Monday, July 31, 2017

SEA LION TRAINER



SEA LION TRAINER

SEA LION TRAINER POSITION, OASIS PARK FUERTEVENTURA

Information
Oasis Park Fuerteventura is one of the largest zoos in the Canary Islands, and is home to 250 species of animals, including a group of 15 South American Sea Lions. Currently we are searching for an experienced marine mammal trainer/keeper to join our sea lion team! The sea lion team is responsible for performing daily presentations, interactions and photo opportunities with our sea lions, along with the maintenance of the installations and the husbandry of the sea lions.

The ideal candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and sometimes challenging environment, have good organizational skills, be enthusiastic and willing to learn. A good sense of humour is also important!

Responsibilities
•        Assisting with the training of the sea lions for presentation, interaction and medical behaviours.
•        Daily cleaning and maintenance of the sea lion facilities and the life support system.
•        Diet preparation.
•        Speaking during presentations and interaction programs.
•        Creating environmental enrichment.

Requirements
•        Minimum 3 years of experience with marine mammals (Preferably with sea lions).
•        Good understanding of the application of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
•        Basic knowledge of filtration systems.
•        Certified scuba diver.
•        Good customer service and public speaking skills.
•        Intermediate/Advanced level of Spanish is necessary along with intermediate level of English. Knowledge of French, German or other European languages is a plus.
•        EU citizen.


To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to leonesmarinos@fuerteventuraoasispark.com 
by the 20th of August 2017. If you have any questions please contact us by e-mail or by phone at +34 616 197 628.




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Experienced Ape Keeper



Experienced Ape Keeper

Le Parc Zoologique d’Amnéville recherche un responsable animalier (H/F) pour le secteur des Grands Singes. Cette personne sera en charge de la gestion des postes des Gorilles et de celui des Orangs Outans.
Un minimum de deux années d’expérience avec les deux espèces est exigé.

Missions principales :
-assurer les postes au même titre que les soigneurs animaliers
-la gestion de l’équipe composée de trois soigneurs animaliers
-la gestion technique des locaux en collaboration avec l’équipe technique
-le suivi et la réalisation des régimes alimentaires
-la réalisation des plannings mensuels
-la recherche de fournisseurs et de sous traitants
-le transport de certaines espèces
-le suivi et la réalisation des entrainements médicaux
-la gestion et le développement de la reproduction de certaines espèces
-la communication avec les autres parcs et avec les coordinateurs dans le cadre des EEP
-l’accueil de groupes et la réalisation d’animations ou d’interventions auprès de tiers extérieurs

Dépôt des candidatures : jusqu'au 25/08/2017

A l’attention de Mr Hervé Santerre





Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Wildlife Veterinarian


Wildlife Veterinarian

World Wildlife Fund
Central African Republic

JOB DESCRIPTION

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the largest independent conservation organizations in the world. We are an international NGO committed to environmental protection active in almost 100 countries and have been working in the Congo Basin since 1978.

In partnership with local, national and regional health institutes and local civil society actors as well as in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI, F. Leendertz), WWF build a programme which aims to improve human and animal health in potential outbreak hotspots in the Central African Republic.

In line with this objective, WWF-CAR seeks a Wildlife Veterinarian whose major function will be to guarantee the implementation of the health monitoring program according to the highest safety and best practice standards, such as developed by the IUCN and the RKI in line with the Management Plan of Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA). He/she works under the direct technical supervision of the Primate Habituation, Research & Tourism Advisor and to some extent, WWF Great ape experts for related activities.

Location: The position will be based in Bayanga (DSPA), CAR.

Duration: 2 years renewable

Learn more HERE



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Animal Technician - Assistant Herpetologist



