Experienced Licensed Falconer

Wing Blade Falconry; Gallatin (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Wing Blade Falconry in Nashville, TN, seeks an Experienced Licensed Falconer to oversee daily care, handling, and training of hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors used in guest experiences. This full-time, on-site role is based in Gallatin, TN, and includes feeding, health monitoring, equipment maintenance, and ensuring safety for birds and guests.

You will lead private sessions, group programs, and live demonstrations, prepare birds and gear, manage behavior, and document post-session care.

Qualifications

• Current, valid falconry license at an appropriate level and substantial hands-on experience handling raptors.
• Demonstrated skills in bird husbandry, including feeding, health observation, weight management and safe handling techniques.
• Experience with falconry equipment and ability to maintain and repair gear.
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences.
• Comfort working outdoors in varied weather conditions and performing physical tasks.
• Proven reliability and adherence to safety for guests, staff, and birds.
• Prior experience in wildlife education or zoo/animal facility work is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Daily care, handling, and training of hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors used in guest experiences.
• Full-time on-site role in Gallatin, TN including feeding, health monitoring, equipment maintenance, and safety.
• Lead and support private sessions, group programs, and special events, including live flight demonstrations and educational talks for different audiences.
• Prepare birds and equipment before each program, manage bird behavior during experiences, and perform post-session care.
• Assist with facility upkeep, support conservation and outreach initiatives, and collaborate to enhance program quality and safety standards.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Bird husbandry

Safety monitoring

Reliability

Observation skills

Tools

Falconry equipment handling

Gear maintenance

Telemetry, leashes, hoods

Job description

Company Description

Wing Blade Falconry is a premier falconry and raptor experience company based in Nashville, Tennessee, specializing in immersive, hands-on encounters with birds of prey. Founded by master falconer Holly Lamar, the company combines traditional falconry practices with contemporary conservation and educational goals.

Guests participate in private sessions, group experiences, and special events where they can safely handle and fly hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors. Wing Blade Falconry focuses on deepening public understanding of raptor biology, behavior, and ecological importance while creating meaningful connections between people and wildlife. Team members contribute directly to both guest experience and wildlife advocacy.

Role Description

The Experienced Licensed Falconer will be responsible for the daily care, handling, and training of hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors used in guest experiences. This full-time, on-site role in Gallatin, TN includes feeding, health monitoring, equipment maintenance, and ensuring safe working and handling conditions for birds and guests. The role involves leading and supporting private sessions, group programs, and special events, including live flight demonstrations and educational talks tailored to different audiences. The falconer will prepare birds and equipment before each program, manage bird behavior during experiences, and perform post-session care and documentation.

Additional responsibilities may include assisting with facility upkeep, supporting conservation and outreach initiatives, and collaborating with the team to enhance program quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Current, valid falconry license at an appropriate level (e.g., General or Master) and substantial hands-on experience handling and training raptors.
• Demonstrated skills in bird husbandry, including feeding, health observation, weight management, and safe handling techniques.
• Experience with falconry equipment, including jesses, leashes, hoods, telemetry, and transport crates, and ability to maintain and repair gear.
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead engaging, clear, and safe educational experiences for diverse audiences.
• Comfort working outdoors in varied weather conditions and performing physical tasks such as walking long distances, lifting equipment, and standing for extended periods.
• Proven reliability, sound judgment, and attention to safety for guests, staff, and birds, including adherence to all relevant regulations and ethical standards.
• Prior experience in wildlife education, animal training, or zoo/animal facility work is highly beneficial.