Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Supervisor - Herpetology Department




Supervisor - Herpetology Department


Job Title: Supervisor
Department: Herpetology
Reporting to: Head of Herpetology Department
Full time / Part-time: Full Time
Permanent / Contract: Permanent

The Role
For its world-renowned Herpetology Department, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is looking for a Supervisor with an understanding of the role and function of a modern zoological collection and in-situ conservation programmes.

§        To support the Department Head in the running of a busy herpetological department, managing the animal collection and contributing to the Trust’s conservation projects as required;
§        To manage and continuously train departmental staff on all husbandry related matters and aid them in their professional development;
§        To manage visiting students and teach practical aspects of animal husbandry and management, instigate research projects and support others conducting research;
§        To ensure that the husbandry of the collection conforms to highest standards of animal welfare and current husbandry knowledge;
§        To deliver public talks, write reports and scientific manuscripts when required;
§        To manage the collection and departmental resources during the absence of the Department Head.

The Candidate will have
§        Strong background in the captive husbandry and breeding of a wide range of herpetological species with a minimum of 5 years’ experience working within zoological collections a necessity;
§        Excellent interpersonal skills and proven experience in effective staff/team management;
§        Master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences, biology, zoology or related field;
§        Outstanding organisational skills with ability to work to deadlines;
§        Wide in-depth knowledge of biology, taxonomy and captive and conservation requirements of the taxa for which the post is responsible;
§        A logical and scientific approach to animal husbandry with very high attention to detail will be expected;
§        Proven exhibit design/theming skills and extensive knowledge of plant care;
§        Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English);
§        Proficiency in delivering presentations and generating written reports;
§        Scientific writing and database skills desirable;
§        Practical experience of reptile and/or amphibian conservation projects and a good understanding of bio-security needs and procedures desirable;
§        A high level of health and fitness as aspects of the job are physically demanding and a willingness to travel.

How to apply
To apply for this position please send your updated CV, completed application form and cover letter to recruitment@durrell.org

Details on the role are also available at www.durrell.org/home/work-at-durrell/.

Closing date for applications:  Thursday, 15th September 2016.




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Education Ranger




Education Ranger
(Temporary Contract Expected To Last 6 Months)
THIS POST IS NOW FILLED
Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 year
masterplan already underway. The plan will see the zoo developing new habitats for a refreshed animal collection starting with Gibbon Forest in 2016.

We currently have a vacancy for an Education Ranger who will support the team during our winter season. With an immediate start, this role is offered on a temporary, zero hours contract basis.

Hours are allocated by mutual agreement and you may be required to work up to 5 days out of 7 dependent upon visitor numbers and weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities
· Deliver presentations and activities
· Engage with visitors in immersive exhibits
· Handle enquiries from visitors
· Produce high quality resources for educational activities

Key Skills and Requirements
· Excellent presentation skills and great customer service
· An Education-related qualification and/or experience would be advantageous
· A zoo-related qualification would be desirable
· Experience handling small animals

Rates of pay are £5.25 per hour at ages 16-17, £5.68 at ages 18, 19 & 20, £7.05 at ages 21-24 and £7.20 at age 25 and above. Minimum age is 16 for Health and Safety reasons.

To apply for this position, please send your CV with a covering letter to:
recruitment@twycrosszoo.org

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



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Senior Animal Keeper: Large Mammals




Senior Animal Keeper: Large Mammals

Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 year masterplan already underway. The plan will see the zoo developing new habitats for a refreshed animal collection starting with Gibbon Forest in 2016.

We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Animal Keeper to work on our Large Mammals section which manages a range of ungulate and carnivore species including Asian elephant, giraffe zebra, nyala, tapir, Amur leopard, snow leopard, meerkat and Kirk’s dik dik.

Key Responsibilities:
· working on the section, covering all areas of animal husbandry
· assisting with the training and development of staff
· training and record keeping
· interacting with zoo visitors

Key Skills & Requirements:
· minimum of 4 years’ experience as a keeper – must include working with hoofstock and carnivores, and/or preferably experience of managing elephants in protected contact
· enthusiastic, high performing and motivated with a proven track record in zoo animal
management
· substantial working knowledge of the natural history and management of key species
· good team worker with a positive outlook and excellent communication skills
· commitment to continued professional development of yourself and other staff
· previous experience of supervising and training staff
· zoo keeping experience and a relevant animal-related qualification

The role is permanent full time and includes weekend duties on a rota system. Salary is paid monthly and we provide uniform and 31 days holiday per annum (including bank holidays).

Please apply on-line by sending your CV with a covering letter to: recruitment@twycrosszoo.org

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



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Saturday, August 27, 2016

ANIMAL KEEPER




ANIMAL KEEPER

RARE SPECIES CONSERVATION CENTRE

RSCC is a small private facility based in Sandwich in Kent, We are looking for an enthusiastic and self motivated individual to help look after our animal collection. The Ideal candidate would be able to work alone in a quiet environment, have excellent standards of hygiene, cleanliness and records keeping and organisation and have previous experience with small carnivores or felids, or at the very least have a passionate interest in these groups. Some sound knowledge or interest in horticulture would be beneficial as gardening and grounds maintenance are an important aspect of this role.

The role will be physically demanding so any candidate must be physically fit, RSCC is not open to the general public but we hold various functions and open days each year so communication and presentation ability is important.

You would be working with Clouded Leopard, Maned Wolf, Fosa, Ring-Tailed Vontsira, Grandidier’s Vontsira, Fanaloka, Sumatran Banded Civet, Palawan Binturong, Bengal Slow Loris, False Gharial, Great Hornbill and Caribbean Flamingo.

Valid UK or EU drivers license is essential. Accommodation is not included.
Working 5 days per week, from 8am to 6pm (summer) 8am to 5pm (winter) Including bank holidays.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Salary: £15,000 - 19,000 p/a  depending on experience.

Please send CV and covering letter to: tarsier1976@icloud.com   (please do not send my post)


Closing Date: September 8th, 2016



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Bird Trainers


Bird Trainers

Emirates Park Zoo is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the Bird Training team. We need experienced trainers that have both trained and presented shows to the paying public. Shows are presented in English and Arabic. Although Arabic speaking is not essential it would be beneficial.

Successful applicants must have at least a years’ experience in public demonstration orientated work.

We are primarily looking for Exotic Bird Trainers/Presenters (Parrots, Toucans, Ibis etc), but we are also accepting CV’s for Bird of Prey Trainers/Presenters.

A good knowledge of birds and their welfare is essential. We are a growing zoo and are looking for people who want to continue learning and growing with the company.

If you are interested, please send a cover letter, CV and video of yourself presenting a demonstration to steph@emiratespark.ae


Closing date: 15th September 2016



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant