L.V.I. DEPARTMENT
VOLUNTARY WORKER
(TRAINING PLACEMENT)
We currently have an opportunity for a Voluntary
Worker for a period of 6 months (including a one-month evaluation period and
the opportunity, when 5 months into your placement, to extend to a maximum of
one year) within our L.V.I Department.
Our Voluntary Worker training placement program has resulted in a high
percentage of participants finding employment within the zoological sector and
it is our aim, along with your support, to provide you with the experience
necessary to go on to be considered for a position within the zoo industry.
As such, our Voluntary Worker roles are for those looking for valuable
experience within the zoo industry. A training agreement will be completed and
reviewed regularly with you throughout your training placement and you will
take away a completed training record and certificate on the successful end of
your placement.
This is a physically demanding role so commitment
and a level of physical fitness is a must. It’s a very rewarding role and will
allow you to volunteer alongside keepers, aiding them in their daily duties and
helping care for the animals.
Mission Statement
Paignton
Zoo is an education, scientific and conservation charity dedicated to
protecting our global wildlife heritage and inspiring in people a respect for
animals, plants and the environment.
Aim of voluntary worker role:
The main aim of the placement will be to attend to
the husbandry requirements of the animal collection as directed by the Curator
in charge. Voluntary Workers focus on one of our animal sections and this role
specifically relates to the L.V.I Department.
The objective of the voluntary worker role is to:
Gain experience and understanding of the work of
a zoo animal keeping department; Apply own personal skills and take ownership
of a series of tasks and/or a research project; Reflect on training and
experience throughout the placement.
Tasks:
The role covers all the areas within the L.V.I Department
and you will be asked to volunteer wherever the Curator or Senior Keeper requires
you to: Assisting with daily animal husbandry e.g. feeding, cleaning,
enrichment provision, enclosure modification etc.; Opportunities to observe and
take part in animal handling, rearing and training. Observations of animals and
recording of relevant information; Training in basic research methods; Visitor
interaction e.g. answering visitor questions in a polite and sensitive manner;
Assisting with student supervision, alongside a member of staff, at the
direction of the senior keeper; Training in animal-management related computer
software; Training in all aspects of the company’s code of practice.
Time:
Paignton Zoo is
open every day and Voluntary Workers are full time i.e. a five-day volunteering
week, including some weekends. This will be discussed as part of your Informal
Discussion, which you will be invited to attend if shortlisted from your
Interest Form / CV / covering letter.
Place of duty:
L.V.I Department
enclosures / areas around the Zoo.
Department manager:
Curator of L.V.I
Skills required:
Previous
animal-related work experience or volunteering (desirable but not essential);
Good communication skills; Adaptable to different environments; Able to volunteer
in a team and independently; Physically fit for the demands of the post; Must
be reliable; Able to follow strict instructions.
Materials required:
A polo shirt,
sweatshirt, combat trousers, fleece, waterproof coat and steel-toe capped
wellies or boots are provided for a small deposit (£20) as part of your
induction.
Any health and safety requirements:
Keepers will
talk you through all relevant health and safety requirements and risk
assessments for the duties that you will be carrying out.
Please note
All Voluntary Workers
for this role must be aged 18 years or over
All Voluntary
Workers are purely voluntary, and as such, Paignton Zoo does not provide any
financial support or expenses to those wishing to register their interest in or
take on these positions with us.
If you are successful in becoming a Voluntary
Worker with us, two references will be taken up before you are able to start
and, for identification purposes, you will be required to bring your passport and
your National Insurance card (or number NI printed on a document) with you to
your induction meeting.
To register your interest for this
L.V.I Department Voluntary Worker role
Please complete the Interest Form at https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/volunteer-register
stating Voluntary Worker: L.V.I in the role choice and then email a CV
and covering letter to volunteering@paigntonzoo.org.uk
by Sunday 12th August
If you have picked up a paper version of our
Volunteer Interest Form, please send your completed form to Volunteers’
Co-ordinator, Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU, along with your CV
and covering letter.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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