ANIMAL KEEPER

ANIMAL KEEPER

Position Type: Full time

Start Date: January 2020

Hours: Vary throughout year.

Overview:

Ventura Wildlife Park is a small wildlife park located in Ware, Hertfordshire. We pride ourselves on being an interactive park where guests of all ages and abilities can discover a variety of species including; zebra, fossa, binturong, lemur, squirrel monkey, kangaroo, hutia, raccoon dog, mongoose, ibis and hornbill as well as a variety of snakes, lizards and tortoises. 

We are looking for a new full time zoo keeper to join our small and trusted team of likeminded individuals who take pride in their role. This position involves providing daily care for a varied collection exotic animals, therefore suitable applicants should have an interest in working with a variety of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

The successful applicant must be engaging, confident, approachable and keen to learn new skills quickly and effectively 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 (use of ZIMS)

·      Delivering public talks, school visits, animal experiences and interactive animal encounter sessions both on and offsite.

·      Stock taking, ordering and unloading (lifting weights of up to 25kg).

·      Assisting with veterinary care when needed.

·      Maintaining high standards around the park.

·      Helping to maintain park grounds and enclosures, including 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.

Skills & Requirements:

• ·      Experience of working with a range of exotic animals in a zoo or similar environment.
• ·      A good animal knowledge covering a wide range of species.
• ·      Knowledge of ZIMS (desirable).
• ·      DMZAA or equivalent qualification in a suitable discipline.
• ·      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.
• ·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• ·      First class customer service and guest interaction skills.
• ·      Excellent time-keeping and time management.
• ·      Full clean UK or EU driving. Minimum age of 21 years for insurance purposes.

Work Particulars:

·      Offsite educational outreach visits form part of this role.

·      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 adminmanager@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.

NB- Due to the number of applicants we receive we are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

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Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48