ordinating small teams and understanding induction processes would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of tikanga and te reo would be a plus.

Benefits:

• Diverse and varied role, with lots of opportunities for growth and agency.
• Discretionary training and upskilling budget.
• Hands-on experience in raptor conservation and rehabilitation.
• Opportunity to work alongside experts in the field.
• Networking opportunities within the conservation community.
• A work culture prioritising Te Whare Tapa Whā – the 4 Walls of Hauora
• Retail discounts.
• Tourism industry famils.

Details
The hours of work total 30 hours per week, being 6 hours per day, Wednesdays to Sundays.- Must be available to work school holidays and public holidays when required.

Remuneration is entry level, with training provided, commencing from $39,000 per annum, and is paid fortnightly in arrears.

Join the Journey
Interested candidates should submit a short resume, and a cover letter related to this position, plus two references to wingspan.nz@gmail.com. Please include “Raptor Apprentice Application” in the subject line.

Applications can also be sent by post to Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, 1334 Paradise Valley Rd, RD 2, Rotorua 3072.

Don’t be late!

Applications will be accepted until midday Sunday, 31st May 2026, unless a suitable candidate is found beforehand.