Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Senior Aquarist






Senior Aquarist

Skegness Aquarium
Lincolnshire

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Skegness Aquarium’s Zoo Crew for a Senior Aquarist. The brand new attraction opened on Skegness sea front earlier this year, and is home to tropical marine and terrestrial species set around a Treasure Island themed environment.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Daily husbandry and maintenance of displays
• Life support systems maintenance
• Lab and behind-the-scenes cleaning
• Record keeping
• Maintaining highest standards of animal welfare, compliance with zoo licensing and delivering veterinary care
• Guest interpretation and interaction
• Leading the day-to-day operations of the displays, under direction of the Curator
• Assisting Dive team with dive operations

Essential requirements:

• At least two years experience working within the aquarium industry
• Experience of tropical aquatic husbandry and sound knowledge of aquarium life support systems
• Qualified PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent
• Current HSE Dive Medical, or ability to get one
• Proven leadership skills and ability to work under own initiative
• Good communication skills and confidence speaking in public and interacting with visitors
• Excellent record keeping skills and knowledge of zoo licensing procedure
• Passionate about delivering the highest standards throughout the work environment
• Be able to relocate within 20 minutes of the aquarium

Desirable requirements:

• Qualification in marine biology, animal care or similar
• Qualified PADI Divemaster or higher
• Experience working with terrestrial invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles

This is a full time position which includes working regular weekends and bank holidays as well as being on call for out of hour's emergencies, working sometimes early or late to meet business demands.

For more information please contact, or to apply send a CV and cover letter to:

Stacy Adams
Skegness Aquarium, Tower Esplanade, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 3HH.
stacy@skegness-aquarium.uk

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.


Closing date: 06/11/2015

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MAMMAL KEEPER - CARNIVORES





MAMMAL KEEPER - CARNIVORES


Chester Zoo is the UK’s No.1 top zoo and is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

With the new ‘Islands’ site now open, 2015 is set to be an exciting year!  This unique and innovative project will provide an immersive experience; showcasing the animals of South-east Asia and working towards a better understanding of the vital conservation work being undertaken in this region.

We currently have a vacancy for a Mammal Keeper to join our Carnivore team.  For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a wide variety of mammal species ranging from Sumatran tiger, Asiatic lion, Giant otter, African painted dogs as well as two species of bear.

Chester Zoo aims to set a benchmark for animal welfare and the successful candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry, care and welfare for the assigned mammals; ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards. 

We are looking for someone with experience of working with large carnivores as well as bears and a range of smaller carnivore species relevant to the section. The successful candidate will be educated to HND or degree level in Zoo Animal Management/Zoological Science, or have the equivalent experience. They will have experience of implementing environmental enrichment and operant conditioning.  Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices is also essential for this position.

In addition to the daily care and management of the species on section, a proven track record for delivering the highest standards of exhibitry is a must and the ideal candidate will have outstanding observation skills with an excellent attention to detail.

Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records.  A full clean UK driving licence is also a requirement.

Salary is £17,367 per annum for a 40 hour week on a rota basis (including some weekends and bank holidays).



Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 11th November 2015.



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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Animal Keeper






Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) - Walkaround Section

Knowsley Safari Park
Liverpool

HOURS:        5 over 7 days per week, working an average of 40 hours per week
CONTRACT: Maternity Cover starting mid-January 2016
CLOSING DATE:        Sunday 22nd November


Opened in 1971 Knowsley Safari is one of the largest safari parks in the UK.  The park has five mile safari drive with a lion pride, white rhino and a variety of antelope species to name a few.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of Walkaround animal keepers to cover a period of maternity leave starting mid-January 2016.

Our Walkaround section is the ‘on-foot’ section of the Safari Park and is a dynamic section with a wide variety of species. We manage our herd of African elephants in a protected contact system.  We also manage giraffe, meerkats and red river hogs. As well as a large mixed exhibit ‘The equatorial Trail’ and our newly opened ‘Wild Trail’, home to our European Moose. On top of this we run the reptile house and the walk through bat forest.

This is a physically demanding role and so candidates must be physically fit. Due to our location as well as the nature of the job role, a full valid driving licence is essential. The successful candidate will have an animal based qualification and will have experience working with large mammals. It would be advantageous if candidates had experience working with elephants.

This full time position will include working bank holidays and weekends. Accommodation is not provided.

