Zoo Jobs: Section Head – Animal Events

Section Head – Animal Events

Permanent – Full time – 40 hours per week (annualised).

Due to the internal restructuring of the Animal Department a unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced ‘Animal Events’ Section Head to join our zoo and offers scope and potential to lead the Events team into the next phase in Blackpool Zoos future.

The role dictates that a ‘hands on’ approach will be required and an emphasis on coaching of individuals and team building is essential. You will need to be able to manage and prioritize a diverse workload and have problem solving skills.

As well as being responsible for your section, you will also be part of the Senior Animal Management team within the zoo. In this role, you will help to develop and move forward the animal department in a new and exciting time within Blackpool Zoo’s history.

You will need to demonstrate a public focused attitude with a clear understanding of the important role within the zoo that our interactive & informative displays have on our visitors, by delivering the Zoos Education & Conservation messages through a well presented display you can help influence in excess of 500,000 visitors per year and contribute to the continued success of our associated in-situ conservation projects linked to these displays.

As well as being skilled in training new behavior’s (various taxa) you will have excellent presentation skills and will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic and reliable.

The section currently maintains a large breeding group of Californian Sea Lions and a number of display birds including, Bird of Prey, small & large parrots and several small mammal species. As the lead member of the Events team, you will be responsible for planning and presenting both the sea lion and bird displays and facilitating public meet and greets with a range of animals.

A minimum of 6 years zoo keeping experience with at least 4 years presenting and animal training experience in a similar environment, plus proven people management skills and the DMZAA course, or equivalent, are essential.

A full driving license is essential.

We offer a competitive salary and the opportunity to further your career within the zoological world.

Blackpool Zoo offers the following benefits (after probationary period);

· 28 days paid holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) rising to 33 days after 5 years.

· Work place pension

· Company sick pay (after 1 year service)

· Branded uniform provided (as required)

· Relevant internal and external training provided

· Free entry to our 2 aquariums for staff and immediate family

· Complimentary tickets

· Discount in our catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

· Free staff parking

· Company life cover

· Childcare vouchers

Subsidised single occupancy (on site) accommodation will be available with this post, if required.

Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established medium sized zoos, and in recent years the zoo has gone through a rapid modernization and development process.

The Zoo is operated by Parques Reunidos, one of Europe’s largest leisure and attraction operators which specializes in the tourism/leisure sector. Parques Reunidos currently operates over 60 parks around the world and attracts over 20 million visitors

The closing date for applications: 10^th February 2019

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. All candidates will be notified of the outcome of the application by email within 4 weeks of submitting their application. We are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.

Please send a detailed CV and covering letter explaining why you wish to be considered for this post to Mrs Anita Bubbins, Personnel Manager, Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire. FY3 8PP or by email to anita.bubbins@blackpoolzoo.org.uk