Sunday, May 31, 2015

Zookeeper






Zookeeper
Flamingo Land Zoo
Closing date: Friday 19th June 2015

Flamingo Land zoological department is looking for a zookeeper to join our team.  Flamingo Land is one of the leading tourist attractions in the UK, attracting more than 1.4 million visitors each year.  The zoo currently has over 130 species across a range of different taxa.  We have an active education department, our own research institute (in collaboration with the University of York) and an award winning conservation project in Tanzania.  The zoo is also a member of BIAZA, EAZA and WAZA.

Zookeeper
The successful candidate will join a dynamic team working on a variety of different sections within the zoo, including Children’s Planet (small carnivores and reptiles), the bird section, the primate section and large carnivores.  There may also be an opportunity to be trained on other animal sections within the zoo.  All of our zoo keepers are encouraged to participate in a range of activities which include research, environmental enrichment and education.  The successful candidate will have experience working in a zoological collection and have passed the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (or equivalent).  Experience with any of the above mentioned taxa would be an advantage, but you will receive direct training in the husbandry of these taxa. The successful candidate will be expected to be very personable and able to communicate well with the visitors, including delivering public talks. The successful candidate will also be enthusiastic and a good team player.

Interviews will take place from the week beginning Monday 29th June and may include a practical assessment. Unfortunately, only successful applicants will be contacted.

To be considered for this vacancy, please send your CV and covering letter via email before 6pm on Friday 19th June 2015, postal applications will also be accepted:

Matt Scragg
Head Keeper
Flamingo Land
Kirby Misperton
Malton
North Yorkshire
YO17 6UX
01653668287



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Friday, May 29, 2015

Floating Keeper




About Wildwood
Opened in 1999 as a centre of excellence for the conservation of British wildlife and established as a registered charity in 2002, the Wildwood Trust is one of the South East’s leading specialists in native species conservation.

At the heart of our work is our British wildlife park, which is home to over 200 native and once native animals set in 40 acres of stunning ancient woodland. Every year we attract over 130,000 visitors who enjoy a fun day out as well as learning about the importance of our wildlife and woodlands.

As well as being a busy visitor attraction, Wildwood is also a respected conservation charity which is dedicated to saving British wildlife, and strives to protect our native species through captive breeding and reintroduction projects and to educate and inspire future generations as to the importance of protecting our British wildlife and wild spaces. Our range of pioneering conservation programmes includes  water voles, pine martens, hazel dormice, red squirrels, Konik horses, European beavers, harvest mice, and water shrews.

Wildwood has developed 3 unique skills which we will develop over the coming years.

•        The careful husbandry of Wildwood’s extensive collection of British native and once native wildlife.

•        Engaging the wider public and educating people about our relationship with wildlife, its historical context and its future conservation.

•        Develop our wildlife husbandry skills and knowledge to pioneer conservation projects that need such skills to produce balanced, semi natural ecological systems. Leading ecologists believe this to be key to the long term survival of our natural heritage.

Floating Keeper

This post is for an experienced keeper with two years employment history in a zoo or wildlife park.  

This role will suit a highly motivated, practical person who can work outdoors during all weathers doing a physically demanding job.

Specifically:

•        Care for our collection of British native and once native wildlife
•        Build and maintain our natural woodland animal enclosures
•        Help educate the public through talks and demonstrations about our animals
•        Help our conservation projects to promote wildlife conservation




JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:                Floating Keeper
Function:        Looking after the Wildwood collection and conservation projects.

Responsible to:        Head keeper and assistant head keeper

1                Principal Duties
1.1        Looking after the Wildwood collection

Your primary focus will be the care of wildwood’s unique collection of British wildlife. This will encompass food preparation, feeding and cleaning. As a Floating Keeper you will cover sections that are the primary responsibility of other Keepers on their days off.

You will be responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of these animals, monitoring health issues and improving their enclosures to provide behavioural enrichment.

You will take instruction from the Senior Keepers, working to priorities to achieve the best animal welfare within the resources we have.

1.2        Exhibit design and maintenance
You will be required to assist in the day to day maintenance of exhibits so you will use small tools and perform general DIY functions.

You will have a substantial input into exhibit design and building to provide the highest standards on animal care and efficiency of operations.

1.3        Meeting zoo legislation
You will help to keep animal records to meet all zoo legislation. You will follow all procedures on safe practice and hygiene regulations.

1.4        Internal communications
You will play a key role in the Keeper team and as such attend all staff meetings and produce any required reports. You will be expected to play a positive and helpful role in developing a happy, productive team working towards common objectives as laid out by your line manager.

1.5        Cost control
You will be required to play a role in cost control and making financial systems effective e.g. help investigate and acquire animal food from local sources who donate them.

1.6        Health and safety
You will be required to support your line manager to ensure that Wildwood’s Health and Safety arrangements are effective, consistent and well documented.

1.7        Customer care and animal talks
As a charity Wildwood’s ultimate success will depend on the value we can deliver to our members, donors and visitors. ‘Making every visitor a friend’ will be a key role for the post holder. This will include giving public animal feeds, helping organise themed weekends, helping run membership events and giving guidance for effective signage and interpretation.  Above all this will be fostering a customer focused attitude within the keeper team.


As a membership organisation Wildwood’s success will depend on our ability to recruit and retain members. This will involve instilling in your self a ‘customer focused ethos’ to actively engage visitors and recruit members through membership forms and giving advice on membership at every available opportunity.

1.8        Conservation Projects
You will be required to look after animals in our captive breeding programme and to play an active role in our conservation and contract work.

1.9        Special Projects
From time to time, with direction from the Park Manager, you will support the activities of other departments when it’s ‘all hands to the pump’.

2        Skills, Knowledge & Experience
2.1        Essential
The post-holder will be mature in outlook, confident, hard working and practical. Common sense and the ability to concentrate and prioritise on the essentials of a task will be key elements of your personality. You will need to be prepared to work through peak times in what is a seasonal business.

•        A minimum work history of two years of paid employment working with a range of relevant species, such as large hoofstock and carnivores, in a zoo or wildlife park.
•        Demonstrable understanding of animal management.
•        Experience of captive animal husbandry.
•        The ability and desire to enhance and develop your knowledge.
•        Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
•        Must be a team player with the ability to multi-task.
•        A genuine love of British wildlife.

2.2        Desirable
Experience in these areas is desirable; you must be able to demonstrate recent practical experience in at least one:

•        Experience of captive breeding and animal care
•        Experience of practical building work and construction
•        Experience in giving public talks and demonstrations
•        Experience of conservation reintroduction projects
•        Experience of health and safety systems
•        A relevant animal qualification such as the DMZAA qualification

3        Other Considerations
1.        The post is advertised as full time.

2.        Appointment will be subject to a six month probationary period.

3.        Understanding of and sympathy with Wildwood’s role as a conservation body would be helpful.

 4.        No person shall be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, age or disability.  As an equal opportunities employer, applicants for staff vacancies shall be short listed for interview and appointed purely on the grounds of their suitability for the post as laid out in the advertised job description.

5.        Wildwood operates a no smoking policy in the park and in its offices.

4        Employment Package
The salary band for keepers is £14,271.08 per annum. Finances permitting, salaries are updated once a year to allow for the rate of inflation.

Normal working hours are a 37.5 hour week average over the year. Normal working hours will be from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm in winter and 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in summer with a lunch break of half an hour each day. 

Due to the nature of the work you will be required to work bank holidays, weekends and some evenings. Overtime is not usually paid, but time may be taken off in lieu. The holiday allowance is 30 days a year, this includes statutory holidays.

Appointments are subject to confirmation after a six month probation period.

5        Procedure for Applicants
5.1        Applications
Application is by C.V. and must contain the following information:

•        Name, address, contact phone numbers at home and work (for discreet calls only)
•        Employment history
•        Educational history

You should include a statement of the relevant skills and experience that you believe you will bring to the job, paying careful attention to the requirements of the job outlined above.

You should give two referees to whom we can turn for a confidential reference, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer.  References will only be taken up for those candidates chosen for interview or, with regard to current employer, on offer of contract.

Applications should be sent for the attention of Jon May: jobs@wildwoodtrust.org

By post: Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7LQ. 

The vacancy will continue to be advertised until a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received.

5.2        Interview and Selection Procedure

Interviews and selection tests (if applicable) will be held at Wildwood Trust at Wealden Forest Park, Herne Common by arrangement during the following two weeks after the closing date for applications. The interview may involve at least two hours working alongside our keepers.




