EXPERIENCED ANIMAL KEEPER

A new position has arisen, and we are looking to add a dedicated, experienced animal keeper to join our team, on a fixed full-time contract (5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays), working with a variety of taxa.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and passionate about wildlife, with the skills required to communicate this to our visitors. You will need to be able to hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment. Experience with large carnivores and small-medium sized primates is preferable.

You must be able to demonstrate knowledge of modern zoo practices relating to husbandry, nutrition, enrichment and veterinary care as well as understanding the importance of research and conservation activities.

There are also heavy focuses on site maintenance and horticulture.

The successful candidate should have previous experience working with animals in a similar role in a zoological collection and hold a relevant qualification in the management of zoo animals.

The position also includes educational work, providing tours to school groups and one to one animal encounter experiences.

The position will cover working on all sections on a scheduled basis. These being primates, carnivores, birds and small mammals, with two new sections in the making.

HOURS OF WORK

This is full time contract, on a flexi rota system which includes working regular weekends and bank holidays as well as being on call for out of hour's emergencies and sometimes working early or late to meet business needs.

Normal hours are 8am-5pm, but you may be required to work earlier or later as business requires.

We use a system called BrightHR to notify of monthly rotas in advance and training will be given upon induction.

Skills & Requirements:

· Relevant qualification.

· Previous experience working within a zoological collection with specified taxa.

· Motivated and enthusiastic individual who can work alone and as part of a team.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· People management experience preferable.

· Excellent organisational, time management, and self-discipline skills.

· Excellent hygiene standards.

· Computer literate.

· Wide knowledge of biology, ecology and captive requirements of taxa relevant to the collection.

· Flexible approach to work and ability to work under pressure and varied hours.

· Full clean driving license is preferable but not essential.

· Good understanding of health and safety within the workplace is also essential.

- Clear previous experience with small to medium sized primates and both small and large carnivores.

Rate of pay – NMW. For over 25’s this is currently £8.72/hr.

CLOSING DATE:

This position will remain open until the position is filled.

INTERVIEWS

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible and interviews will be held at our earliest convenience.

We will not conduct interviews over the telephone or skype etc.

TO APPLY.

Please download the application form from https://www.hemsleyconservationcentre.com/vacancies, and email to enquiries@hemsleyconservationcentre.com with subject title 'FTAK1 Application'. Without this title, applications may slip through our system and be missed. If you have not heard back within 4 weeks of submission, please assume that on this occasion, you have been unsuccessful.