Do you have hands-on experience working with animals and want to contribute to one of Europe’s most important vulture recovery programmes? If so, the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) is looking for a dedicated Bearded Vulture Captive-Breeding Officer to join our specialist team at the Vallcalent centre in Lleida, Spain.
The ideal candidate will have at least two years of professional experience in captive breeding or animal handling, strong organisational skills, and fluency in Spanish. This is a full-time, on-site position offering a one-year contract with the potential for renewal into a permanent role, and a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference for one of Europe’s most iconic birds. If this sounds like the right fit for you, check out the detailed job description and apply to join our team. The deadline is Saturday, 11th April 2026.
About the Vulture Conservation Foundation
VCF is the leading organisation dedicated to vulture conservation in Europe. We strive to ensure the survival and recovery of these birds through projects and initiatives across the continent, including managing the Bearded Vulture European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and multiple EU-funded LIFE projects, many of which focus on the reintroduction and reinforcement of Bearded Vulture populations into the wild.
About the Vallcalent Bearded Vulture Captive-Breeding Unit
The Vallcalent wildlife rehabilitation centre, located on the outskirts of Lleida, is one of five rehabilitation stations run by the Generalitat of Catalonia. Its Bearded Vulture unit occupies 0.5 hectares and houses 18 aviaries and 30 birds, holding exceptionally valuable bloodlines from the Pyrenees, Crete, and mainland Greece (a population that has disappeared in the wild).
The unit specialises in managing pairs with behavioural difficulties, birds requiring artificial incubation, and individuals with physical disabilities. It forms an integral part of the Bearded Vulture EEP and plays a central role in active reintroduction projects across Europe. It is a facility of significant genetic and conservation importance.
Overall Purpose of the Job
The Bearded Vulture Captive-Breeding Officer will support the Vallcalent centre coordinator and the VCF Bearded Vulture EEP coordinator across all daily tasks. Throughout the year, core responsibilities include food collection, preparation and storage; daily feeding; cage maintenance and cleaning; and continuous bird monitoring. During the breeding season (November–May), the role expands to include monitoring pair bonding and reproductive cycles, artificial incubation, and chick rearing. Additional responsibilities include data management, participation in bird transfers, support for EEP coordination tasks, and, where needed, involvement in VCF-approved field reintroduction projects.
The right candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in captive breeding or animal handling, preferably with vultures, and a genuine passion for wildlife conservation. Fluency in Spanish is required, with English desirable, and the ability to travel 2–4 times per year is expected. Strong organisational skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and a proactive, hands-on attitude are essential for success in this role.
How to apply
Please email your CV and motivation letter in English as a single PDF to recruitment@4vultures.org. Include your name in the PDF file and use “BV Officer – [Your Name]” as the email subject. Applications must be received by the deadline on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to one of Europe’s most important vulture conservation programmes. Check out the full job description and apply today.
