Keeper

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Dartmoor Zoo are looking to employ a Keeper within the Animal Department. The successful individual will have relevant experience, good communication skills and a passion for all aspects of animal husbandry.

Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a fantastic collection of animals, Dartmoor Zoo is a unique family day out in the beautiful South Hams of Devon. Our animal collection includes tigers, lions, zebra, gelada, lynx, cheetah, wolves, tapir, capybara, meerkats, a fantastic collection of invertebrates and reptiles and much more.

There has never been a more exciting time to join our dedicated team; with multiple new species having arrived in the last few months and more set to join us later in the year. The zoo has many future development projects planned.

In this role you will work closely with our enthusiastic keepers to provide high standards of animal care for all mammal and bird species, incorporating the latest advances in husbandry. You will be accountable to the Curator and Senior Keepers and work alongside other keepers to assist in overseeing Entry-Level Keepers, placement students and volunteers. Previous supervisory experience and a genuine interest in helping to train the next generation of zookeepers would be advantageous.

You will be a good team worker, able to motivate others, as well as show initiative and have a positive outlook. You will work regularly on all rounds and play an integral role in training and enrichment, in addition to maintaining animal enclosures. For full details, please see the role description below.

The successful candidate will:

· be enthusiastic and hardworking

· have a minimum of three years full-time employed experience within an animal department of a zoo

· ideally have the DMZAA (or ANCMZA) or BSc (Hons) Zoology or related subject

· have a keen eye for detail and a good awareness of health and safety requirements

· gain knowledge of biology, ecology and captive requirements of animal species

· be able to work in extreme outdoor weather conditions

· have experience with a variety of species including large category one land mammals

· be computer literate and able to carry out daily record keeping (previous use of ZIMS desirable)

· have good verbal and written communication skills

· be able to work within a department team, both as a team player and using one’s own initiative

· have good organisational and time management skills

· be available to work on weekends, bank holidays and special events when required

Dartmoor Zoo offer a competitive salary and holiday package. Two fixed days off per week.

Role decription:

In a Nutshell

To promote DZP’s work in the captive management and breeding of the animal collection by working on the daily husbandry routines of the animal collection under the direction of the Senior Keepers, Head Keeper and Curator.

These are your main tasks

Prepare and distribute food and water to the animals, following prescribed diets

Maintain high standards of cleanliness in all animal enclosures, public viewing and off-view areas

Monitor the animals carefully for any behavioral, reproductive or medical problems

Provide enrichment specific to the species requirements to fulfill their natural behaviours and play a direct role in the DZP’s animal training programme

Ensure the animals’ accommodation is maintained to a high standard for the safety and well-being of the animals and the attractiveness for the public

Be responsible for the basic maintenance of locks, slides, hinges etc on the animal section. To watch for, and report, any deterioration in any hatch cables etc.

Maintain accurate record keeping

Assist in providing routine and emergency medical treatment to the animals as required

Assist with the capture and restraint of animals when needed, whilst minimising the stress on the animal

Answer questions from the visiting public in a courteous and informative manner, and carry out visitor experiences

Adhere to all prescribed safety and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of animals, staff and the visiting public

Provide assistance, information, training and supervision to entry-level keepers, visiting students and volunteers

Partake in any training required by DZP, and assist in duties not necessarily associated with the animal department as required

Please complete the application form (visit https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/get-involved/jobs/) and e-mail to hannah.webb@dartmoorzoo.co.uk or Miss Hannah Webb, Acting Curator, Dartmoor Zoological Park, Sparkwell, Plymouth. PL7 5DG by Friday 14th August. Only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted, and interviews will take place soon after.