For more information details on how to apply for this position please visit our website at http://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/vacancies/


The closing date for application is Sunday 22nd November 2015

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Zoo Keeper (Birds)






Zoo Keeper (Birds)
Starting salary: £14,807 – 16,300 per annum
42.5 hours per week


Tropical Wings Zoo is an established visitor attraction with an emphasis on Conservation and Education.  We pride ourselves on being highly engaging and interactive.  Our guest experiences are well received with high praise for our beautiful Tropical House and diverse animal collection.  2015 is already bringing positive change within our small Zoo with new developments and big plans for the future.  New employees joining our team will become fundamental and integral to our goals and aspirations.

Tropical Wings Zoo is currently looking to recruit an experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to work across our bird sections. You will perform general animal husbandry duties to very high standards.  You will also present daily encounters and be involved in our wonderful displays.

 Requirements:
-        The ability to interact with visitors of all ages.
-        Previous animal husbandry experience with birds
-        Excellent presentation skills
-        An animal related qualification
-        Driving licence preferred due to location
-        Excellent communication skills and be able to participate fully in our education and presentation programmes

This fantastic opportunity with plenty of scope to progress includes working Bank Holidays and other weekend days if we have special events planned.

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

Closing date: This position will close as soon as we have sufficient applications to progress to the interview stage.

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Saturday, October 24, 2015

General Curator





General Curator



The Indianapolis Zoo is a national leader of animal conservation and is an AZA accredited institution. We’re located on a 64 acre campus in the heart of vibrant downtown Indianapolis, and a top tourist destination in the affordable and friendly Midwest. In addition to our animal exhibits, gardens, and aquarium, we support local and international animal conservation efforts. The Indianapolis Zoo is a private, 501(c)(3) organization.

The charge of the Life Sciences Department is to: 1) manage a living collection of animals and plants in support of the institution’s mission; 2) provide extraordinary husbandry care, enrichment and welfare for specimens within the living collection; 3) integrate and coordinate exchange of information and services with other departments to assure optimal care of the specimens in the living collection and achievement of the institution’s goals and objectives; 4) further the knowledge and understanding of species within the living collection; and, 5) maintain and reinforce a culture of continual improvement.

The General Curator of Life Sciences will reports to the Supervising VP of Conservation, Science, and Education, and lead a team of curatorial and support staff in the development of zoological and botanical programs that represent best practices in living collections management. The General Curator directly supervises the Curatorial staff and the Registrar.

The programs will be widely recognized for their innovation and scholarship. In that regard, it is imperative that the General Curator of Life Sciences has strong credentials in the biological, behavioral or other related disciplines. The General Curator of Life Sciences will be an active, highly visible presence in the local community in promoting the Zoo’s mission, and in developing and strengthening strategic alliances with other partners. The position works directly with other senior Zoo staff. Strong leadership, organizational, negotiation and motivational skills are required of the position.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

1.        Works closely with the VP of Veterinary Services, Associate Veterinarians, Nutritionist and Curators to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection.

2.        Provides technical input and serves as a resource for the creation of policies that relate to the living collection.

3.        Develops departmental procedures in conjunction with veterinary and curatorial staff, and ensures compliance with protocols.

4.        Creates metrics for measuring the quality of animal care, advancements in animal care, and impact on animal well-being.

5.        Creates and fosters a culture of safety in all areas of Life Sciences.

6.        Provides direct supervision of curatorial staff and administrative support staff, including: hiring, scheduling, job assignment, performance review, and mentoring. Coordinates any disciplinary action with the Human Resources Department as appropriate.

7.        Develops, in conjunction with the Supervising VP an annual business plan for all areas of Life Sciences, including clearly articulated goals, objectives, action plans, timelines, resource assignments, budgets, and risk analysis.

8.        Works directly with the Finance Department in monitoring Life Sciences Department revenue and expense accounts, and ensures Life Sciences staff compliance in adhering to all protocols.

9.        With input from the Supervising VP and curatorial staff, develops, implements, and communicates a management plan for the zoological collection (including species selection, reproduction, contraception, and transactions) that optimizes the well-being of individuals and populations, as well as genetic and demographic management, and to meet the institution’s exhibition and guest experience goals.

10.        With input from the Supervising VP and the Horticulture Curator, develops, implements and communicates a management plan for the botanical collection that meet the institution’s exhibition and guest experience goals.

11.        Participates in oversight of planning, construction and maintenance projects for animal facilities and enclosures.

12.        Identifies and develops plans for gathering data needed in the care of the collection.

13.        Works with Guest Services and Marketing with respect to exhibition, visitor experience and special functions.

14.        Works closely with Institutional Advancement staff in seeking and securing external funding in support of institutional goals.

15.        Supervises the Registrar to ensure that animal record systems meet all regulatory requirements and accreditation standards, and provide integrated and accessible data. Analyzes data to identify trends in the zoological collection.

16.        Works with the Horticulture Curator to ensure that botanical records meet accreditation standards.

17.        Works with the Registrar to ensure that all Life Sciences licenses and permits are secured and maintained for all aspects of housing, exhibiting and transporting animals or plants in the Collection.

18.        Closely monitors regulatory trends that impact either the zoological or botanical collection on the international, national, state and local levels.

19.        Ensures that Life Sciences operations, policies and procedures meet or exceed the current accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums.

20.        Ensures that the Zoo has an appropriate presence on and participation in national and international programs for the captive breeding of species, including designating staff to serve roles as institutional representatives, studbook keepers.

21.        Oversees Compliance and Regulatory requirements of the Collections division.

Physical work in the biomes may occur on occasion, including climbing while maintaining body equilibrium. Although limited, the General Curator must be able to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions.

REQUIREMENTS:

1.        Minimum of ten (10) years experience with or knowledge of similar work required.

2.        Minimum of four (4) years practical, direct work experience in a zoo (or similar animal/mammal research care organization) required.

3.        A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field (Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Biology, or other life-science field) is required. An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.

4.        Demonstrated strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills – both verbal and written;

5.        Demonstrated experience in setting and achieving goals, project management, and handling multiple complex tasks.

6.        Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate subordinate employees.

7.        Proven ability to work well with a wide variety of people that in this position will include executive management, community leaders, work colleagues and direct reports, and community volunteers.

8.        Must be temperamentally suited to working with animals.

9.        Demonstrated proficiency with computers including: Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and SharePoint software.

The Zoo offers a competitive benefit package (medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 403b; generous Paid Time Off) upon 90 days of continuous employment. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The application deadline for this position is November 4, 2015.

Candidates must apply online AT http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/contact/employment-and-volunteers/zoo-staff-employment. In the “Position Desired” section of the application, please put “General Curator.”

In addition to completing the on-line application, interested candidates must attach:

•        a cover letter, including compensation requirements

•        the names of, and up-to-date contact information for, three (3) professional references

Finalists for this role must provide college/university transcripts.

To help ensure receipt of your online application, we recommend applicants use a computer running Windows XP or higher, with at least Internet Explorer 8, Google Chrome, or Safari.

Candidates must apply online. A cover letter and résumé may be attached to the online application. In the “Position Desired” section of the application, please put “General Curator.”

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment training, drug testing, criminal history checks and a BMV check.

The Indianapolis Zoo is a drug-free/smoke-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer.


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Animal Care Technician




Animal Care Technician 


Reports to: Associate curator of birds and mammals

Status: Full-time, hourly, benefited position

Hours of work: Thursday through Monday, 7am to 4pm

Date needed: ASAP

Posting expires: October 27, 2015

About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium is owned by the City of Seattle and under nonprofit management. The Aquarium currently serves over 825,000 visitors and 40,000 schoolchildren and their teachers annually. Guided by its mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, the Seattle Aquarium has a realistic plan for phased growth based on record-setting attendance, membership and fundraising growth, an energized board of directors
and professional management. The current annual budget is $14 million.

Position description: The animal care technician works to further the mission of the Seattle Aquarium by helping to maintain a thriving bird and mammal collection. The animal care technician is responsible for assigned husbandry duties for the Seattle Aquarium’s animal collection. This position will be working in the Aquarium’s bird and mammal department caring for sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, various alcids and
shorebirds, and the fish and invertebrates that inhabit the bird exhibits.

