Zoo Jobs: Experienced Animal Keeper

Monday, October 2, 2017

Experienced Animal Keeper

Experienced Animal Keeper

Paradise Wildlife Park

The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH) (registered charity no.1108609) currently has a vacancy for an experienced keeper to join our expanding team at Paradise Wildlife Park, with the opportunity of working with a wide range of taxa.

Our zookeepers are involved in a full range of husbandry duties including general enclosure cleaning, food provisions, husbandry training, and enrichment programmes across the 6 sections of the zoo (Paddocks, Small Mammals, Birds, Primates, Reptiles & Large Carnivores). The successful applicant will have at least two years of experience working within a zoo environment. This position has scope for the keeper to go on to focus on certain species as time progresses.

The successful applicant will be actively involved in the mixed taxa shows on the zoo, where they will be trained in positive reinforcement techniques for species to demonstrate natural behaviours in public displays. The keeper will also be delivering interactive animal experiences across multiple sections of the zoo.

Paradise Wildlife Park also has a team of interns and other volunteers that the keeper will be working alongside and supervising. The applicant must be very personable and able to communicate well with visitors and staff. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic and a good team player.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines e.g. food prep, feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision etc. set by Section Leaders on sections allocated to
Undertake and record animal observations.
Deliver high standards of visitor interaction in the form of keeper talks, animal shows, encounters, experiences, tours and education events.
Overseeing work experience, volunteers and interns.
Liaise and assist in general duties and requirements as directed by senior management.
Other duties to support effective and efficient site maintenance may include: fire marshall, first aider, company vehicle driver, including tractor trailer, litter picking/rubbish removal/sweeping and general cleaning in order to maintain high standards (nb - full training will be a given prior to the post holder being required to undertake new tasks).