Zoo Jobs: 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!

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