Tuesday, December 29, 2009

'Volunteering' at UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve

The UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, situated in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is a 5,000 hectare reserve comprised of three farms, Gevonden, Geluk and Vertrek.

The reserve encompasses a wide range of habitats from bushveld to mountainous terrain. A number of species inhabit the reserve, including kudu, impala, mountain reedbuck and black-backed jackal and several species have been released including giraffe, zebra, blesbok, red hartebeest, waterbuck, common reedbuck, nyala and white rhino.

Action for the Wild is currently offering placements at UmPhafa Reserve, in particular to those seeking to gain experience before pursuing a career in conservation. This will not be a glorified safari and successful applicants will be shadowing the research coordinators as their assistants, to collect valuable data necessary to make key management decisions. This in itself is much more fulfilling than simply visiting Africa as a tourist and research assistants will have the satisfaction of being close to the animals and knowing that their contribution is having a direct influence on the wellbeing of the fauna of UmPhafa Reserve.

This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field and learn new skills from qualified staff members over a wide range of aspects involved in the running of a reserve. Days will be varied with duties including the conduction of behavioural observations on game species, as well as aiding the current research projects in order to complete the species list of the reserve and to monitor populations.

At certain times in the year, vegetation surveys will be an important undertaking, as will the general maintenance of the reserve’s roads, fences and structures. The programme is open to anybody with a genuine love of nature and the environment, in particular African ecosystems.

As competition is expected to be high for these positions, placements will be offered following a successful interview process, which will be held at Colchester Zoo.

The minimum age of prospective research assistants is 20 years by the time of deployment to UmPhafa. Due to limited facilities, the maximum number of available positions is 4 placements at any one time.

The minimum period of stay is 4 weeks with a maximum of 90 days and, after successful application, dates of deployment will be allocated based on the applicant’s preferred month of commencement.

A contribution of £1,000 for stays of four weeks, with an additional contribution of £500 per four weeks thereafter, will be required to a maximum of a total 12 week period of stay. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Rebecca Perry, Director of Conservation, Education and Research at Colchester Zoo on rebecca.perry@colchester-zoo.co.uk  for more details.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Headkeeper - Chessington World of Adventures

Job title: Zoo Headkeeper


Company: Chessington World of Adventures

Salary: £Competitive + excellent benefits

Location: Chessington, Surrey

Guests visit Chessington World of Adventures for Britain’s wildest day out and the animals they encounter all add to the atmosphere of excitement and discovery. That’s why our zoo is expanding, and why your role – making sure we meet guests’ expectations – is so critical.


About the role

From lions and tigers, to meerkats and pygmy marmoset monkeys, our zoo already boasts a huge array of wildlife. But we have even bigger plans for it. We’re about to add a gorilla extension, a Serengeti Plain and a parakeet walkthrough. It’s all designed to help our guests explore the natural world and get up close and personal with the cheeky, the mischievous and the exotic - and you’ll be right at the heart of it when you take charge of day-to-day operations.


It’ll be down to you to make sure everything runs smoothly. Working with the Zoo Manager and Heads of Section, you’ll lead, develop and motivate up to ten zookeepers - helping them to deliver unrivalled standards of animal husbandry and welfare, and to create the most stimulating environment possible for our guests. Naturally, Health & Safety will be a crucial responsibility, and you’ll be stringent about risk assessments and safe working practices. We’re also big on conservation, education and research, so you’ll have a big part to play in that too, and you’ll be responsible for ensuring that our paperwork and daily inspection records are always kept up to date.


About you

We’re after an inspirational professional who reflects our pioneering spirit. So you’ll need more than a broad knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry plus an in-depth understanding of Health & Safety and zoo licence legislation. Impressive experience at a management or leadership level is also vital, and you must also be full of energy and initiative, and will be highly ambitious.



About us

Chessington World of Adventures offers adventurers of all ages the chance to go wild and leave the dull restraints of everyday life behind. With our extraordinary blend of rides and wildlife, we focus on providing a great day out for all the family. Not only will you be working at the heart of a brand that’s all about freedom, discovery and fun-filled challenges, you’ll also be joining a business that’s part of the massively successful Merlin Entertainments Group – the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator attracting over 32.5 million visitors a year.



