Job opportunities

Head Falconer / Senior Bird Keeper

Head Falconer / Senior Bird Keeper

Millets Wildside – Oxfordshire’s Wildlife & Falconry Centre

Permanent full-time position average: 40 hour weeks including weekends and bank holidays.

Millets Wildside is growing, evolving, and inspiring thousands of visitors every year — and now we’re looking for a passionate, skilled, and forward‑thinking Head Falconer / Senior Bird Keeper to join our leadership team.

This is a rare opportunity to help in shaping the future of our zoo. You’ll lead with welfare, education, and authenticity at the heart of everything you do, helping us deliver unforgettable experiences while championing conservation and best practice.

What You’ll Lead

• Daily care, training, and enrichment for a diverse collection of birds of prey and other species
• High‑quality public flying demonstrations that prioritise welfare, education, and storytelling
• Development of training plans, husbandry standards, and behavioural management
• Mentoring and supporting keepers, volunteers and other staff.
• Maintaining exceptional welfare, safety, and compliance across all operations
• Contributing to new ideas, experiences, and improvements across the centre
• Representing Millets Wildside in collaborations, conservation projects, and public outreach

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience working professionally with birds of prey in a zoo environment (minimum 3 years)
• Strong knowledge of husbandry, training, enrichment, and behavioural observation
• Confidence and experience of delivering engaging, educational public talks and flying displays
• A calm, welfare‑first approach to training and handling
• Leadership qualities: supportive, organised, proactive, and able to inspire others
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and handle the physical demands of the role
• A genuine passion for Birds of prey, conservation, education, and meaningful visitor engagement
• A full, clean UK driving licence

Why Join Millets Wildside

• Be part of a thriving, ambitious wildlife centre with a strong educational mission
• Work with a diverse and well‑cared‑for collection in a supportive, passionate team
• Opportunities to shape new experiences, training programmes, and conservation outreach
• A workplace that values authenticity, welfare, and the magic of connecting people with wildlife
• Salary dependant on experience