Animal Presenter / Trainee Animal Presenter

Animal Presenter / Trainee Animal Presenter                 

37.5 hours per week.  Based at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.  Both parks are premier visitor attractions, offering visitors a fantastic day out.  Of equal importance is our excellent international reputation for our conservation and education programmes and we are looking to the future with confidence.  We’ve been a charity since our founding in 1909 and maintain a keen commercial edge to ensure we can sustain our excellent reputation.  Our mission is to ‘connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction’.

A vacancy has arisen for an Animal Presenter (or Trainee Animal Presenter) to work within the Living Collections Department. We are welcoming applications from both qualified and non-qualified candidates.  The role will involve all aspects of the presentations section, including shows, keeper experience, talks, panda tours and animal care.  The successful candidate will be required to deliver the Keeper Experience program to a high standard, meeting the needs of the zoo visitors and ensuring high animal welfare.  They will also contribute to the development of the Society in achieving its Mission and Aims.

To operate effectively in this role, it is desirable if you hold the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals or equivalent qualification or experience at SVQ 3 or equivalent level. Practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment is also desirable and experience of working with a range of animal taxon groups would be advantageous. You should also have up-to-date basic knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice, along with a sound basis of practical knowledge and skills about good animal management including dietary knowledge. Proven success in animal training or an appropriate qualification in the use of positive reinforcement training would be beneficial.

You will be an excellent communicator, with strong presentation skills. You will be comfortable working as part of a team and will build effective relationships across the organisation. Customer service will be key to this role and you must have an excellent understanding of the principals involved and how to interact with the public to ensure a memorable experience.

This is a full time position working 37.5 hours per week.  The successful candidate must be able to work weekends.  Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience (£15,000 -17,500 per annum pro-rated)

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure check.  For more information on this exciting position a full job profile is available on the Edinburgh Zoo website.

The closing date: Tuesday 20th May 2014. 

For full information on how to apply for the above position please visit the vacancies page at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk.  Registered charity number: SC004064