To apply

For a job with a little more adventure, go to http://www.chessingtonjobs.com/

Please Visit Zoo News Digest at:  http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Operations Manager - King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre

Operations Manager, Based at King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

Over-utilisation of rangelands and excessive hunting have extirpated most larger mammal species in the Kingdom. Notoriously harsh environmental conditions, an increasing human population and competition with large free-ranging herds of domestic stock - mainly camels - further exacerbate the plight of wildlife in Saudi Arabia. The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development established a system of protected areas and captive breeding programmes for gazelles, Arabian oryx and houbara bustard for re-introduction to suitable, managed protected areas.



The King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC), located approximately 80 kilometres north of Riyadh, is a breeding centre for Mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) and Arabian Sand gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica). Animals from KKWRC provided the founders for self-sustaining populations in 3 protected areas (Ibex Reserve, Uruq Bani M’arid & Mahazat as-Sayd) and continue to serve as the source of animals for augmentation of populations that might be depleted through poaching or natural catastrophe. Since 1989 ZSL has managed the Centre and provided research staff.



Please click here for a job description: Operations Manager Saudi Arabia Dec 09 (16 KB)



This project is looking for an Operations Manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the ZSL Project in Saudi Arabia. The successful applicant will be responsible to the ZSL Scientific Director.



To apply please send your CV and covering letter to the Human Resources Department at hr@zsl.org



Closing date: 31 January 2010


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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Senior Bird Keeper and Animal Keeper at Newquay Zoo

Senior Bird Keeper


A new opportunity has arisen for a Senior Bird Keeper at Newquay Zoo.
The post requires a hard working, dedicated, enthusiastic and reliable
individual to oversee and contribute to the day to day running of this
varied and expanding section and be involved with in house staff
training.

The section currently houses over 50 species of birds with approximately
190 specimens including Sphenisciformes, Psittaciformes and an ever
growing collection of Passeriformes.

A minimum of 6 years working with avids is required and preferably
within a BIAZA/EAZA recognised institution. The ideal candidate will
have attained the Advanced National Certificate in the Management of Zoo
Animals or equivalent.

Animal Keeper

A position has become available for the post of Animal Keeper at Newquay
Zoo. The ideal candidate should possess at least 2 years animal keeping
experience and will have preferably completed and passed the Advanced
National Certificate in the Management of Zoo Animals.

The applicant will be expected to work on their own initiative and as
part of a team, and be dedicated to the ongoing development of the zoo.

Duties will include attending to the husbandry requirements of a variety
of animals across a range of taxa, as directed by a Senior Keeper or the
Head Keeper. Daily observations of individual animals, completion of
relevant records, and having the ability to answer visitors' questions
as required, in a courteous and informative manner, are fundamental for
this position.

Closing date for applications, for both positions, is the 25th January
2010.

Please apply, in writing, enclosing a full CV and cover letter to:-

The Director
Newquay Zoo
Trenance Gardens
Newquay
Cornwall
TR7 2LZ

email:- info@newquayzoo.org.uk

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Vet Nurse in Kalimantan

Vet Nursing in Borneo

Help improve animal welfare in Indonesia by sharing your skills and experience!

Facility and Program Description:Kawasan Wisata Pendidikan Lingkungan Hidup (KWPLH) is an environmental education center located in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. The facility’s goal is to increase environmental awareness and animal welfare in the local area. In addition to our animal programs the facilities boast education buildings, picnic areas and playgrounds. To see a full description of the KWPLH’s facilities and goals visit http://www.beruangmadu.org/ or email us.

KWPLH provides world-class accommodation to 5 sun bears rescued from the illegal pet trade. Sun bears are the mascot of Balikpapan, and therefore our current education programs and displays focus on them.

The Domestic Animal Program was created in response to the frequent dumping of kittens at KWPLH. We have attempted to establish a safe home for abandoned kittens and a sterilization and adoption program. We have an average of 100 cats, most of which are permanent residents. There are also 6 dogs.

The Domestic Animal Program Goals:
1.Ensure the welfare of the cats and dogs within the environs of KWPLH.

2.Discourage to keeping of wildlife as pets by highlighting the difference between wild and domestic animals.

3.Educate visitors in proper pet care including the promotion of pet sterilization.

Volunteer Vet Nurse Needed
We are in need of a vet nurse to assist in the development and management of our animal division with focus on our Domestic Animal Program. The primary goal would be to assist our Indonesian veterinarian and animal care-taking staff in mastering vet nursing skills. Other responsibilities would include improving; administration and record keeping, enrichment and training programs, and the adoption program. There would be some opportunities to work with bears and other wild species. Interested persons would also be encouraged to help with education programs to increase animal welfare. The position would be for 6-12 months. KWPLH will provide housing.

