Monday, February 20, 2017

Deputy Head of Section – Animal Encounters



Deputy Head of Section – Animal Encounters

This position is offered on a permanent full time basis and will also provide maternity leave cover for the present Head of Section from mid-May onwards.

The Department of Animal Welfare & Conservation is currently recruiting for an organised, dedicated, reliable, confident team member to join the Animal Encounters section.

The Animal Encounters section encompasses a diverse range of species found in the “foot safari” area of Woburn Safari Park; including raptors, psittacines, small mammals, birds, marine mammals, primates, hoof stock, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

As Deputy Head of section you will directly line-manage all non permanent members of staff including seasonals, interns and volunteers.  The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the Head of Section and cover their maternity leave from May 2017.

The successful applicant will need to be:
•        Able to manage and motivate a large, diverse animal keeping team
•        A highly motivated, hard working individual who has a good understanding of behavioural welfare and previous experience training and working with a variety of species.
•        Able to take part in public presentations as well as demonstrating exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care and excellent communication skills.

The successful applicant should demonstrate:
•        Considerable supervisory or staff management experience in a similar environment
•        A passion for Animal Welfare & Conservation; be highly motivated, flexible and committed to Woburn Safari Park’s high standards of husbandry and welfare
•        Previous practical experience of working with a range of species (hands on experience with the species we hold is preferable however those candidates’ with comparable experience will be considered)
•        Strong animal training experience preferably in public demonstration settings
•        Strong customer service and communication skills
•        An excellent understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting
•        An organised approach to managing animal records, reporting systems and proposals to improve the section in line with our brand values

The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA) is desirable but not essential for this position, however; the successful candidate would be expected to work towards achieving this qualification. A full, valid driving licence is essential for this role

If you are looking to work within an “award winning” environment then please apply through our website at: www.woburnsafari.co.uk/careers

Closing date:                24th February 2017

If you have not heard from us within 21 days of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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