Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Experienced Zoo Keeper



Experienced Zoo Keeper
Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Gardens

Closing Date: Until sufficient applicants have been received
Contract: Full time

Overview:
The role involves the day to day husbandry of a large and diverse collection of mammals focusing on animal welfare, record keeping and ensuring that exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.

Main Duties:
•        Day to day husbandry of the animals at VWZG.
•        Excellent observational and note keeping skills when working with the animals at the park.
•        Ability to prep diets for all animals.
•        Experience using methods of operant conditioning would be advantageous.
•        Must be in good physical condition – activities include bending, kneeling, standing, carrying and lifting.
•        Giving hands on talks to visitors and schools.
•        Strict adherence to safe working practices.
•        Maintaining high standards around the park including emptying bins, weeding and window cleaning.

Essential to have one or more of the following:
•        Excellent written and oral communication skills
•        Good organisation/planning skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines
•        Experience working with a range of animals.
•        Experience and knowledge of working with children and adults with a range of learning difficulties and/or physical and mental disabilities
•        Operating the opening and closing of animal enclosures during animal experiences at the Zoological Gardens and be responsible for the welfare of visitors and animals in those exhibits.
•        Occasionally being responsible and handling money raised during fundraising events

Flexibility:
•        High levels of flexibility required in order to respond to daily problems across a wide range of areas (staff absence, change or cancellation of events, equipment failure, visitor queries and other situations)
•        The job is varied and requires a practical and creative mind-set

Working Conditions:
•        This post involves spending a large amount of time outdoors in all weather conditions as events continue to be held in all conditions
•        Occasional early and late working will be required to accommodate deadlines or special events
•        Weekend working is a regular feature of this job
•        Working bank holidays and other holiday time is a regular feature of the job
•        We operate a non-smoking working environment
•        A full UK or EU driving license is essential

How to apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter to Sam Bullock at keepingteam@venturawildlife.co.uk detailing what role you have applied for and your suitability for the position. 




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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