Animal Technician - Assistant Herpetologist

The Department of Parasitolgy has an exciting opportunity for a Animal Technician - Assistant Herpetologist to be part of the Alistair Reid Venomon Research Unit. 
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research in tropical diseases.  Through the creation of effective links with governments, organisations and institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Snakebite is a Neglected Tropical Disease that kills many thousands of victims each year and leaves many more survivors with poverty-inducing disabilities, particularly in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. The research focus of LSTM’s Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit (ARVRU) is to develop the next generation of clinical tools to substantially and sustainably reduce the high rates of deaths and disability in sub-Saharan Africa.
Now, with substantive new funding we have established the African Snakebite Research Group (ASRG) which brings together African, UK, Asian and Australian expertise in snake venom therapy and biology, pharmacology, epidemiology, health economics and diagnostics development to establish self-sustaining regional hubs of snakebite expertise in strategically-selected units in Nigeria, Cameroon and Kenya. This provides an exciting opportunity for a Technician skilled in animal handling to join a pioneering, innovative and expanding team to assist with the daily activities of the Herpetarium and with our preclinical testing of venom toxicity and antivenom effectiveness. 
This is a unique opportunity as the successful candidate will be given extensive training to (i) assist our Senior Herpetologist with ensuring the good health of the 300+ venomous snakes in our collection, and to (ii) conduct preclinical testing in a mouse model.  You must be able to demonstrate a willingness, capability and aptitude to work in such environments and contribute to cleaning of the snake rooms and cages, processing snake venom samples and meticulous record keeping.  Working with Mr Paul Rowley, the Senior Herpetologist and Dr Rob Harrison, the leader of the ASRG and ARVRU, the candidate will receive extensive training in the safe handling of venomous snakes, including in venom extraction, so we are looking for someone with real confidence and enthusiasm to progress within the department.
It is essential that you are qualified to a minimum of GCSE standard, and have relevant experience of working within a research laboratory. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate experience of working in a team environment, with excellent attention to detail and communication skills, as you will be required to maintain accurate record keeping in a timely and concise manner. Excellent time management skills are also a prerequisite to meet targets and deadlines.
Closing Date: 14th August 2017
This job is unlikely to attract a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship (formerly a work permit).  Applications from candidates who require Tier 2 immigration status to work in the UK may not be considered if there are a sufficient number of other suitable candidates.  To apply for a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship, employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker before recruiting an individual overseas
We believe that this post will not be suitable for individuals on Tier 5 visas as these posts are not considered to be supernumerary to the organisation. For further details, please visit the UKVI website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration(link is external)
Take a look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year 2015-2016 by viewing our annual report: http://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/publications/lstm-annual-report-2015-2016
LSTM actively promotes an Equal Opportunities Policy
To apply please click HERE




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Sunday, July 30, 2017

Assistant Curator of Animal Ambassadors


Assistant Curator of Animal Ambassadors

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, education, and guest experience. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. We provide extraordinary experiences every day for our animals and visitors and our core values of Protect, Honor, Innovate, Serve, Engage, and Empower are evident in everything we do.  We value the different strengths our staff bring to Denver Zoo. We expect our staff to embrace and to commit to our core behaviors for engagement: Passion, Respect, Innovation, Diversity, and Excellence.
Denver Zoo's Animal Care & Conservation Department has an opportunity for a full time Assistant Curator of Animal Ambassadors, who will ensure safe and innovative exhibition, handling, training and husbandry of ambassador animal species at the zoo. This position oversees a variety of taxonomic areas including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Programming in this area includes onsite and offsite educational and guest experiences, free flight and other behavior based demonstrations, special events, and media appearances.   
Essential Functions:
  • ·       Adheres to and promotes Denver Zoo’s mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.
  • ·       As needed, assist with curatorial and animal care staff duties during absences in the area.
  • ·       Develops and implements job specific staff training.  Mentor and guide animal care staff towards continued professional development within the workgroup.
  • ·       Ability to work in a fluid and flexible manner and successfully address changes and challenges as they arise.
  • ·       Recommends, implements, and coordinates with zookeepers, curators, VP for Animal Care and other zoo personnel to effectively manage husbandry and behavior programs in the animal care department.  Order supplies as needed for area.
  • ·       Provide leadership and guidance towards innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
  • ·       Plan, schedule, coordinate and assign work and established goals and priorities for animal care staff, keeper assistants and interns.  Develops area schedule for animal care staff, keeper assistants, and interns.
  • ·       Implements area and zoo-wide safety standards and works with area staff to develop procedures that ensure compliance.
  • ·       Coordinate veterinary procedures for animals within your area including quarantine, outgoing and incoming shipments, emergencies and normal care procedures.
  • ·       Act as duty officer as needed.  Acts as emergency supervisor during zoo emergencies as stipulated in the emergency manual.  May be a member of the emergency firearm shoot team as required.
  • ·       Professionally interface with other Denver Zoo team members, zoo colleagues, media partners and other professional organizations.
  • ·       Participate in zoo-wide initiatives such as committees, working groups, etc as needed or desired.
  • ·       Interviews and selects staff including volunteers, interns, keeper assistants and animal care staff that report directly to this position and assists with other interviews as required.
  • ·       Recognizes and addresses outstanding performance by area team members.
  • ·       Monitors and documents performance evaluations for area staff.  Provides ongoing feedback regarding levels of performance and formally evaluates employees in relation to performance.  Initiates and recommends disciplinary action for employees as necessary.  Responds to grievances within or involving assigned areas.
  • ·       Works with area curator to develop area policies and procedures and provides implementation and interpretation of policies and procedures to area animal care staff.
  • ·       Provides input towards the development of departmental budgets.
  • ·       Participates in a variety of professional meetings and activities such as SSP’s, studbooks, steering committees, advisory groups, etc. Publishes work as necessary.
  • ·       Participate in conservation, research and educational programs as requested or desired.
  • ·       Effectively communicates zoo-wide, division and area information to assigned staff.  Effectively communicate between division staff including area staff, curators and the VP for Animal Care as well as other Denver Zoo team members as needed.
  • ·       Demonstrates a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Safety & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.
  • ·       Value and consistently apply Denver Zoo's ROADMAP (Reaching Our Audiences by Developing Mission Aligned Programs) process and resources in engaging and educating guests at Denver Zoo.