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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

DEPUTY HEAD OF SECTION







DEPUTY HEAD OF SECTION

 
 
Colchester Zoo are looking to recruit an experienced Deputy Head to assist the Head of the Zoo’s ‘Edge of Africa’ Section and supervise in their absence. The successful applicant will be expected to lead a small team of staff and oversee the day to day management of a diverse collection of animals, ensuring the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare, and health and safety at all times. Species include Spotted Hyena, Mandrill, L’hoest Monkey, Cheetah, Warthogs, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Rock Hyrax and two species of crane.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

·        Ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare at all times including assisting in the implementation of training and enrichment programmes, monitoring health, researching nutritional needs and ensuring excellent enclosure presentation.

·        Supervise staff in the absence of the Head of Section which will include managing rotas and holidays, training new and existing staff to the required standards, organising working protocols and procedures and providing feedback on performance.

·        Assist in the management and implementation of all aspects of Health and Safety including working protocols, risk assessments and manual handling.

·        Manage animal records, produce reports and put forward proposals.

·        Ensure the highest of standards of visitor experience through exceptional customer services and care.

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hard working, with a minimum of 7 years experience in a Zoo environment. Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills are essential as is previous experience supervising staff and an excellent understanding of health and safety in a Zoological setting. Experience with at least some of the species listed above would be beneficial.

Applicants must have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo animals and Aquaria (DMZAA) or an equivalent qualification and a full valid driving licence is essential.

This is a permanent full –time position with a start date as soon as is possible and Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Please send your CV and covering letter to The Curator, Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL


The closing date for applications for this position is Friday 19th June 2015.

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Monday, May 25, 2015

Animal Keeper: Great Apes






Animal Keeper: Great Apes

Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 year master plan already underway. The plan will see the zoo developing new habitats for a refreshed animal collection starting with Giraffe Savannah and Gibbon Forest in 2015.

We currently have a vacancy for an Animal Keeper to work on our Great Apes section. This area manages all four species of great ape; gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan and bonobo.

Key Responsibilities:
· Basic animal husbandry and regular interaction with the public

Key Skills & Requirements:
· Enthusiastic, motivated and with an interest in zoo animal management and education
· Commitment to continual professional development
· A good team worker
· 2 years zoo keeping experience and a relevant animal-related
qualification

The role is permanent and includes weekend duties on a rota system. Salary is paid monthly and we provide uniform and 31 days holiday per annum (pro rata).

Please apply on-line by sending your CV with a covering letter to

Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2015 or once sufficient applications have been received.

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General Curator, Animal Care




General Curator, Animal Care

Accountable to the Director, Animal Care, Conservation & Research, this position is responsible for the management of the animal collection, personnel, facilities and programs of the animal care areas of the zoo.
      
Responsibilities:
  • Provides daily direction and supervision to Curators.
  • Ensures animal enclosures and day to day standards exceed minimum AZA accreditation standards.
  • Ensures accurate, current records are kept on each animal and exhibit.
  • Looks for opportunities to improve and streamline procedures, processes and documentation.
  • Responsible for the preparation and monitoring of yearly budget in consultation with the Director, Animal Care & Researchensuring financial targets are achieved.
  • Involved in animal collection planning, and animal acquisitions and dispositions; assisting in exhibit design.
  • Participates in AZA and other professional organizations.
  • Involved in developing and maintaining Institutional Collection Plans for each species in the zoo.
  • Accountable for the development and implementation of standards and best practices in animal husbandry.
  • Oversees Emergency Response Team activities.  
  • Accountable for the oversight and consistent implementation of the Calgary Zoo Animal Care Training Program.
  • Works collaboratively with other departments and zones in the design and delivery of superior customer experience.
  • Liaisons with Communications department and completes media interviews as required. 
  • Ensures compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and regulation as well as Calgary Zoo policies and procedures.
  • Complies with collective agreement, Zoo policy or relevant legislation in the management of staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Veterinary science, or experience in related field.
  • 10 plus years of animal management experience with a minimum of 5 years of direct animal management in an accredited institution.
  • 8+ years of experience in a supervisory role.
  • Experience managing a unionized workforce would be considered an asset.
  • Demonstrated experience in sourcing, initiating, and facilitating animal transfers.
  • Exceptional problem solving, analytical skills, time management, accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Working experience in leading and implementing business change.
  • Excellent communication, leadership skills with the ability to motivate and empower team members.
  • Self-starter, skilled at proactively identifying areas for improvement.
  • Ability to interact and build effective relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, specifically within the Animal Care department. 
  • Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License.
Physical demands and conditions required:
  • Daily on-grounds mobility, some heavy lifting tasks, availability to work on weekends and statutory holidays.
What the zoo has to Offer:
  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Annual performance bonus.
  • Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account.
  • Employer matching RRSP program.
  • Competitive vacation and flex days entitlement.
  • Discounts on food, beverage and merchandise.
  • A complimentary annual pass for you and your immediate family members.
  • A fun work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals!
If you are a highly motivated and experienced individual we invite you to send your resume, along with a cover letter, in confidence to the Calgary Zoo by June 30, 2015. Please quote the position title in the subject line.

