The NEC relies on its volunteers to perform a number of important roles from the office to the gift shop to the eagle care and education area. All of these roles involve interaction with the public, so NEC is looking for volunteers who will provide a positive and rewarding experience to our guests. Volunteers are expected to treat all guests, other volunteers and NEC staff with courtesy and respect at all times.

For those volunteers interested in working in the eagle care and education area, we ask for a minimum commitment of 12 months. When we receive your application, we will schedule a “shadow day” for you which allows you to spend a shift with a trained volunteer, a great way to see exactly what they do and determine if it is what you are looking for. There will be a short interview with one of our volunteer coordinators at the end of the shadow day, with the chance for you to ask questions and receive more information about the program and training.

Once you have successfully completed the application process, the volunteer coordinators will set up your training program and volunteer schedule.

To ensure a positive and safe experience for our guests (as well as for volunteers and staff), volunteers are expected to fully observe NEC safety policies and procedures as well as other policies set forth in the volunteer handbook or established from time to time by the staff of NEC.  

Volunteer Positions

The following are volunteer positions available at the National Eagle Center. Each of the positions has certain requirements which are summarized below and may be changed by NEC at any time. A more detailed listing of your duties will be provided during your training period. For those volunteers interested in working in the eagle care and education area, we ask for a minimum commitment of 12 months. The NEC staff will periodically review each volunteer’s performance and may change a volunteer’s duties as a result of that assessment.


Support Volunteer

Description: Provide general support to the Eagle Center by assisting with administrative duties, membership, phones, event support, the gift center and greeting guests.

Minimum commitment: None

Criteria: One day of training to familiarize the volunteer with the workings of the NEC

Apprentice

Prerequisite: Successful completion of orientation and initial training.

Description: The Apprentice position is the entry level for volunteers wishing to work in the eagle care and education area. Volunteers work with the eagle care staff and other volunteers in cleaning the public areas around the mews and classroom; preparing food for the eagles; taking photos, and; providing other assistance to enhance NEC guests’ experience and to aid in the care of the eagles.

Minimum commitment: A commitment (1) to volunteer for at least 3 shifts per month including 1 weekend shift every other month and (2) to attend regularly scheduled education sessions.


Interpreter

Prerequisites:  Volunteer as an Apprentice for at least one month and complete 16 hours of volunteer work as an Apprentice.  Complete study materials and pass the Level 1 test.   

Description:  In addition to Apprentice duties, clean the mews area and greet and interact with guests in the mews area and throughout the center answering questions and providing information about eagles in general and the NEC eagles in particular

Minimum Commitment:  A commitment (1) to volunteer for at least 3 shifts per month including 1 weekend shift every other month and (2) to attend regularly scheduled education sessions.

Educational Director Scott Mehus and Angel

Eagle Handler

Prerequisite: Volunteer at the Interpreter level for at least 3 months and complete at least 50 hours of volunteering as an Interpreter. Pass the Level 2 test. Successfully complete eagle handling training as determined by NEC staff.

Description: In addition to the duties of an Apprentice and Interpreter, work with the eagles including taking them into the classroom; holding the eagles for pictures; taking the eagles outside, and; whatever other handling duties the staff may request. Review and update eagle care records regarding weight, food and behavior.  An Eagle Handler may also be a Presenter if he/she meets the Presenter prerequisites.

Minimum Commitment: A commitment (1) to volunteer for at least 4 shifts per month including 1 weekend shift every other month and (2) to attend regularly scheduled education sessions.

Presenter

Prerequisite: Volunteer at the Interpreter level for at least 3 months and complete at least 50 hours of volunteering as an Interpreter. Observe at least 5 presentations by different presenters. Complete the Presenters’ training program.  Pass the Level 2 test.  Prepare your presentation and successfully present it once to Karlin Symons and once to Scott Mehus.

Description: In addition to the duties of an Apprentice and Interpreter, deliver informative and engaging presentations about eagles both at NEC and off-site. A Presenter may also be an Eagle Handler if he/she meets the Eagle Handler prerequisites. 

Minimum Commitment: A commitment (1) to volunteer for at least 4 shifts per month including 1 weekend shift every other month and (2) to attend regularly scheduled education sessions.

Join Our Team!

Volunteer Scheduling

Scheduling for volunteer assignments is done online, and all volunteers are expected to sign up for their shifts at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each month. Each shift will have three volunteer slots. If all the slots are filled, please choose an alternate shift.

If you wish to be at the Eagle Center on a day when the slots are filled by other volunteers, please feel free to do so, but realize that time will not count as one of your monthly shifts and the scheduled volunteers will have priority in job assignments. Periodically, special events occur for which additional volunteer help is required, and such events will be noted on the schedule; any additional hours you can provide will be welcomed. Conflicts in scheduling will be resolved by the volunteer coordinators or NEC staff.

NEC is open 7 days a week all year, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Each day is divided in 2 shifts:

Monday – Thursday, AM shift:  9:30 – 1:30
Monday – Thursday, PM shift:  12:30 – 4:30

Fri/Sat/Sun, AM shift:  8:30 – 1:30
Fri/Sat/Sun, PM shift:  12:30 – 4:30

If you cannot make your scheduled shift, you will be expected to find your own substitute and advise NEC of the change. If it is a last minute emergency and you are unable to find a substitute, please contact Scott Mehus This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .