Volunteer Environmental Educators Wanted!

Volunteer Position: Traveling Talons Educator

Location: Off-site at schools and community venues throughout Ventura County

Reports to: Education Program Manager, Ojai Raptor Center

Time Commitment: 3–5 hours per program, including travel and set-up/break-down

Program Season: October through June

Program Days: Tuesdays–Fridays

Position Summary:

Ojai Raptor Center is seeking enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to join our Traveling Talons education team. This off-site program brings engaging, hands-on science education to classrooms throughout Ventura County, focusing on raptor adaptations, ecology, and conservation. Educators lead small student groups through timed, interactive learning stations featuring biofacts, taxidermy, and natural history specimens.

Key Responsibilities:

●  Attend one required in-person training session to become familiar with the program structure and teaching methods

●  Attend one required in-person training session to become familiar with the program structure and teaching methods

●  Review and study provided educational materials in advance to ensure a strong grasp of content across all five observation stations

●  Teach and guide student groups through interactive learning stations with a focus on bird adaptations and ecological concepts

●  Assist with transporting, setting up, and breaking down educational materials and equipment

●  Represent Ojai Raptor Center professionally at school and community sites

●  Support an inclusive, engaging, and respectful learning environment for all students

●  Follow all safety protocols and school visitor guidelines

Qualifications:

●  Enthusiasm for wildlife, science, and working with students

●  Strong communication skills and comfort speaking in front of groups

●  Reliable transportation

●  Ability to lift and carry bins (approx. 20–30 lbs)

●  Must attend one training session and commit to reviewing study materials (see dates below)

●  Background check required for school site visits; applicants must obtain and cover the $20 fee

●  Volunteers with teaching or education backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply

Schedule & Commitment:

Programs run Tuesdays–Fridays from October through June. Each event lasts 3–5 hours, including travel and setup. We are building a rotating team of educators and ask volunteers to commit to multiple programs during the school year based on availability.

*Training (Attend One Session):

Held at the Ojai Raptor Center Office – 370 Baldwin Rd, Ojai, CA 93022

●  Wednesday, September 10 | 3:00–4:00 PM

●  Saturday, September 13 | 3:00–4:00 PM

Training covers program structure, specimen handling, station talking points, and student engagement techniques. Volunteers will also receive take-home study materials to review independently.

Benefits:

●  Share your passion for wildlife and education

●  Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards

●  Gain hands-on experience in informal science education

●  Join a supportive, mission-driven nonprofit team

To apply visit: https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/volunteer-educator-application to complete and submit your application.