Position: WZ Senior
Animal Keeper – Farm (Full-Time / Permanent
Contract)
Salary:
Location: ZSL
Whipsnade Zoo – LU6 2LF
About
Us:
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.
Overview of Role:
An opening has arisen for a Senior Animal Keeper on
our HUB Farm Section at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Ideal candidates will have
experience of working with a variety of domestic farm stock, the HUB Section
comprises a range of animals including sealions, bird demonstrations and
breeding birds. Although this position is based on the farm area a demonstrated
and practical understanding of training and conditioning of animals for
husbandry and public displays would be extremely advantageous.
The HUB section is a public facing and interactive
area of the zoo meaning public interaction skills on a 1-1 basis is essential.
This position will also assist the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader and other
Senior Keepers in all aspects of their work but primarily the care of the
animals, ensuring high standards of animal husbandry and welfare. Keeping daily
checks and records of animals within the section, but also be the main point of
contact for the daily running of the farm and the ability look at ways to
develop this area.
Please note: This is a
full-time, permanent position based at Whipsnade Zoo. Flexible working is
required for this position which will include working 2 in 3 weekends, bank
holidays and providing assistance out of hours if required. A full clean
driving license is essential.
Main Duties
and Responsibilities:
- Observing
the behaviour, health and security of animals reporting any problems to
the Team leader or Deputy Team leaders.
- Assisting
with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct
feeding procedures.
- Cleaning
and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
- Develop
and evolve husbandry practices in consultation with the Team Leader and
Deputy Team Leader
- Ensuring
that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times.
- Ensuring
that conditions for animals are suitable and reporting any problems,
including defects or repairs required to enclosures, to the senior staff
on section and relevant departments required.
- Assisting
with the movement and/or training of animals and/or animal demonstrations
- Supporting
in the training and mentoring and development of less experienced staff.
- Maintaining
courteous and helpful relations with visitors and media.
- Supporting
broader ZSL lead events such as late evenings and specialist functions.
The
successful candidate will:
- Have a good level of skill and knowledge with a proven work record
with a variety of domestic farm stock.
- Have strong attention to detail and the ability to clearly convey
instruction.
- Have demonstrated supervisory skills and be able to
delegate/allocate workload.
- Able to use Microsoft software including Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Have a qualification in a relevant field at university level and/or
DZMAA or equivalent work experience.
- Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to
completing tasks.
- Confident at presenting to small and large, varied zoo audiences.
- Evolving husbandry management with positive re-enforcement training
for behavioural management.
- Knowledge of techniques used to handle specific animals should
catch ups or veterinary procedures require this.
- Be reliable, good time-keeping and attendance record demonstrating
leadership and professionalism.
To
Apply:
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) by clicking the "Apply f r this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this
position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources
at hr@zsl.org.
Closing
date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 5th August 2018.
The Zoological Society of London is a charity
registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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