A. Essential functions: Responsible for all aspects of the care and management of the Aquarium’s bird and mammal collection including but not limited to:

· Preparing, storing and distributing food according to established amounts, types and diets; monitoring feeding habits and reporting any changes or abnormalities.
· Observing animals and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being.
· Cleaning and performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Monitoring water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition.
· Working directly with veterinarian to administer medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinary instructions. Providing assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
· Applying operant conditioning techniques and principles with an emphasis on positive reinforcement as described in the Seattle Aquarium animal training manual to condition a variety of medical, natural and exercise behaviors. Designing and maintaining behavioral plans for each animal to include descriptions of training approximations and behavioral criteria.
· Designing, implementing, evaluating and documenting a variety of stimulating objects, activities and situations for the animal collection as described in the Seattle Aquarium enrichment manual to provide mental and physical stimulation and encourage natural behavior patterns.
· Maintaining records and reports regarding assigned species including daily veterinary reports, training and enrichment records, food consumption records and other reports specific to the assigned area.
· Possessing public speaking skills necessary to interpret natural history and conservation issues effectively with the public in both formal (on microphone) and informal settings. Assisting Aquarium education/visitor engagement staff in message development. Participating in associated education initiatives and events.
· Representing the Seattle Aquarium with media as assigned.
· Training, coordinating and supervising the work of animal care volunteers, interns and temporary animal care personnel by identifying, assigning and monitoring tasks and evaluating their work.

B. Additional responsibilities:
· Working as part of the bird and mammal animal care team to maintain a comprehensive programmatic manual and all accompanying standard operating procedures and pertinent policies.
· Being familiar with the Animal Welfare Act and all USDA/APHIS regulations pertaining to public display of marine mammals. Ensuring compliance with all necessary AZA accreditation standards.
· Acting as a role model for compliance with all Seattle Aquarium safety protocols.
· Assuring the safety of animals, employees and the visiting public from injury or mishap.
· Performing emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
· Assisting the curator and associate curator with the acquisition and disposition of new animals including permitting, coordinating and executing safe transport, quarantine, acclimation and introduction.
· Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
· Serving as a customer service liaison through daily contacts with visitors providing information and answering questions.
· Performing in the role of individual species program advisor as assigned.
· Performing other duties as assigned.

C. Skills, abilities and other requirements:
· Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
· Strong interpersonal, collaboration, team-building skills; share responsibilities and perform assignments in concert with the team’s efforts.
· Must possess organizational skills, be self-motivated, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to use various computer software products: MS Word, Excel and population management software.
· Must have or be able to obtain a Washington State driver’s license.
· Ability to use fall restraint equipment, respirators and other appropriate safety gear; work in confined spaces.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
· Possess coordination and dexterity necessary to ascend and descend rocky exhibits with animals still on display while carrying containers of food, enrichment items and/or vet supplies.
· In order to assess animal health and cleanliness of facility and habitat, specific vision abilities are required including, but not limited to, close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, contrast and the ability to adjust focus. Indoors and out in all weather conditions.
· Must be able to swim.
· CPR/first aid certified

D. Education and experience:
· BA/BS degree in biology, marine biology, animal behavior, psychology or related field required. We may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree.
· Minimum of one year of experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium or related environment. Preference will be given to applicants with operant conditioning experience with the species in the current Seattle Aquarium bird and mammal collection.
· At least six months of animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility.

F. Working conditions:
· Requires handling, working with or exposure to large, dangerous animals, animal diseases, animal feces, and toxic chemicals.
· Occasionally required to lift more than 50 pounds.
· Must be able to be on feet six or more hours a day; be active through all physical motions.
· Required to work outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights.
· Regular work schedule: 7am to 4pm, Thursday through Monday. Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays and an occasional 24-hour emergency call.

Salary and benefits: D.O.E. Please include salary requirements in cover letter. Full-time staff are eligible for Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, HRA, FSA, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, long-term care coverage, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, and paid time off.

How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is a progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All candidates are encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a one-page letter of interest, résumé and salary requirements to jobs@seattleaquarium.org

Application review will begin immediately.

Note: Must pass a background check to be eligible for this position.


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Friday, October 23, 2015

Full-time Primate Keeper






Full-time Primate Keeper

A position has become available for a full-time primate keeper to start as soon as possible, working 6 days per week (45 hours), including weekends and bank holidays.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and highly motivated individual to join our small, friendly team. This position involves tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and enclosure maintenance and the possibility of covering other sections when required.

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring the highest standard of care for your charges, and must be capable of working well within a team, as well as alone and unsupervised. You must be educated to at least GCSE level in English and Maths, and an animal based qualification is desirable & some primate experience.

