Tuesday, March 12, 2019

ZOO KEEPER




ZOO KEEPER

Ventura Wildlife Park


Position Type: Full time
Reporting to: Head Keeper & Director
Responsible for: Volunteers and work experience students
Start Date: March / April 2019
Salary: Starting from £14,000 per year
Hours: Vary throughout year.
Staff Benefits:
- Staff discount card (includes staff discount in zoo shop)
- Free park entry for staff and immediate family plus complimentary tickets each year
- Free parking

Overview:
Ventura Wildlife Park opened in August 2016 and is located in the town of Ware, Hertfordshire- 20 minutes north of junction 25 of the M25. We pride ourselves on being a small and interactive park where guests of all ages and abilities can discover a variety of species including: zebra, fossa, lemur, red kangaroo, hutia, raccoon dog, African spoonbill, scarlet ibis, Fiji iguana and prehensile-tailed skinks, amongst many others. 

We are looking for a new full time Zoo Keeper to join us as part of our small and trusted team of likeminded individuals who take pride in their role and in the park. Suitable applicants must have experience of caring for mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. In particular applicants must have previous experience of working with reptiles and birds in a zoological environment.

The available position involves daily care for a varied collection of exotic species but will have an emphasis on reptiles and birds. Individuals must be engaging, confident, approachable and keen to learn new skills whilst focusing on animal welfare, education and visitor engagement.


The Role Involves:
•        Day to day husbandry and care of a variety of taxa.
•        Diet preparation.
•        Animal observation and record keeping.
•        Public talks, animal experiences and interactive animal encounter shows both onsite and at offsite events.
•        Stock taking, ordering and unloading (lifting). Must be physically fit to lift and carry weights of up 25kg.
•        Assistance with veterinary care when needed.
•        Maintaining high standards around the park.
•        Helping to maintain park grounds and enclosures at all times and undertaking cleaning, gardening and basic repair tasks.
•        Strict adherence to safe working practices.
•        Working effectively as an individual and as part of a small team.
•        Initiative- managing own time, prioritising work load and taking responsibility for own knowledge and development within the role.

We are looking for someone who has:
•        Experience of working with a range of exotic animals in a zoo or similar environment.
•        Experience with reptiles and invertebrates in a professional zoological setting is essential.
•        A good animal knowledge covering wide range of species.
•        The ability to be responsible, professional and follow instructions.
•        High levels of flexibility and practicality in order to respond to daily challenges.
•        Strong levels of initiative and a proactive nature.
•        Good written and communication skills.
•        Excellent time-keeping and time management.
•        Full clean UK driving licence essential. Minimum age of 21 years or over plus 3 years’ driving experience required for insurance purposes. The role will require the suitable candidate to drive vans.

Working Conditions:
•        Largely outdoor work in all weather conditions.
•        Offsite visits as part of our educational outreach programme.
•        Occasional early and late working will be required to accommodate deadlines or special events.
•        Position includes working weekends, bank holidays and school holidays as part of a rolling rota.

How to apply:
Please send your CV (including two references) and a cover letter by email to Louise Stewart (Head Keeper) keepingteam@venturawildlife.co.uk
Your cover letter must outline why you are interest in the advertised role, your suitability for the position and your availability to start should your application be successful.


All applicants must be willing to attend an interview and complete a trial day at the park prior to starting.






photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

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