Outlined below is a list of topics that we need help with:
1.Animal Care Administration
a.Reviewing current administration systems and improving them, especially in regards to animal health notes or charts.
b.Developing the KWPLH vet’s computer skills.

2.Assist the KWPLH vet in mastering vet nursing skills, including but not limited to: safe and effective holds, injection techniques (s.c., i.m., and i.v.), animal handling, sterilization of tools, anesthesia administration and monitoring, clinic administration, first aid, etc.

3.Assist the vet in all her duties including operations, health checks, monitoring of sick animals, and preventive medicine.

4.Assist with daily animal care, including feeding and cleaning.

5.Assist in the setting up of a newly built clinic.

6.Help develop a low-cost sterilization program for neighboring community pets or stray animals. Of

7.Dog training and training animal staff in dog training.

8.Assist bear keepers in treatment of sun bear medical issues.

9.Assisting with our cat adoption program: Improvement with the goal of increasing the number of adoptions (to good homes).

10.Enrichment programs for domestic animals, sun bears and other wildlife (e.g. slow loris, civets, macaques occasionally taken care of at the center).

11.Information gathering and consultation with KWPLH advising vets.

Australian Citizens
Through the VIDA volunteer program Australian citizens can receive financial and logistical support including a monthly stipend. The position is not currently advertised through VIDA but applicants to us will be nominated. More information about the VIDA program can be found at www.

For more details about KWPLH and the vet nurse position please email us!Send questions and resumes to Gabriella Fredriksson, gmfred@indo.net or gabriella.fredriksson@gmail.com
Please cc all emails to Ali Redman aliredman@gmail.com
Website: http://www.beruangmadu.org/

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Primate and Small Mammal Keeper - Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Applications are invited for a keeper on the Primate and Small Mammal Section of the Park.



The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting in the daily husbandry of the section, and will work in close co-operation with the Section Head and his staff towards the continuous development of the section. They will be expected to undertake research projects, nutritional studies, enrichment and all relevant aspects of work in a progressive animal collection. Assisting in the presentation of educational talks and promotion of our work with lemur conservation is essential.

3 years experience with primates- particularly lemurs, and a variety of small mammal species in a zoological environment is essential, applicants will need to demonstrate good communication skills, be self-motivated, and able to lead and work as part of a team. Possession of a relevant animal management qualification, and a full driving licence are required.

In return we offer a competitive salary, free accommodation, and a non-contributory pension scheme.

Closing date 11th January 2010

Please send a current CV together with a hand-written covering letter to:

Jamie Craig
Curator,
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens,
Burford,
Oxon
OX18 4JP

jamiecraig@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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Bird Keeper - Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Applications are invited for a keeper on the Bird Section of the Park.



The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting in the daily husbandry of the section, and will work in close co-operation with the Section Head and his staff towards the continuous development of the section. They will be expected to undertake research projects, nutritional studies, enrichment and all relevant aspects of work in a progressive animal collection. Experience with artificial incubation and rearing systems is required. Assisting in the presentation of educational talks is also essential.

A minimum of 3 years experience with a wide variety of exotic birds in a zoological environment is essential, applicants will need to demonstrate good communication skills, be self-motivated, and able to lead and work as part of a team. Possession of a relevant animal management qualification, and a full driving licence are required.

In return we offer a competitive salary, free accommodation, and a non-contributory pension scheme.

Closing date 11th January 2010

Please send a current CV together with a hand-written covering letter to:

Jamie Craig
Curator,
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens,
Burford,
Oxon
OX18 4JP

jamiecraig@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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Volunteer Field Assistants, Tsaobis Baboon Project 2010

The Tsaobis Baboon Project is run by the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London. It has been studying the population and behavioural ecology of Chacma Baboons in central Namibia since 2000. Fieldwork in 2010 will investigate two specific areas:

• Social foraging and environmental change
• Behavioural ecology of personality

Positions available in 2010
Each research area has three four-month positions available from May to mid-September. A total of six positions are available.

More information about the project, arrangements for volunteers and the application procedure can be found on the Project’s webpages:
www.zsl.org/science/research/research-projects/tsaobis,1147,AR.html

For more information please contact Harry Marshall (harry.marshall@ioz.ac.uk ) or Alecia Carter (alecia.carter@anu.edu.au ).

Closing date: Sunday 17th January 2010

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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Education Officer - Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens - Education Officer
Salary Range £17,000 pa - £17,474 pa

Our Learning Department requires a full-time Education Officer to provide maternity cover starting during February 2010; the position could last for up to one year.

You will be required to teach sessions within the Zoo's purpose-built Conservation Education Centre, on a range of topics, to booked groups of varying age and ability; also to assist with many other tasks within the Department, including seasonal activities.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, wildlife and conservation knowledge with the enthusiasm to share this with others. The ability to work independently and as part of a team. You must be flexible and able to work under pressure. Basic ICT skills are essential.

A copy of the job description, person specification and application form are available at www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 5.00 pm on Monday 4 January 2010. Interviews will be held on Friday 15 January 2010.

Bristol Zoo Gardens is a registered conservation and education charity.

Simon Garrett
Head of Learning
Bristol Zoo Gardens
regd. charity no. 1104986

tel: 0117 974 7300 (switchboard)
tel: 0117 974 7370 (direct)
fax: 0117 973 6814

email: sgarrett@bristolzoo.org.uk

web: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

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Friday, December 11, 2009

Fixed Term Keeper - Wellington Zoo Trust

Want to join a Zoo who’s dream is to be the best little Zoo in the world?

Wellington Zoo is a treasure, housing significant populations of animals, plants and people who are passionate about conservation, education and recreation. Some 180,000 people visit the Zoo each year. The Zoo conserves precious species and raises awareness of the human contribution to both the destruction and sustainability of ecosystems.

Under the management of the Wellington Zoo Trust, the Zoo is heading in new and exciting directions. The Trust’s vision is for the Zoo to be a magical place of learning and fun, bringing animals in their environments and people who visit together.

We are looking for a fixed term Keeper to work 8 hours per week until December 2010. The role will involve providing daily care to our Possums as part of a research programme.

The successful applicant will have:


Experience in captive animal keeping and daily husbandry.

Knowledge of behavioural and environmental enrichment techniques.

The ability to work with limited supervision, solve problems and work well in a team environment.

A National Certificate in Captive Wild Animals. Equivalent qualification or experience

The ability to work on a roster that includes weekends and public holidays.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Please download the application form and job description here.

To apply, please email your covering letter, CV and completed application form to zooapplications@wellingtonzoo.com or post it to

Fixed Term Keeper Vacancy
c/- Wellington Zoo Trust
200 Daniell Street
Newtown
Wellington
New Zealand.

Applications must be received by 12pm Wednesday, 23 December 2009.


For more information please e-mail: zooapplications@wellingtonzoo.com

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Education Officer - Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens - Education Officer
Salary Range £17,000 pa - £17,474 pa

Our Learning Department requires a full-time Education Officer to provide maternity cover starting during February 2010; the position could last for up to one year.
You will be required to teach sessions within the Zoo’s purpose-built Conservation Education Centre, on a range of topics, to booked groups of varying age and ability; also to assist with many other tasks within the Department, including seasonal activities.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, wildlife and conservation knowledge with the enthusiasm to share this with others. The ability to work independently and as part of a team. You must be flexible and able to work under pressure. Basic ICT skills are essential.

A copy of the job description, person specification and application form are available at www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 5.00 pm on Monday 4 January 2010. Interviews will be held on Friday 15 January 2010.

Bristol Zoo Gardens is a registered conservation and education charity.

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Section Manager - Marwell Wildlife

Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. We run a 140 acre zoological park in the heart of Hampshire which is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Section Manager to head a team of keeping staff and a varied animal section of mammals and birds including Mishmi Takin, Pigmy Hippo, Brazilian Tapir, Giant Anteater, Capybara, Grey Kangaroo, Peccary, Humboldt Penguin, Greater Flamingo, Rhea, waterfowl and other bird species.

The successful candidate will therefore need to demonstrate they have the necessary animal and people management skills to lead and develop their team and care for the animals on their section.


Applicants must hold a full drivers licence and the ANC in Management of Zoo Animals or equivalent.

For application details and job description / person specification please visit our website http://www.marwell.org.uk or contact Rachel Norman, HR Coordinator on 01962 777952.


Closing Date: 3 pm 23 December

Interview Dates: To be held early-mid January


Successful applicants for vacancies with Marwell Wildlife may be required to have a Criminal Records Bureau check as a condition of employment.


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Monday, December 7, 2009

General Manager - The Escot Estate

Escot has a position that has just become vacant that would suit a nature minded person. The estate is an award winning nature based centre.

General Manager - The Escot Estate http://www.escot-devon.co.uk/

The Escot Estate's commercial activities include an award winning visitor attraction and day restaurant, a conference centre and a new residential study camp. To capitalise on substantial recent growth, Escot wishes to appoint a full time General Manager (a new position) to its Senior Management Team who will take responsibility for day to day operations, the appearance of the site, the optimisation of current catering operations and the development of new opportunities in this field. The successful candidate will have considerable relevant experience, be passionate about delivering the highest standards in customer service and have an aptitude for managing a successful and happy team. Salary by negotiation. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the right person.

Applications with a full CV to arrive by Friday 15th January 2010 to: Susan McCaig, Estate Office, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary EX11 1LU
or by email to: susan@escot-devon.co.uk

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

SECTION HEAD PRIMATES - Blackpool Zoo

SECTION HEAD PRIMATES (Ref SH/AD/P09)

Salary: £19,123.00 per annum.

Blackpool Zoo is looking for a Section Head, to oversee the day to day running and future development of the primate section within the zoo’s Animal Department.

The section currently includes over twenty species of Primates, many of which are managed as part of captive breeding programmes including Gorillas, Orang-utans, Pileated Gibbons, Red Titi’s, King Colobus, De Brazza Monkey, Emperor Tamarin, Goeldi’s Monkey plus many more,.

As well as being responsible for your section, you will also be part of the Senior Animal Management team within the zoo. In this role, you will help to develop, and move forward, the animal department in a new and exciting time within Blackpool Zoo’s history.

A minimum of 6 years zoo keeping experience (4 years working with primates including Great Apes), plus proven people management skills.

You will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic and reliable and have passed the Advanced National Certificate in the Management of Zoo Animals or an equivalent, this is essential.

In return we offer a competitive salary, pension scheme and the opportunity to further your career within the zoological world.

Subsidised single occupancy (on site) accommodation is available with this post, if required.

Blackpool Zoo is ideally and conveniently located on the outskirts of the "UK most popular holiday resort". Less than a 5 minute drive from the M55 motorway, the zoos site is also easily accessible from numerous rural villages in the surrounding area. The zoo itself is situated in a well established green belt area of the town and is only a 10 minute drive away from the town centre, which offers a veritable feast of nightlife, entertainment and shopping as well as the famous Golden Mile coastline.
Blackpool can genuinely offer "something for everyone", from singles to families, yet, within an hour drive of this vibrant town you can be in the Lake District, Manchester or even the Yorkshire Dales


The closing date for applications is the 17th January 2010.

Please apply, in writing enclosing a full CV and quoting the
Reference number of the post, to:

Personnel Department
Blackpool Zoo
East Park Drive
Blackpool
FY3 8PP

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Keeper: Elephant Section -Twycross Zoo

Keeper: Elephant Section - £15,693 - £17,300 pa

Twycross Zoo is in Leicestershire, a registered charity and home to over a thousand animals of 250 different species. We have exciting plans for developing the Zoo further, continuing our work in conservation of endangered species and providing the very best environment that we can.

We currently have a vacancy for a Keeper to join our team of Section Head, Deputy and 2 Keepers caring for our Asian elephants - a group of 4 females and a calf, born in August this year. Ganesh Vijay is the first elephant calf born at Twycross Zoo by artificial insemination and there are plans for the artificial insemination of another cow in the very near future.

We have a close contact approach to elephant management and train them to obey commands, enabling healthcare maintenance to be carried out. We now have a sand paddock and pool to give the elephants an alternative to their existing choice of grass, earth and hard flooring. Our training regime is calm and consistent and the right keeper will demonstrate self-confidence without arrogance.

You must have experience as a Zoo Keeper to apply for this position, preferably with elephants, and the role is not suitable for a trainee. Grade is determined by the job holder’s level of competence, expertise and knowledge, not length of service.

In return we offer a choice of weekly or monthly pay, uniform, 31 days holiday, 5% employer’s pension contribution and the possibility of on-site accommodation.

If you are interested, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@twycrosszoo.org or post it to Human Resources, Twycross Zoo, Atherstone CV9 3PX. Closing date: as soon as we can appoint the right person.


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