Additional Responsibilities:
·       Works weekends, holidays as assigned and on occasion evenings, as needed.
·       Performs various duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • A bachelor degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management or a related field.
  • A minimum of five years’ experience as a zookeeper involving the exhibition and husbandry of a variety of exotic animals in an AZA accredited institution. Comparable facilities may be considered on a case by case basis.  Supervisory or lead keeper experience is recommended. Some experience many be substituted for education, education may be substituted for experience.
·       Proven expertise in taxon specialty, research methods, public interaction and interpersonal skills.
  • Oral and written presentation skills.  Competency in computer skills; word processor, spread sheets, Internet and networks.
  • Clear driving record.

Licensure and Certification:
·       Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License within three months of hiring.


Physical Demands:
The physical demands for this position involves light lifting under 25lbs and also requires carrying, pushing, pulling, and occasional heavy lifting up to 50lbs. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and listen.  The employee frequently is required to use hands to maneuver handle or feel objects, tools or controls.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; also, reach, stoop, kneel or smell.  Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception vision and ability to adjust focus.   Minimal crouching, crawling, climbing, and non-confined sitting are also required. The position requires both mental and visual concentration.
Work Environment:
This position requires a substantial amount of contact with staff, volunteers, and other departments. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and may be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and chemicals.  This employee will be required to have contact with animals and may be exposed to zoonosis. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Compensation and Benefits: 
This is a regular full-time hourly position with excellent benefits, including complete medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, and a generous vacation package.

Completed applications must be submitted by August 9, 2017
Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to the above date.
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Please apply through www.denverzoo.org



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Friday, July 28, 2017

Seasonal animal keeper



Seasonal animal keeper

ZSL - Whipsnade Zoo


Contract type:        Full-time
(Seasonal Full Time / 3 Month Contract)

Overview:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Role Profile:

We are currently recruiting for a seasonal keeper position on our HUB section, which includes flying birds, park birds, sealions and farm section.

The Seasonal keeper position is varied, requiring high standards of differing day-to-day activities including cleaning of enclosures, preparation of food, maintaining exhibits and assisting with public demonstrations and training.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Have great customer service and communication skills as there will be a need to engage and interact with visitors
  • Good basic knowledge of animal husbandry with exotic species, specifically domestic farm stock and breeding birds
  • Basic understanding of training techniques
  • Willingness to work on and learn about evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species
  • Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked

N.B: Working hours are 37.5 per week, worked within a roster which includes regular weekends so flexibility regarding hours is crucial.

Salary: £281.63 (Weekly Salary)

Apply for this job:
Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking here. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at wzhr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 30 July 2017

 Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received for our seasonal animal keeper positions we cannot provide specific feedback for those who have not been selected.




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant