Zoo Jobs: Experienced Keeper

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Experienced Keeper - Cats

Big Cat Sanctuary

Wildlife Heritage Foundation

The Big Cat Sanctuary is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and highly motivated individual to join our small, friendly team, to provide the highest standards of husbandry, enrichment and care to our cats. This position presents an exciting opportunity to take on a very rewarding role in an exceptional environment.

Position Overview:

Big Cat Keepers are involved in a full range of husbandry duties, provision of appropriate enrichments and the execution of cognitive operant conditioning and target training. BCS also has a changing team of volunteers and interns, which you will be tasked with working alongside and supervising, as well as visitors on team building exercises (who will undertake a full range of general site and enclosure maintenance duties). The post holder is expected to work independently as well as in a team environment, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and complete priorities in an efficient & effective way. The ability to respond quickly to changing needs and circumstances is vital, contributing to the successful running of the Sanctuary at all times. This role requires you to wear the full uniform. A neat and tidy appearance is essential.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities include:

Assisting the Head Keeper & Deputy Head Keeper with all required activity on a day to day basis
Maintain a strong understanding of emergency procedures and engage with practice routines/drills as required
Carry out high standards of animal husbandry and welfare routines (e.g. food preparation, feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision etc.) as set by the Head Keeper/Deputy Head Keeper
Undertake & record animal observations accurately and effectively; participate in animal management and veterinary intervention, as required
Deliver high standards of visitor interaction in the form of keeper talks, encounters, experiences, tours and education events; Engage guests formally during presentations etc. & informally during routine course of duties
Contribute to educational, media and marketing initiatives to encourage and promote public understanding of Cats and conservation, including representing BCS at events
Assist & guide volunteers, interns and research students in a supportive and effective way
Ensure all buildings & enclosures are serviced and maintained to appropriate standards
Participate in Zoo Licence inspections and other audits, as required
Learn & maintain a good understanding of Ethical, Population Management and Animal Welfare Policies
Follow all health and safety and other Big Cat Sanctuary procedures to ensure animal, staff & visitor safety and security
Work professionally & efficiently at all times; Communicate with visitors, staff and volunteers in a positive, clear and friendly manner; Contribute to a pleasant working environment & atmosphere
Attend team meetings and undertake agreed actions; attend formal and informal training, as required
Other duties deemed necessary to support effective and efficient site working

Job Requirements (Essential):

At least 2 years’ experience of a similar post within a zoo or other wildlife sector organisation
Proven experience in the care and management of a variety of species (ideally with cats and large carnivores)
Outstanding observational skills and strong attention to detail
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability empathise and engage with visitors
Good knowledge and experience of ecological and conservation practices and issues
Experience of delivering visitor experiences
Full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential due to our rural location

Job Requirements (Desirable)

A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience

Working Conditions:

5 days over 7, summer 8am-6pm, winter 8am-5pm (includes weekend and bank holiday work)

This post involves spending a large amount of time outdoors in all weathers

Occasional early and late working will be required to accommodate deadlines or special events

We have a non-smoking working environment

We give statutory holiday entitlement

This position will pay initially at the rate of the national minimum wage, which will be reviewed on the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to lisa@thebigcatsanctuary.org with the reference EXPERIENCED KEEPER - CATS in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.

Closing date for applications is: 18th Dec 2018

All successful candidates will be contacted via email and will need to attend a selection day on Wednesday 9th January 2019.