Friday, September 26, 2014

HEAD KEEPER




HEAD KEEPER

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) was established in 2003 by Münster Zoo and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). It is the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia, located on 25 hectares of land in Phnom Kulen National Park at the trailhead for the historic site of Kbal Spean, about 50 km north of Siem Reap. The goals of the ACCB include the rehabilitation of confiscated, mainly globally threatened wildlife and the conservation breeding of selected species, in combination with environmental education and capacity building for conservation and an expanding in-situ conservation and research programme.

For additional information regarding the project please familiarize yourself further at our website www.accb-cambodia.org, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ACCBCambodia.

 The ACCB is currently looking for a Head Keeper. This is a challenging but rewarding position for a highly dedicated and motivated individual with a keen interest in making a contribution to conservation. In addition, he/she will have to be prepared to support a variety of other activities at ACCB as required, such as helping in education, maintenance, and administration. The Head Keeper reports to the Curator and oversees the daily tasks of the animal keeping team, currently including one senior animal keeper and six animal keepers. The animal stock at ACCB currently includes approximately 275 individuals from about 40 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Head Keeper attends to daily animal care, providing oversight, training, and leadership for the animal keeping team, while participating in animal husbandry in an active role. The Head Keeper is supervised by the Curator.

•        Under the direction of the Curator, carry out all aspects of animal husbandry and rehabilitation, physical and psychological enrichment, preparation for release, and animal record keeping
•        Provide day-to-day oversight, assignment of daily tasks, training, and leadership of the animal keeping team; oversee and directly participate in preparation of food, feeding of animals, cleaning of enclosures, and other daily tasks
•        Assist in identifying and mitigating hazards within the Animal Department; adhere to and oversee compliance of subordinates with safety guidelines
•        Observe animals to detect signs of illness and inform the Curator and Veterinarian when illness or injury is suspected
•        Perform routine inspection of enclosures for cleanliness and structural defects
•        Perform minor maintenance and repair of animal enclosures when feasible, and otherwise consults with the Curator and Facilities Specialist for repairs
•        Assist the Curator in the development of training plans for animal keepers; participate in the routine development of staff expertise in animal husbandry and training, operant conditioning, and behavioral enrichment
•        Under the direction of the Curator, provide training and operant conditioning to permanent animal collections to enhance animal welfare, enrichment, and safety
•        Make recommendations to the Curator for improvement in all aspects of the animal husbandry and breeding conservation program; assist in developing and implementing animal husbandry and conservation breeding protocols
•        Implement international standards to ensure ACCB’s animal collection receives the best care
•        Under the direction of the Curator, assist carrying out all aspects of artificial incubation and special care for neonates, carry out all aspects of hand-rearing of juveniles/orphans
•        Report grievances received from the animal keeping team immediately to the Curator
•        Conduct animal acquisitions as requested
•        Continually learn and adapt techniques to optimize animal husbandry and breeding success

Requirements
•        Animal husbandry experience in a zoo or wildlife rescue center
•        Good command of English (spoken and written)
•        Excellent organization and communication skills
•        Flexibility and ability to cope with a sometimes heavy workload and to multi-task in a demanding environment
•        Good practical skills and common sense
•        Computer literacy
•        Physically fit and able to work in a hot and humid climate
•        Ability to live under simple conditions in a poor and rural area in a different culture

 Conditions / remuneration:
•        Free shared accommodation at ACCB, located at Kbal Spean in Phnom Kulen National Park
•        On-site transport and internet access available
•        Preference will be given to candidates indicating that they are prepared to stay for longer periods
•        Salary is dependent on experience

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please apply as soon as possible via email including covering letter, CV and the contact details of two references to:




Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis














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