Zoo Jobs: Experienced Animal Keeper

Experienced Animal Keeper

African Experience Section

THIS POST IS NOW FILLED

Salary commensurate with experience, plus a living out allowance

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, are a charity based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The parks are home of one of the world’s most prized wild animal collections and are one of the biggest visitor attractions in Kent.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of dedicated African Experience keepers at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. The section comprises of various species including; Rothchild Giraffe, Ostrich, Eland, Chapman Zebra and Blue Wildebeest among others.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years previous experience working with similar species, in a mainstream zoological collection and an awareness of current conservation issues and a passion for animal welfare. The main duties of this role will include:

· Observing the behavior, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the Head of Section

Preparation of diets and carrying out the feeding procedures
Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times
Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors
Assisting with the movement/transport of animals
Contributing to the enrichment of the species on the section
Supporting the training of less experienced staff and supervision of volunteers and interns

You will need to be familiar with health and safety documentation including risk assessments and safe systems of work, have a broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species and excellent observations skills. This is a physically demanding position, so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness and a full valid driving licence is essential to the role.

Holding a recognised Animal Management qualification and being comfortable interacting with the public would be an advantage. You will also possess excellent all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the various species around the park.

This role is 40 hours per week working 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays, the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours. All applicants must have right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Friday 26 July 2019

To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to - personnel@aspinallfoundation.org

Or post to: Human Resources, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD

Visit our website at www.aspinallfoundation.org for further information.

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