Falconer

About Mount Juliet Estate

Mount Juliet Estate, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is a luxurious 5-star resort situated on 500 acres of scenic Irish countryside. The Estate combines historical charm with upscale hospitality, recognized as an Outstanding Employer by Fáilte Ireland. Join their team to contribute to a distinctive guest experience centered around nature, heritage, and luxury.

Role Overview

We are recruiting an experienced and dedicated Falconer to manage and care for the Estate's birds of prey. This role requires expert falconry skills, a strong commitment to animal welfare, and the ability to engage guests through educational, memorable experiences that showcase the Estate’s exceptional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for the daily welfare, care, and management of the birds of prey, ensuring optimal husbandry practices, health checks, and housing conditions.
• Develop and maintain training and conditioning programs tailored to each bird’s needs, monitoring behavior and fitness carefully.
• Deliver engaging and informative falconry demonstrations and experiences for guests of various ages, adapting presentations to suit different groups and knowledge levels.
• Handle and fly birds professionally and safely during guest interactions, ensuring clear safety instructions and adherence to all relevant legislation and standards.
• Collaborate with Estate teams to enhance falconry offerings and participate in conservation, educational, and environmental stewardship initiatives.
• Organize and maintain falconry equipment, facilities, and supplies, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for safety and cleanliness.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all bird care, training, health, and operational activities, complying with licensing and legal requirements.
• Stay current with developments in falconry, conservation, and animal welfare, sharing knowledge across teams and supporting colleagues involved in falconry experiences.
• Represent Mount Juliet Estate professionally, upholding the 5-star luxury standards and contributing to its reputation for outstanding guest experiences.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a professional Falconer with hands-on expertise in bird welfare, handling, training, and flying of birds of prey.
• Strong passion for wildlife conservation and the natural environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to confidently interact with luxury hotel guests.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding animal care and documentation.
• Demonstrated understanding of health, safety, and risk management in falconry contexts.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and varying hours based on guest demand and bird requirements.
• Relevant falconry certifications or professional training and a full driving license considered advantageous.

Additional Information

The position includes competitive pay, staff meals during duty, provided uniform, health club access, ongoing professional development, international Marriott hotel discounts, and access to an employee assistance program.

This opportunity suits candidates interested in blending falconry with luxury hospitality within a conservation-focused environment.