Thursday, September 26, 2019

Zoo Manager



Zoo Manager

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom

Principal duties and key responsibilities include

•        To maintain high standards of animal husbandry
•        Offer direct support to the director
•        To put in place and follow safe working procedures in and around the wildlife park and animal enclosures
•        To continue to expand your knowledge in all areas of welfare and zoo licensing requirements
•        Carry out keeper talks and engage with our guests, close encounters and birthday parties as and when required
•        To continue to expand your knowledge of the natural history and husbandry of the animals in your care
•        To actively promote and improve the conservation aims of the Borth Wild Animal Kingdom and promote them at every suitable opportunity
•        To ensure you give a positive impression of both yourself and the company to all customers both internal and external
•        Confidently handle and restrain a range of species in a way to minimise stress and risk of injury to all involved.  Risk assessing each situation and guiding inexperienced staff on how to do this safely and correctly
•        To be able to carry out basic healthcare procedures such as hoof trimming, micro chipping, ear tagging and injections on a range of species
•        Be able to deal with emergency situations, such as an animal escape, in a calm, confident manner, taking control of the situation and providing guidance to other staff and volunteers
•        To complete maintenance work around the part as and when required, ensuring the safety of animals, guests and staff
•        Proven record with animal training and positive reinforcement training methods
•        To be observant and communicate with your colleagues and members of the public.  Promote a positive working environment for both staff and volunteers.  Lead the team from the front and provide motivation to ensure good morale amongst all staff
•        Provide any necessary staff training required to enable all staff to perform at the expected standard.  Provide any guidance needed whilst allowing them to grow, progress and develop
•        To supervise and encourage all staff members including, work experience, volunteers, seasonal staff and interns on a daily basis in regards to correct husbandry techniques, safety and animal welfare
•        Be well organised, self-motivated with good interpersonal skills
•        Represent and promote the company at external events and be prepared to give presentations on what the zoo does, new projects etc
•        Experience of DEFRA licencing, APHA, EHO, & Zoo licencing standards
•        Experience of animal recording systems and standards including movement systems
•        Flexible approach to work and able to work under pressure
•        Good written and spoken English
•        Complete any necessary paperwork required of the role including staff rotas, animal records, risk assessments

Skills and qualifications
  • Completed DMZAA or equivalent
  • Minimum 8 years employed within a Farm Park / Wildlife Park or Zoo
  • Proven experience of running an animal department or small team and supervising others
  • Experience of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
  • Full driving licence and trailer licence (preferable)
  • Firearms certificate (desirable)
  • DBS Checked
  • Be able to resolve problems as and when possible, deal with enquiries from public and provide the necessary services, strive for a high quality of customer care
  • Demonstrated experience in the management of specific animals.
  • Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability.

Personal skills:
  • Effective communication skills both verbal and written
  • Positive approach to work and colleagues
  • Motivational skills and able to encourage staff responsible for as well as work experience, volunteers etc

Applicants will need to live locally to Borth or be prepared to re-locate.
Salary to be discussed.
Contact; Tracy Tweedy 07957775581









photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Technician – Birds and Paddocks Section



Technician – Birds and Paddocks Section

SPARSHOLT COLLEGE HAMPSHIRE

Technician – Birds and Paddocks Section, Animal Management Centre
£15,075 - £18,290 (dependent upon qualifications)

The post holder will work under the direction of the AMC Head in undertaking the husbandry, management and maintenance of the teaching collections of birds (Edward’s, brown eared and Palawan pheasants, Manchurian cranes, bald ibis, chough, poultry, waterfowl, turacos, kookaburra, owls, finches, pigeons and parakeets) and paddock animals (donkeys, alpacas, goats, dwarf zebu, wallabies, mara, rheas, domestic waterfowl).

Working closely with, and covering absences for, the second technician across both collections, the post holder will ensure correct animal husbandry, both directly and through providing supervision and support to students in practical husbandry sessions, to achieve exemplary standards in animal care, training and the learner experience.

Candidates should be educated to at least level 2 in a relevant vocational subject and be able to demonstrate significant practical experience working with both birds and hoofstock. This experience could be gained in either a zoo/farm park setting or else with your own or other private collection.

A positive and flexible approach to a varied workload, real enthusiasm for the animals you work with, and an affinity for working with and engaging young learners are required. Some educational or supervisory experience would be advantageous. The practical skills to maintain and improve enclosures is also sought.  The post holder will be required to work alternate weekends.

This post is based at the Sparsholt campus. The AMC is Zoo-Licensed and BIAZA accredited, and holds a significant animal collection with exciting plans for imminent development.

On-site accommodation in a shared house with two other members of staff may be available.  Approximate overall monthly cost excluding utility bills is c. £215 per month

Closing Date:  18 September 2019

College Benefits

·       Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (a defined benefit pension scheme)
·       Death Benefit grant of 3 x salary if in the pension scheme
·       Free on-site parking
·       Car Share Scheme
·       Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
·       Occupational Maternity Pay Scheme
·       Flexible Working Policy
·       Holiday entitlement of 22 days (rising to 25 days after 5 years’ service) plus Public and Bank Holidays along with college closure days at Xmas.
·       Ability to Purchase Additional Annual Leave via a salary sacrifice arrangement
·       Access to an employee assistance scheme
·       Free cash point facility
·       Free Library membership
·       On-site gym at the Sparsholt campus (membership £100 per annum)
·       Gym classes at the Sparsholt campus
·       Facility to purchase Sparsholt produce including: plants, flowers, fruit & vegetables, fish and game
·       Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at the Andover campus
·       Discounted admission to Marwell Zoo
·       Ability to access a range of CPD events and support with undertaking professional qualifications
·       Various food outlets and eateries offering good value food and drink at competitive prices

There is a nursery on the Sparsholt campus operated by a commercial provider

Application packs are available from:
24 hour recruitment line: 01962 797438










photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

EXPERIENCED ELEPHANT KEEPER



EXPERIENCED ELEPHANT KEEPER

BLACKPOOL ZOO

EXPERIENCED ELEPHANT KEEPER (ANIMAL DEPARTMENT)

Ref No EK/AD/19

Due to the imminent expansion of our existing Elephant herd, our award-winning concept in animal care ‘Project elephant’ is looking for an additional experienced Keeper to join the team as we progress in the development of a multi-generational herd within ‘Basecamp’ its new multi-million-pound elephant facility which opened in 2018.

‘Project elephant’ is Blackpool zoos long-term commitment to elephants. Focusing on a multi-faceted approach to the continuous improvement of the zoo’s captive population of elephants, their long-term management, breeding and welfare needs, with a special focus on their physiological and psychological wellbeing.

The successful candidate will be key to the success of the project’s philosophies at an exciting stage in its elephant management program.
Working in a protected contact management system and assisting in all aspects of the section’s work, including the delivery of the zoos current Elephant Care Strategy to our existing 5 female Asian Elephants.

The successful applicant will be required to:
· work as part of a close-knit team
· demonstrate good communication skills both written and oral,
· engage with visitors including the delivery of keeper talks and
presentations.

You will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic and reliable. You should possess the Diploma in The Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or an equivalent and have a minimum of three years’ in a recognised zoological institution and have previous notable experience of working with elephants, with bull and calf management desirable but not essential. A full manual driving licence is essential and previous experience of driving Tractors/Multipurpose vehicles would be advantageous.

For more information about the project visit www.projectelephant.org.uk

Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established medium sized zoos, and in recent years the zoo has gone through a rapid modernisation and development process, which is still ongoing. The Zoo is operated by Parques Reunidos, one of Europe’s largest leisure and attraction operators which specialises in the tourism/leisure sector. Parques Reunidos currently operates over 60 parks around the world and attracts over 21 million visitors annually.

We offer a Salary of £18,694.00 per annum as well as a range of other benefits plus the opportunity to further your career within the zoological Industry.

The closing date for applications is the 13th October 2019.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. We are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.

Please send a detailed CV and covering letter explaining why you wish to be considered for this post to Mrs Anita Bubbins, Personnel Manager, Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire. FY3 8PP or by email to anita.bubbins@blackpoolzoo.org.uk











photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Lead Animal Keeper


Lead Animal Keeper

Lead Animal Keeper – Carnivores

We are the astonishing kingdom of Longleat, an eccentrically British place of imagination and astonishing experiences. For over 50 years we have been one of the UK’s most loved attractions. With almost one million guests every year, we are passionate about providing immersive experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

We’re an organisation driven by our core cultural values, which are to engage and inspire, put people first, take accountability, continuously improve and to act with integrity. We believe everyone who works at Longleat can subscribe to these values, and that they truly set us apart as an organisation to work for.

What will this role of Lead Animal Keeper (Carnivores) entail?

Reporting directly to the Head of the Carnivore Department, as a Lead Animal Keeper (Carnivores) you will be leading the team in all aspects of animal care and daily operation. You will be working with Longleat’s impressive carnivore species including our two large prides of African lions, our spotted hyena and our breeding populations of Amur tigers, European wolves and cheetah.

You’ll patrol and carry out observations on the animals, in addition to supervising and training the Carnivore Keeping Team.

Naturally, the focus of this role will be on our animals, however you’ll also be engaging with people just as much with regular educational and VIP initiatives, and frequent guest enquiries will arise as you perform your duties. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional standards of both animal welfare and guest engagement.

What will I need to be considered for this Lead Animal Keeper (Carnivores) vacancy?

•        Demonstrable experience of working in an animal collection, with specific knowledge and technical skills relating to the species in our collection (more information on our website)
•        A DMZAA qualification or suitable recognised equivalent
•        A full UK Driving Licence
•        Excellent communication skills with a positive, mature and friendly nature
•        Good team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure
•        Honest, reliable and flexible to work extra hours / weekends as required

Please note, whilst Longleat is an equal opportunities employer, the successful applicant will need to be physically fit due to the nature and demands of the role.

What will I receive in return?

As a Lead Animal Keeper (Carnivores), you will receive a salary of £19,767, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

•        29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata)
•        Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves
•        Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
•        Life assurance cover and more perks

Contract: Permanent contract, working an average of 40 hours per week on a 7-day rota basis – earliest rota’d start time of 8.30am, until close. (Hour and times vary throughout the season with a latest finish time up to 9pm).

Please note, due to the nature of the business evenings and weekend work will be required, including bank holidays.

Location: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire)

To apply for this position, please head over to http://jobs.longleat.co.uk/ where you will be able to select this role and submit your application for consideration.


All applications for this Lead Animal Keeper (Carnivores) vacancy are to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions please.








photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Assistant Head Ranger



Assistant Head Ranger

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

We are please to be offering the position of Assistant Head Ranger at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, beginning on the 5th December.

ABOUT US:

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park built it's foundations on the conservation of domestic British rare breeds in conjunction with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.  We re-branded as a wildlife park three years ago, taking in a wider range of exotic such as tapirs, crocodiles and camels to name a few.  With big expansion plans for the near future as the collection grows more towards this kind of attraction, we're looking to hire an accomplished individual working as the deputy to the Head Ranger that will be able to help us develop the park to the next level and that wants to share the good life here with us in beautiful Suffolk.

ROLE PROFILE:

With this position, we're looking for someone to work closely alongside the Head Ranger, covering on all sections when required by maintaining the highest standards of animal husbandry, is able to work at pace, and that can help to manage the park and it's staff.  You should also take an active role in updating the paperwork needed for day to day running of the zoo, as well as zoo licensing.

The successful applicant must also be handy...able to build, mend and use a wide range of power tools.  Because we are a small team, we handle all maintenance jobs in house. Therefore all staff are expected to roll up their sleeves and get involved with some of the more undesirable jobs (i.e. cleaning toilets, emptying bins and occasionally unblocking drains).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • To maintain high standards of animal husbandry.
  • To put in place and follow safe working procedures in and around the wildlife park and animal enclosures.
  • To continue to expand your knowledge in all areas of welfare and zoo licensing requirements.
  • Carry out keeper talks and engage with our guests, close encounters and birthday parties as and when required.
  • To continue to expand your knowledge of the natural history and husbandry of the animals in your care.
  • To actively promote and improve the conservation aims of the farm & wildlife park at every suitable opportunity.
  • To ensure you give a positive impression of both yourself and the company to all customers, both internal and external.
  • Confidently handle and restrain a range of species in a way to minimise stress and risk of injury to all involved.  Risk assessing each situation and guiding inexperienced staff on how to do this safely and correctly.
  • To be able to carry out some basic healthcare procedures, such as hoof trimming, micro-chipping, ear-tagging and injections on a range of species.
  • Be able to deal with emergency situations in the absence of the Head Ranger, such as an animal escape, in a confidently calm manner, taking control of the situation and providing guidance to other staff and volunteers.
  • To complete maintenance work around the park as and when required.
  • Some understanding of animal training, using positive reinforcement training methods.
  • To promote a positive upbeat working environment amongst the staff, providing motivation to ensure good morale.
  • To provide and necessary training towards less experienced staff and work experience.
  • Be well organised, self-motivated and with good interpersonal skills.
  • Represent the company at external events as well as filming opportunities.
  • Some experience of DEFRA licensing, APHA, EHO, and Zoo licensing standards desirable.
  • Some experience using ZIMS to keep detailed animal records.
  • Good written and spoken English
  • Handling money and assist in the retail outlets when required.

GENERAL:

  • The Assistant Head Ranger works a 45 hour week, structured over a 5 day week to comply with the needs of the business, including weekends and bank holidays.
  • You will be subjected to a six month probationary period.
  • You must be punctual, reliable, honest and trustworthy, of smart appearance and have a polite and friendly manner towards customers and colleagues alike.
  • Applicants for the position must be physically fit as the job entails a degree of tough physical work, often in adverse weather conditions.  These include knocking in fence posts, using ladders, carrying bales, and must be able to walk for considerable distances, often uphill.  You must have good eyesight and hearing.
  • A uniform will be issued.

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

  • Qualified to at least a level 3 or equivalent in an animal based field.  DMZAA is desirable.
  • Minimum of 3 years employed within a Wildlife Park / Zoo or farm park.
  • Proven experience of supervising others.
  • Experience of Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Full driving licence (trailer licence is a bonus)
  • Be able to resolve problems calmly, striving for high quality in customer care.
  • Positive approach and motivational skills towards encouraging staff and volunteers.


A CV along with a cover letter should be sent to headkeeper@jimmysfarm.com as well as to stevie@jimmysfarm.com  If you're able to send a small portfolio of any building work you have undertaken, then that would be great too!  The closing date for applications will be 15th October, with interviews taking place during the last two weeks of that month.  We very much look forward to hearing from you!












photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant