Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Park Manager


Park Manager

Wildwood Trust

Job Title: Park Manager ( full time post)
Function: Managing the Wildwood Escot Animal Park
Salary:      £25,000 to £35,000 (dependent on skills and experience)

About Wildwood Trust:
Wildwood Trust is a registered charity that, uniquely, focusses on British Wildlife. The Wildwood Trust became a charity in 2002, having existed since 1998, establishing a unique mix of animal collection, wildlife education, conservation and ecological services.

The Post:
Wildwood Trust has displayed excellent growth over its 14-year existence and is now seeking an experienced Park Manager to develop our new British Wildlife visitor centre at Escot Park in Devon. The Park Manager will manage operations, specific projects & day to day commercial activity as Wildwood expands and develops the park. Reporting to the Chief Executive, with a remit to develop, exploit and manage all secondary spend opportunities whilst ensuring that the Park is running smoothly and efficiently.
 The Park Manager must have a good understanding of project development, and project management, health and safety, staff management and ideally have some building or commercial development background.
 The role will involve motivating and managing a team, project managing the building of new animal enclosures, facilities management of grounds, garden & building maintenance. This post will ideally suit someone who is an experienced manager with a background in development and/or the leisure/zoo industry.

A recruitment pack can be downloaded from
Applications should be sent to:  jobs@wildwoodtrust.org
or:
Attn E Bartlett
Wildwood Trust, Herne Common

Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 7LQ.  



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Qualified Veterinary Nurse




Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Calling all degree nurses!
Qualified Veterinary Nurse –Bear Rescue Centre in China

Do you enjoy a challenge, and are you dedicated to animal welfare?  Are you a qualified veterinary nurse or technician and do you have a degree in veterinary nursing or a related field?

This is an outstanding opportunity for motivated individuals pursuing a career in wildlife care and welfare.  The Veterinary Nurse will work as part of a highly skilled veterinary team to ensure the care of predominantly Asiatic black bears (moon bears) and domestic animals at our rescue centre. Appointment is full-time, five days a week plus scheduled weekend work.

Candidates should be highly motivated with plenty of initiative and should be comfortable with both clinical and non-clinical work.  There is a high degree of autonomy in this position, and while you will work closely with other team members you will have distinct areas of responsibility; whilst reporting to the Senior Vet.

You will contribute to the constantly evolving field of bear medicine and management and will be expected to have a high degree of clinical skill and a passion for ongoing self-education.


Requirements
§        Qualified Veterinary Nurse with Veterinary Nursing Degree (Degree level qualification in related field will be considered).  A degree level education is a must.
§        4 years post qualification experience is required for visa application in veterinary practice, wildlife rehabilitation, zoo medicine or a specialist referral centre.
§        Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
§        Strong work ethic, good humor and common sense.
§        Applicants must have proficient computer skills including competency with word & excel software.
§        Ability to live and work closely with the rest of the team comprising both western and local staff.
§        Cultural sensitivity and/or history of working abroad would be beneficial.
§        Experience in captive wildlife nursing, rehabilitation or animal welfare work would be beneficial.
§        Suitable candidates must be able to commit for a minimum of 2 years.


The following items are included in your full-time contract
§        On-site accommodation                
§        Relocation assistance                        
§        Emergency medical insurance
§        Paid holidays                


How to apply
Interested parties please forward your cover letter (stating the applied position), CV with your current and expected salary and completed Job Application form to: hrhkg@animalsasia.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

For more information please visit our website www.animalsasia.org


We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.  Personal data collected will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purpose



Closing date for applications is 16th January 2017


Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Big Cat Caretaker



Big Cat Caretaker

AAP – Animal Advocacy and Protection

Location: Primadomus (Spain)

The work and goals of AAP are to improve, in a professional manner, the welfare of abused or neglected primates and small to medium sized exotic mammals from all over Europe. This is achieved by providing shelter for animals from the illegal trade, circuses or private individuals.
For most of the animals we find suitable homes worldwide in reserves, zoos, or in our own permanent shelter.
AAP is also actively and strategically involved in animal welfare issues by influencing European policy and decision-makers in this field and working together with professional groups at home and abroad. Furthermore, AAP is an international authoritative knowledge centre.

AAP carries out this work from their 2 locations, one located in Almere (The Netherlands) and one in Villena (Alicante, Spain). In total, we employ about 115 paid staff and more than 200 volunteers. The Spanish department is AAP Primadomus and is located at the foot of the Sierra de Salinas, one of the most important natural protected environments of Villena. AAP distinguishes itself by having an enormous passion and a professional, open culture. Our core values, accessibility, dedication and inventiveness form important guidelines of our culture. In April 2015 AAP Primadomus started rescuing big cats. The Big Cat Department consists of three
buildings with extensive outside enclosures able to house up to 50 animals.

For the Big Cat Department in AAP Primadomus (Spain) we are now looking for an enthusiastic: Experienced Caretaker m/f
(32 hours per week, starting January 2017)

Your role
As an experienced caretaker you are responsible for the daily care of the lions, tigers, leopards and other wild cats housed in our rescue centre. The practical work consist mainly of cleaning, feeding, observing, providing behavioural enrichment, assisting the work of our veterinarian, animal training and assisting in the rehabilitation of the big cats. You will be part of a small team of experienced caretakers working according to standard procedures and a hands-off policy.
You will guide other less experienced caretakers, trainees and (foreign) volunteers, undertake a number of administrative tasks and be flexible enough to work Saturdays or Sundays. The department’s team leader will direct you.

Requirements
· Affinity with the ideals and goals of AAP
· Minimum of 2 years of experience in the husbandry of with big cats
· Preferably experience with big cat positive reinforcement training and social
introductions
· Experience with other large carnivores will be an advantage
· Capable of writing and implement working instructions and procedures
· Good understanding of field-specific exhibit requirements
· In good physical shape and able to handle stress
· Capable of working independently but also as a team player
· Prepared to share knowledge and information
· Competent in both oral and written English
· Capable of working with relevant computer programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

We offer
We are offering a position with a great deal of responsibility. This will take place in an open and professional organization with animals and people at its heart, located in a natural environment.
Your salary based on relevant working experience is between € 998,- and € 1.207,- gross per month (x 14 payments) based on a 32 hour working week, with the possibility to grow each year according you development.

Want to know more or apply right away?
For further information send an email to Pablo Delgado, - pablo.delgado@aap.nl, mobile +34 661 894 491– Team Leader Big Cat Department AAP Primadomus.

Send your application letter and CV in English before December 12th, using the red application button on our site or by e-mail to working.at@aap.nl, mentioning number 2016-13-PRECBC to the attention of Elly Koppers, Team manager Human Resources.

Please note that only English applications will be considered for this vacancy!

Carrying out a practical assignment is part of the application process. 



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Displays supervisor



Displays supervisor

Chessington World of Adventures
Surrey

We are currently recruiting for a Displays Supervisor.  In this role you will take responsibility for ensuring the continual development and innovation within the displays areas.  Naturally you’ll be responsible for maintenance plans of the life support systems and the cleanliness of our displays as well as the development of suitable diets and feeds for our creatures, ensuring we present world class displays.

We are looking for the following skills and experience;
•    A dynamic, confident and a self-motivated individual; who will be heading up the team aiming for a centre of excellence in marine management, conservation, preservation and education.
•    Experience of working in a similar environment, you will have a robust knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry.
•    The ability to communicate to all employees and clients as well as deliver a highly immersive experience to all our visitors.
•    A good understanding of zoo licensing having had exposure to a zoo licence in a previous role.
•    Ideally strong coral husbandry experience to maintain and expand our coral exhibits.
•    An understanding of best welfare practice and experience of working with marine mammals is a bonus.

This role is full time, permanent, averaging 40 hours per week and will include weekends and bank holidays as required.

Alongside a competitive annual salary and 28 days holiday you can look forward to enjoying a great benefits package  including a Group Personal Pension Plan, Merlin Magic pass, Employee Assistance Programme, Childcare Vouchers, Life Assurance, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants, 40% discount online off of LEGO, and much more!

Closing date: 5 December 2016


For further information on how to apply, click HERE.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Monday, November 28, 2016

Deputy Head of Section



Deputy Head of Section

Colchester Zoo
Essex

Colchester Zoo are looking to recruit an experienced Deputy Head to assist the Head of the Zoo’s busiest and most demanding section and supervise in their absence. The position requires assisting in leading a large team of staff and 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 Rainbow Lorikeets, Rainbow fish and Koi Carp, Aldabra, Sulcata and Spur-thighed tortoises, Wallabies, Darwin’s Rhea, Corn snakes and Royal Pythons, Pygmy Hedgehogs and a range of domestic species in a high visitor concentrated section comprising of three of the Zoo’s walkthrough enclosures and animal handling and feeding areas.

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, managing successful breeding 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 fulltime 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 Sarah Forsyth, Curator, Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL

The closing date for applications for this position is Friday 23rd December 2016.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

Conservation Volunteer


Conservation Volunteer

The Sabah Society
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo

The Sabah Society, a social and public service oriented voluntary body based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, is looking for a volunteer to spend some time (weeks or months) assisting with a project for the sustainable management of the rare and threatened population of Philippine Megapode Megapodius cumingii on the attractive small island of Mantanani Besar, off the northwest coast of Borneo. The volunteer will provide support for the small team at present engaged in the project, including the President of the Sabah Society, Mr Chiwon Chin, and three residents of the island.

This extraordinary bird, size of a partridge, lays a large, big-yolked egg which it does not brood, but buries (several eggs in succession, we believe) in mounds of mixed soil and humus that the breeding pair constructs and maintains.

We suggest that this could be a marvellous project for a Gap Year student, or for long vacation field study for 1st year in biological sciences. Could even make a nice post-grad study. We do not have funds for studentships, nor international airfares, but could probably provide assistance for local subsistence costs in Sabah.


For further information please contact Chiwon Chin on chin388698@gmail.com or GathorneCranbrook.


Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant