Head Keeper
Key accountabilities
• To
maintain high standards of animal husbandry
• To
put in place and follow safe working procedures in and around the wildlife park
and animal enclosures
• To
continue to expand your knowledge in all areas of welfare and zoo licensing
requirements
• Carry
out keeper talks and engage with our guests, close encounters and birthday
parties as and when required
• To
continue to expand your knowledge of the natural history and husbandry of the
animals in your care
• To
actively promote and improve the conservation aims of the Farm & Wildlife
park and promote them at every suitable opportunity
• To
ensure you give a positive impression of both yourself and the company to all
customers both internal and external
• Confidently
handle and restrain a range of species in a way to minimise stress and risk of
injury to all involved. Risk assessing
each situation and guiding inexperienced staff on how to do this safely and
correctly
• To
be able to carry out basic healthcare procedures such as hoof trimming, micro
chipping, ear tagging and injections on a range of species
• Be
able to deal with emergency situations, such as an animal escape, in a calm,
confident manner, taking control of the situation and providing guidance to
other staff and volunteers
• To
complete maintenance work around the part as and when required, ensuring the
safety of animals, guests and staff
• Proven
record with animal training and positive reinforcement training methods
• To
be observant and communicate with your colleagues and members of the
public. Promote a positive working
environment for both staff and volunteers.
Lead the team from the front and provide motivation to ensure good
morale amongst all staff both on the wildlife park as well as other departments
• Provide
any necessary staff training required to enable all staff to perform at the
expected standard. Provide any guidance
needed whilst allowing them to grow, progress and develop
• To
supervise and encourage all staff members including, work experience,
volunteers, seasonal staff and interns on a daily basis in regards to correct
husbandry techniques, safety and animal welfare
• Be
well organised, self-motivated with good interpersonal skills
• Represent
and promote the company at external events and be prepared to give
presentations on what the farm does, new projects etc
• Experience
of DEFRA licencing, APHA, EHO, & Zoo licencing standards
• Experience
of animal recording systems and standards including movement systems
• Flexible
approach to work and able to work under pressure
• Good
written and spoken English
• Complete
any necessary paperwork required of the role including staff rotas, animal
records, risk assessments
• Handle
money and assist in the retail outlets in the park as and when required
General
• The
head keeper works a 45-hour week, structured over a seven-day week to comply
with the needs of the business. It is a requirement that you are available to
work all Bank Holidays if the demands of the business require you to do so. You
may also be required to work evenings or be called in for emergencies at any
time
• All
new employees are on a six-month probationary period unless otherwise stated
• All
employees must be punctual, reliable, honest, and trustworthy, of smart
appearance and have a polite and friendly manner towards customers and
colleagues and be able to work as part of a team
• Applicants
for this position must be physically fit as the job entails a degree of
physical work, often in adverse weather conditions; these include climbing,
carrying bales of hay and sacks etc. and must be able to walk for considerable
distances, often uphill. They must have good eyesight and hearing and be
verbally articulate. It would be
desirable that they are able to read and write to GCSE Grade C pass or have relevant
experience
• A
working uniform, including protective clothing, will be issued as soon as is
practical after commencement of your employment and must be worn at all time
during working hours
• All
employees must follow health and safety guidelines as well as safe working
practices highlight any potential health and safety issues to their manager
immediately
Key attributes (attitude, skills, knowledge,
experience)
Technical/Professional:
• Completed
DMZAA or equivalent
• Minimum
5 years employed within a Farm Park / Wildlife Park or Zoo
• Proven
experience of running an animal department or small team and supervising others
• Experience
of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Full
driving licence and trailer licence (preferable)
• Firearms
certificate (desirable not essential)
Customer service:
• Be
able to resolve problems as and when possible, deal with enquiries from public
and provide the necessary services, strive for a high quality of customer care
Personal skills:
• Effective
communication skills both verbal and written
• Positive
approach to work and colleagues
• Motivational
skills and able to encourage staff responsible for as well as work experience,
volunteers etc
• Maintaining
good working relationships with all work colleagues both within the department
and throughout the company
Stevie Sheppard
|
Farm & Wildlife Park Manager | Jimmy's Farm
|
A: Jimmy's Farm, Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP9 2AR
|
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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