Join our raptor team! Explore our current open positions:
Patrick T. Redig Endowed Chair in Raptor and Ecosystem Health and Director of The Raptor Center Job ID:366499
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) invites applications for an outstanding distinguished dual-role faculty candidate as the holder of the prestigious Patrick T. Redig Endowed Chair in Raptor and Ecosystem Health and as the Director of The Raptor Center. The position will be a contract (non-tenure) or a tenure-track full-time at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor at the Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM) Department. The final rank and terms of appointment will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate consistent with Collegiate and University policies.
We are searching for an exceptional individual with demonstrated leadership in conservation medicine and/or ecosystem health, complemented by a strong academic background and administrative experience. This role is critical in advancing raptor and ecosystem health, shaping research and clinical practices, and ensuring the continued success and impact of The Raptor Center. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and program development at The Raptor Center and will join the faculty of the VPM department to contribute to impactful research, education, mentoring and outreach activities, promoting collaborations, partnerships, and an interdisciplinary, diverse and inclusive culture of belonging. The candidate in this position will be key to drive philanthropic efforts to secure resources and support the activities at The Raptor Center to maintain the Center’s status as a global leader in raptor medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and conservation.
Qualified applicants must apply online on the UMN job board (Job ID: 366499).
The review of applications will begin on March 31, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
For specific questions related to the position, you may contact Dr. Tiffany Wolf, search committee chair at [email protected].
Duties As the Patrick T. Redig Endowed Chair
- Provide visionary leadership and faculty engagement in academic, teaching, research, and outreach endeavors related to ecosystem health, veterinary population medicine, raptor health and rehabilitation, and/or conservation medicine, particularly as an active faculty member of the Ecosystem Health Division of the Veterinary Population Medicine department.
- Establish and maintain an innovative, collaborative, and impactful applied research program in population medicine and/or conservation medicine of avian species, especially raptors, including but not limited to epidemiological, ecological, welfare, and clinical studies.
- Contribute to teaching and mentorship to help develop the next generation of leaders in ecosystem health, raptor conservation, and raptor medicine and surgery.
- Promote an interdisciplinary, diverse, inclusive culture of belonging for all learners and colleagues.
Duties As the Director of The Raptor Center (TRC)
- Advance the strategic mission of TRC, in consultation with external stakeholders and collaboration with the College, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and The Raptor Center Advisory Board.
- Lead and direct the dedicated team at TRC to advance TRC’s strategic mission, vision and values.
- Foster and develop a network of partnerships to advance and fulfill TRC’s teaching, research and service missions, and maintain TRC’s status as a global leader in raptor medicine, surgery and rehabilitation.
- Drive and advance philanthropic efforts to maintain and build resources and support for TRC operations.
- Lead and establish direction and priorities for educational efforts to engage communities in programs focused on the human-wildlife interface and raptor conservation challenges.
- Create strategies to continue the vision that advances raptor rehabilitation, clinical raptor medicine, patient welfare, and professional service and education, while promoting a culture of research and scholarship.
- Promote an interdisciplinary, diverse, inclusive culture of belonging for all learners and colleagues.
Qualifications
Candidates must have an advanced degree, either a DVM or a PhD or an equivalent degree from a non-US University, along with significant experience and recognition as a leader in ecosystem health and/or conservation medicine and/or raptor health. The search committee is seeking an individual who can demonstrate the following:
Required:
- Strong record of scholarship, teaching, public outreach and/or service
- Experience engaging with various stakeholder groups (e.g. wildlife rehabilitation community, community leaders, educators, scientists, and clinical teams)
- Experience building and sustaining collaborative networks and highly functional teams
- Collaboration and contributions as a collegiate/university/organizational citizen
- Demonstrated success in securing grants and philanthropic support to aid research and outreach programs
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
- A commitment to community and belonging and inclusivity
Preferred:
- Candidates with both a DVM degree or equivalent and an additional advanced degree (i.e. PhD, MS, MPH, Board certification)
- Demonstrated background and experience in wildlife rehabilitation
- Demonstrated knowledge of raptors and their conservation issues globally
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media, donors, key stakeholders, and partners
- Proven skill in upholding integrity and fostering personal accountability, contributing to a strong organizational reputation.
- Capacity to drive innovation, optimize resource utilization, and achieve measurable outcomes efficiently.
How To Apply
Qualified applicants must apply online on the UMN job board (Job ID: 366499) and include the following: a letter of intent describing the candidate's interest in the position and how they are qualified, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references with contact information. Additionally, applicants must submit a diversity statement addressing their contributions to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. Specifically, applicants should reflect on what they learned from working with diverse populations.
The review of applications will begin on March 31, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
For specific questions related to the position, you may contact Dr. Tiffany Wolf, search committee chair at [email protected].
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer
Curator Duties/ Responsibilities
Curation of ambassador bird collection and programming tools (65%)
- Primary curation responsibility for the collection of TRC ambassador birds, including,
but not limited to: managing bird husbandry, enrichment, training, medical care, record
keeping, enclosure management and maintenance, and federal/state required reporting. - Oversee the maintenance of biofacts, equipment, and other resources used in educational
programming - Coordinate the training of staff and volunteers in bird handling and training
Operational Support of Education programming (25%)
- Work with the education director to create and update programming content and
standards - Coordinate program scheduling in collaboration with TRC’s education program
scheduler, manage employee schedules - Provide backup support as an education programmer or Center tour host
Professional training (5%)
- Lead the team in maintaining, developing, and implementing professional workshops and online
trainings on ambassador care and training - Consult with raptor ambassador caretakers on training and management as requested
Other duties as assigned (5%)
Curator Qualifications
Minimum:
- BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least 4 years
- At least 2 years of experience managing/training a raptor ambassador collection of 5 or more
raptors - Experience working with volunteers
- Experience leading a team to achieve desired goals
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to create reports and
presentations - Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Ability to lift 35 pounds
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred:
- Two or more years of experience managing/training an ambassador raptor collection of 10 or
more raptors - Experience training and handling eagles
- Knowledge of raptor behavior, ecology, or other related field
- Experience managing complex staff schedules
- Experience in experiential education programming
How to apply
View the full job posting including details about benefits following the link and job ID listed. All applications for this position are required to be submitted online on the UMN job board with job ID #367191.
Applications mailed to The Raptor Center will not be considered.
Cover letter and résumé required. These documents can be attached to your application by assessing your “My Activities'' page and uploading documents there. This position will remain open until filled. For the best chance to be considered for this position, apply as soon as you are able.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Background Check Information
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.