Friday, June 14, 2019

Senior Animal Keeper – Primates – Paignton Zoo







Senior Animal Keeper – Primates – Paignton Zoo


Salary:  From £22,386.65 - £23,897.90 dependent on experience

Full-time:  38.75 hours


Permanent


Paignton Zoo, one of the largest in the UK and a registered scientific and education charity, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior keeper to join our Mammal team. You will be responsible for the hands-on day-to-day husbandry of a large and diverse collection of mammals, with a focus on primates.

You will have at least 4 years’ experience working with mammals and 2 years’ with primates as well as having completed the DMZAA course or equivalent qualification.

Previous supervisory experience would be beneficial. You will be a self-motivated team player with experience of training new keepers. Good communication and ICT skills would be an advantage.

You will have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices and an understanding of Zoo license regulations. Experience with great apes would be an advantage.
A full driving license is essential.

DUTIES:
• Responsible to the Senior Head Keeper / Head Keeper on a daily basis and ultimately to the Curator / Manager of the appropriate department.
• Deputise for the Senior Head Keeper / Head Keeper in their absence.
• To assist in the training of all new keepers and to advise the Senior Head Keeper/Head Keeper/Curator in their subsequent assessment.
• To attend to the husbandry requirements of the animal collection as directed by the Senior Head Keeper/Head Keeper in charge e.g. cleaning out the enclosures, preparing and presenting food, ensuring that bedding and water are provided where appropriate.
• To observe each individual animal for which one has been given responsibility on a daily basis and to record all events relevant to the section concerned in the keeper diaries.
• To answer questions asked by the zoo visitors in a courteous and informative manner or, should such questions be of a sensitive nature and/or concern zoo policy, refer them to a Senior Head Keeper/ Head Keeper or appropriate Curator/Manager.
• To supervise animal experiences and give verbal presentations to the public on aspects with which they are expected to be familiar e.g. the animals, the work of the zoo etc.
• To give public/media interviews as required by the appropriate Curator or Manager.
• To supervise students and new/trainee staff at the direction of the Senior Head Keeper/ Head Keeper.
• To be responsible for the basic maintenance of locks, slides, hinges etc. on the sections.
• To assist in covering for the storeman if necessary.
• To be prepared to drive zoo vehicles if required, providing the relevant licence is held.
• To be involved in the work of Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) and be trained in basic word-processing skills and the use of animal management related computer software.
• To participate in evening lock-up duty if required.
• To assist in duties not necessarily associated with the animal departments in times of emergency.
• To be familiar with the company's policies and procedures.
• To carry out any further duties as directed by appropriate Line Manager.

Paignton Zoo offers the following benefits (after probationary period):
• 28 days paid holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) rising to 33 days after 5 years.
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Company sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Branded uniform provided (as required)
• Relevant internal and external training provided
• Free entry to our 3 zoos for staff and immediate family
• Complimentary tickets
• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
• Free staff parking

To access the online application form please visit our website: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/about/vacancies


Closing date:   30th June 2019


Interview date:   TBC








photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

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