Qualified Animal
Keeper - Elephants (Full-Time / Permanent)
Overview
We’re ZSL, an
international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife
thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the
health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside
each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of
extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated
conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide
and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing,
empowering – working for wildlife.
Role Profile
An opening has
arisen for a Qualified Animal Keeper on our Elephant section at ZSL Whipsnade
Zoo. With ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s new Centre for Elephant Care opened in April
2017, holding 7 Asian Elephants across over 20 acres of their facility it is an
exciting time to be a part of this dynamic team. The Elephant section at
Whipsnade Zoo is constantly evolving ensuring the highest standards of welfare
and research is being carried out. 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
welfare, animal husbandry.
Main Duties and
Responsibilities
- Observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the team leader or senior staff.
- Ensuring that conditions for animals are of the highest standards and reporting any problems, including defects or repairs required to enclosures, to the senior staff on section and relevant departments required.
- Assisting with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
- Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and designing enrichment devices.
- Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times.
- Assisting with the movement and training of animals using positive re-enforcement.
- Have the responsibility of training an individual elephant with guidance of senior members of the team.
- Supporting in the training and mentoring 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.
Person Specification
- Be able to work in a team and have good communication skills.
- Have a good level of skill and knowledge together with a proven work record ideally with Elephants, or large ungulates and hoof-stock in positive reinforcement management systems.
- Have strong attention to detail and the ability to clearly convey instruction.
- Have good familiarity with external zoo associations such as BIAZA and EAZA.
- Have either a high-level qualification in a relevant field, DZMAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.
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.
To Apply and learn
more please click HERE
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