Zoo Jobs: VET CENTRE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY WORKER

Thursday, January 17, 2019

VET CENTRE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY WORKER

VET CENTRE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY WORKER

(TRAINING PLACEMENT) from 1^st March 2019

We currently have an opportunity for a Voluntary Worker for a period of 6 months (including a one-month evaluation period), within our veterinary department.

Paignton Zoo’s 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 or Veterinary sector.

As such, this Voluntary Worker role is for those looking for valuable experience within the veterinary 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.

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:

To gain basic skills which will help in a chosen career in the veterinary sector. Entry onto an accredited veterinary course often requires previous experience. It is hoped that this placement will contribute in fulfilling this requirement, to help a successful candidate decide if a career in the veterinary sector is something to pursue and enable an easy transition into training, with the fundamental skills to help you proceed.

This position is suitable for someone wanting to pursue a career in the veterinary sector but please be aware this is not a student veterinary nurse training position or an opportunity for qualified veterinary professionals to get experience in zoo work. Direct contact with animals will be limited.

The objective of the voluntary worker role is to:

Gain understanding and experience in veterinary medicine, including but not limited to, biosecurity, theatre prep, H&S and hospitalised areas. Training will be given in these areas to enable you to complete daily tasks to a high standard, to apply skills and take ownership of designated tasks and procedures. We will support you in reflecting on training and experience throughout placement.

Tasks:

The role covers indoor and outdoor work at the Veterinary Centre. Tasks will include, but are not limited to, assisting with daily cleaning of the veterinary centre, ensuring high biosecurity is maintained; assisting with setting up for surgical procedures; observing and assisting with hospitalised animals; and assisting with pharmacy duties and laboratory samples. Training in zoo-related computer software will be provided.

Time:

Paignton Zoo is open every day and Voluntary Workers are full time, including some weekends. Ideally, we are looking for someone to volunteer with us on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. 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:

Vet Centre

Department manager:

Head of Veterinary Services

Skills required:

Minimum of 5 GCSE grade C or above (to include Mathematics and a science subject); good communication skills; adaptability to different environments; able to work in a team and independently; must be reliable; able to follow strict instructions, conscientious, enthusiastic and a positive approach.

This can be a physically demanding role so commitment and a level of physical fitness is needed.

Materials required:

A polo shirt, sweatshirt, fleece and wellies are provided for a small deposit (£20) as part of your induction.

Any health and safety requirements:

The Veterinary department will talk you through all relevant health and safety requirements and risk assessments for the duties that you will be carrying out. You will need to ensure your tetanus injection is valid and will be kept up-to-date throughout your placement.

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 NI number printed on a document) with you to your induction meeting.

To register your interest for this

Vet Centre Support Voluntary Worker role

Please complete the Interest Form at https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/volunteer-register stating Voluntary Worker: Vet Centre Support in the role choice and then email a CV and covering letter to volunteering@paigntonzoo.org.uk by January 31^st. 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.