Human Resources
Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Rd NE
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7V6
Email: hr@calgaryzoo.com

PLEASE, NO PHONE INQUIRIES. Applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

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This email may contain confidential and/or privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete all copies.


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Friday, May 22, 2015

EXPERIENCED KEEPER / BIRD TRAINER






EXPERIENCED KEEPER / BIRD TRAINER

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced, highly motivated, reliable and enthusiastic individual to join our keeper team.

The applicant must be flexible about their duties within the zoo and should be prepared to be involved in a range of jobs associated with the daily, safe and smooth running of a family owned and managed zoological gardens.

Jobs will include all aspects of animal care; the applicant will be responsible for various animal species and duties will include food preparation, cleaning, maintenance of the enclosures, aviaries and surroundings, hand-rearing where necessary, assisting the vet and administration of basic medicines, wormers etc, record keeping and risk assessments.

Other daily jobs may include cleaning and maintenance of working and visitor facilities to ensure safe and very high standards at all times, involvement with the educational presentations, supervising and training of trainee keepers.

The ideal candidate will have:
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team and alone,
  • Endless enthusiasm and an outgoing personality,
  • A passion for and proven experience of bird training along with first rate presentation skills,
  • A good knowledge and understanding of the conservation and education roles of zoos.


If you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form or telephone for a copy on 01223 891308. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to lintonzoo@hotmail.co.uk stating any previous experience and availability.

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EXPERIENCED KEEPER / REPTILES





EXPERIENCED KEEPER / REPTILES

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced, highly motivated, reliable and enthusiastic individual to join our keeper team.

The applicant must be flexible about their duties within the zoo and should be prepared to be involved in a range of jobs associated with the daily, safe and smooth running of a family owned and managed zoological gardens.

Jobs will include all aspects of animal care; the applicant will be responsible for various animal species and duties will include food preparation, cleaning, maintenance of the enclosures, aviaries and surroundings, hand-rearing where necessary, assisting the vet and administration of basic medicines, wormers etc, record keeping and risk assessments.

Other daily jobs may include cleaning and maintenance of working and visitor facilities to ensure safe and very high standards at all times, involvement with the educational presentations, supervising and training of trainee keepers.

The ideal candidate will have:
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team and alone,
  • Endless enthusiasm and an outgoing personality,
  • A passion for and proven record in reptile husbandry,
  • A good knowledge and understanding of the conservation and education roles of zoos.


If you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form or telephone for a copy on 01223 891308. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to lintonzoo@hotmail.co.uk stating any previous experience and availability.

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Fractional Lecturer in Animal Management





Fractional Lecturer in Animal Management

Up to £32,264 per annum (pro-rata)
Substantial part-time post available

About the College
North East Surrey College of Technology has become one of Further Education's success stories as they progress towards being recognised as outstanding. In 2010, Ofsted rated Nescot as Outstanding for Leadership, Management, Capacity to Improve, Care & Support for Students, Tutorials, Enrichment, Safeguarding and Financial Management.

About the Role
NESCOT are looking to recruit a lecturer to join an outstanding team teaching a range of animal management courses from Level 1 to Level 3.

The successful candidate will have the ability to teach both practical and theoretical aspects of Animal Management. This will involve classroom based teaching as well as practical skills teaching on our large Animal Care Unit. You will be required to work as part of a motivated and dedicated team committed to students’ well-being and achievement.

Benefits
NESCOT are able to offer you a final salary pension scheme, generous holidays and the facilities of a College campus set in 7 acres of green belt in a peaceful setting. The College has excellent transport links and is set in a location convenient to London and the South East and offers a large free on-site car park.

Please indicate what fraction you would be interested in.
Closing Date for all posts: Monday 1st June 2015
Interviews will be held on: Monday 8th June 2015


If you are interested in this vacancy, please send an e-mail to apply@r21media.co.Uk You will then be sent the full Job Description, Person Specification and College application form, to be completed and returned before the advertised close date. Please note that the College will not accept CV's in place of completed applications.  

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Head Keeper





Head Keeper


Tropical Wings Zoo is currently looking to recruit an experienced, highly motivated, reliable and enthusiastic individual with a lifelong passion for all animals to head our dedicated team of animal care staff on a full time basis.   You will also have active responsibility for overseeing and managing the diverse animal collection.  
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the keeper team is managed effectively, giving the highest standards of care to the animal collection, meeting all zoo legislation, keeping our records up to date and exceeding health and safety requirements.
The keeper team is the largest team at Tropical Wings Zoo with a huge range of complex tasks. You will be required to co-ordinate the team to meet the many responsibilities of your role. This will require good people management skills and the ability to effectively delegate roles to the team.

Salary:  Circa £22k dependant on skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have:
Experience of working with captive animals and their husbandry ideally within a zoo environment at a senior level is essential.

Being a team player with the ability to inspire confidence and loyalty will be essential to effectively running  the Keeper Team

Familiarity with running of a zoological collection

Experience in developing and leading teams

Administrative experience in relation to zoological records an advantage


To apply:
Send a completed application form, CV and covering letter by email to humanresources@tropicalwings.co.uk

Closing date: This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible.

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Senior Zoo Keeper – Ectotherms






Senior Zoo Keeper – Ectotherms, Auckland Zoo

·         Rare chance to work at one of the world's most ambitious and conservation-focused zoos.
·         Care for a diverse collection of native and exotic reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
·         Contribute directly to the conservation of native fauna through breed-for-release programmes.
·         Unique opportunity to participate regularly in field conservation projects.

Auckland Zoo delivers exciting and educational visitor experiences that inspire and empower people to take positive action for wildlife and the environment, and is a leader in the field of zoo-enabled conservation.

This is an opportunity to join the Life Sciences team and be part of an organization that is proud of its contribution to the conservation of species and their habitats in New Zealand and abroad.

Auckland Zoo recently opened the award-winning $15million NZ fauna precinct, Te Wao Nui, which is providing many new opportunities for the zoo to contribute to the conservation of New Zealand wildlife, both in the zoo and in the field. It features six zones displaying more than 60 native animal species (including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds) and more than 110 native plant species.

The Senior Ectotherm Keeper works as part of a team responsible for the daily husbandry and management of a diverse range of native reptiles, frogs, fish, and invertebrates species - including tuatara, Otago and chevron skinks, Archey's frog, long-fin eels and giant weta - as well as exotic species such as American alligators, Galapagos tortoises, Australian lizards and bird-eating spiders.

The organisation is committed to conservation in the field, as well as in the zoo, and all members of the Ectotherm team are fortunate to regularly participate in a diverse range of field programmes in New Zealand.

We are looking for a highly experienced specialist keeper with a comprehensive knowledge of the management and husbandry required for a range of ectotherm species. You will be able to demonstrate high standards, possess exceptional attention to detail, be highly organised and keen to learn. Good team skills and demonstrable supervisory experience are essential whilst the ability to work independently and to show initiative is also crucial.
A relevant degree in biological sciences/conservation is required and a minimum of five years practical experience caring for a diverse herpetological/entomological collection is essential.
Auckland Zoo is committed to its extensive field conservation programme, so the successful candidate will be expected to spend time working on conservation projects in the field. An interest in and aptitude for fieldwork is therefore essential and prior relevant experience and proven scientific writing skills would be an advantage.

This is a full-time permanent role, working 40hrs per week on a 14-day roster system including weekends and public holidays. A high level of energy and physical fitness will enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role.

To meet the Zoo's operational needs, the successful candidate may occasionally be required to care for other animal taxa or undertake additional tasks at the Team Leader's and/or Curator's discretion.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a world-class organisation, contribute to conservation and progress your career - are you ready to do something wild every day?

This position is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing
Applications close Monday 8th June 2015 at 10.30pm



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