Due to the physical nature of the job, applicants will need to be physically fit and healthy, and be fully prepared to work outside in all weathers.

A full driving license is essential due to our rural location.

Please send an up to date CV and covering letter by email to Andrew Swales. office@HamertonZooPark.com

CLOSING DATE: 6th November 2015


We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and will only be contacting those who we wish to interview.

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Thursday, October 22, 2015

QUALIFIED ANIMAL KEEPER






QUALIFIED ANIMAL KEEPER


A vacancy has arisen for a Qualified Animal Keeper at Banham Zoo.

About the role:
The successful candidate will work under the leadership of our Lead Qualified, Assistant Head and Head Keepers, providing the best possible care and management for our diverse collection of animals.  Taxa include primates, felids, canids, large hoofstock (including giraffe), small mammals and birds.

Flexibility is key to the successful operation of the animal department as a whole and Qualified Animal Keepers are expected to be able to provide cover across a range of species.

Key accountabilities:
•        Provide the highest level of husbandry according to the needs and requirements of the animals in your care
•        Effectively handle animals to minimize stress and risk of injury to all involved
•        Assist in the supervision and development of staff responsible to the role to address staff learning and development needs and promote a positive working environment
•        Ensure a positive impression of yourself and the company is presented to all customers (internal and external) at all times to reflect the quality of the organisation
•        Monitor compliance within the department of policies and procedures in relation to administration and health and safety to ensure they are appropriately followed
•        Continuously develop yourself through appropriate learning and development activities as agreed by line management in order to deliver excellence

About you:
You are expected to have worked full time in a zoo environment for at least 4 years.  You MUST possess the Advanced National Certificate in the Management of Zoo Animals (ANCMZA) or Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) and have experience working with some of the taxa identified above.  If you do not hold this qualification you will not be considered for the position.  The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills.  Previous experience with felids and large hoof stock an advantage.

You will have an understanding and interest in modern zoo animal management, including animal enrichment and training using operant conditioning methods.

A full driving licence is essential and candidates are expected to be computer literate with a reasonable understanding of Microsoft Word and ZIMS although training in ZIMS can be provided if necessary.

About us:
Based at Banham Zoo you will work an average 40 hour week with every third weekend off, however, working hours will be flexible and include bank holidays and occasional evenings.

Some additional weekend cover may be required to provide holiday cover.

If you would like an opportunity to join our team please visit our website www.banhamzoo.co.uk   Download and complete an application form and send it, with a covering letter, explaining why you would be a suitable candidate for this position to:- Sarah Jermy, Head Keeper,  Banham Zoo, The Grove, Banham Norfolk NR16 2HE or email sarah.jermy@zsea.org 

Closing date is the 6th November 2015, applications made after this date will not be considered.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Zoo Ranger





Zoo Ranger

Job Description : It’s official – we’re the UK’s No 1 zoo!  We have over 12,000 animals, 400 species, 1.43 million visitors a year and an international reputation for achieving our mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

Our award winning Discovery and Learning Team is central to our visitors’ experience and their engagement with animals and conservation issues which we deliver through diverse, fun and exciting means.

We’re currently on the search for a Zoo Ranger to join our team delivering public education around the Zoo.  This will include animal talks and tours, one to one engagement, exhibition supervision, interpretation and other educational activities.  Audiences vary from 1 to 500 or more, and there is lots of public interaction requiring a confident and outgoing personality.

We’re looking for a creative mind, able to develop and deliver engaging, high quality public engagement opportunities for our visitors.  You’ll need a degree in Zoo Biology or a conservation-related field, and have a wide ranging knowledge of the natural world and animal behaviours.  A good working knowledge and experience of zoo or conservation education (including research) would be an advantage, as is a good knowledge of our animal collection and conservation work.

We’re looking for someone with excellent customer service skills, who can work on their own but also as part of a busy team - good organisational and time management skills are essential.  This role is all about effective communication, so excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.  You will need to be computer literate with particular working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office packages, as well as iPads and apps.

This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

It’s a full-time, permanent position, working 35 hours per week.  Work is 10 days in 14, including Bank Holidays and every other weekend, but may include the occasional evening too.  Salary is £19,133 per annum.

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for our Zoo Ranger role to    http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers.




Closing date is: Monday 2nd November 2015

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