Friday, October 30, 2020

Animal Keeper (Great Apes)

 


Animal Keeper (Great Apes)

 

Despite the significant challenges that the pandemic has thrown at Twycross Zoo, we are as determined as ever to evolve and progress with our ambitious plans.

 

Based in the heart of England, we are an award-winning conservation charity and rapidly growing visitor attraction. We’re committed to supporting global welfare and conservation efforts in the captive breeding of endangered species whilst supporting projects from many different countries around the world, including Ape Action Africa, Lola Ya Bonobo and the FFI Cao Vit Gibbon Project.

 

In 2014, we launched our 20 year, £55million Masterplan. Since this time, new habitats which have opened to the public include Giraffe Savannah, Gibbon Forest and a £3.5 million world-class chimpanzee habitat, Chimpanzee Eden, and we are looking forward to building on this continued growth and success. We are the only zoo in the UK to accommodate all four Great Apes.

 

What will this role of Animal Keeper entail?

 

As an Animal Keeper, you’ll play a key role in caring for our Great Apes, ensuring that animal keeping is carried out to the Zoo’s required standards. Your duties will include but not be limited to:

 

·       Preparing and distributing food and water to animals

·       Learning about the animals and reporting any animal health concerns to the Section Head

·       Assisting with maintaining enclosures, food preparation and public viewing areas to a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition

·       Motivating and encouraging colleagues, assisting with the development of Trainee Keepers and providing guidance to work experience students and apprentices

·       Answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner, whilst working closely with the Visitor Experience Team and delivering animal encounters

 

What will I need to be considered for this Animal Keeper vacancy?

 

·       At least 3 years’ experience of animal keeping, which must have included working with Category 1 animals, along with an appropriate animal related qualification (or willing to work towards)

·       Enthusiastic, high performing and motivated with a proven track record in zoo animal management

·       Ability to work effectively in a team and without supervision, with a flexible approach to duties and working hours

·       A passion for the Zoo’s work and purpose

 

The ideal candidate will have experience of working with Great Apes, although this is preferable, not essential.

 

What will I receive in return?

 

As an Animal Keeper, you’ll receive a competitive salary, along with additional benefits including 31 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays, and a staff membership card giving you free entry to the Zoo on your days off and discounts in our retail and food outlets, and free onsite parking.

 

You’ll be employed on permanent contract, working 43 hours per week on a set 3-week rota. You’ll work 5 days out of 7 between the hours of 8am to 6pm during the summer and 8am to 5pm during the winter months.

 

More about us:

 

At TZ you’ll be part of an evolving and progressive organisation, with staff engagement at its very core. We offer a diverse range of roles and are committed to the fundamental approach of equal opportunities in employment. Our team strives to educate and inspire everyone to care about, and therefore contribute to saving, the other species with which we share our planet.


With our dedicated and enthusiastic team of colleagues at the heart of everything we do, we aim to become a recognised “Centre of Excellence” that continues to make a significant contribution to the welfare and conservation of animals, especially primates, and remain at the heart of conservation.

 

We are based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, on the A444 which is easily accessed via the A5 and the M42 Junction 11.

 

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

 

To apply for this position, please head over to http://jobs.twycrosszoo.org, where you will be able to select this role and submit your CV for consideration.



Contact me? See below.



photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Deputy Team Leader (Great Apes)

 


Deputy Team Leader (Great Apes)

 

Despite the significant challenges that the pandemic has thrown at Twycross Zoo, we are as determined as ever to evolve and progress with our ambitious plans.

 

Based in the heart of England, we are an award-winning conservation charity and rapidly growing visitor attraction. We’re committed to supporting global welfare and conservation efforts in the captive breeding of endangered species whilst supporting projects from many different countries around the world, including Ape Action Africa, Lola Ya Bonobo and the FFI Cao Vit Gibbon Project.

 

In 2014, we launched our 20 year, £55million Masterplan. Since this time, new habitats which have opened to the public include Giraffe Savannah, Gibbon Forest and a £3.5 million world-class chimpanzee habitat, Chimpanzee Eden, and we are looking forward to building on this continued growth and success.

 

What will this role of Deputy Team Leader (Animal Keeper - Great Apes) entail?

 

Working in the only zoo in the UK to accommodate all four Great Apes, you’ll take a hands-on approach to ensuring that animal keeping is carried out to the Zoo’s required standards on a day to day basis, and actively supporting the Team Leader.

 

You will lead a medium sized team and supervise all areas of daily animal operations, with duties to include but not be limited to:

 

·       Managing all areas of animal husbandry

·       Reviewing diets and ensuring the correct diets are prepared and distributed

·       Leading and supervising introductions of new animals into social groups

·       Monitoring pregnancies and births

·       Liaising with the on-site veterinary team to ensure optimal health of all animals

·       Checking and ensuring enclosure structure security, reporting any concerns immediately

 

In addition to the above, you will also:

 

·       Report to the Team Leader, managing and supervising a team of up to 10 Animal Keepers, alongside another Deputy Team Leader

·       Assist the Team Leader with the training and development of Great Apes Keepers, including conducting 121s, performance reviews and suggest performance improvements

·       Participate in on-site research projects (mostly behavioural, cognitive and welfare studies)

·       Supervise and encourage work experience students and apprentices

·       Engage with visitors and answer enquiries

 

What will I need to be considered for this Deputy Team Leader (Animal Keeper - Great Apes) vacancy?

 

·       Proven experience and demonstrable working knowledge of zoological animal management, with a strong track record of working with Great Apes

·       Experience of people / team management

·       Ideally have or working towards an appropriate qualification, such as the Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·       Good team player with a positive and enthusiastic outlook and the ability to motivate a team

·       Ability to adapt to change

·       Good IT literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

 

What will I receive in return?

 

As a Deputy Team Leader, you’ll receive a competitive salary, along with additional benefits including 31 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays, and a staff membership card giving you free entry to the Zoo on your days off and discounts in our retail and food outlets, and free onsite parking.


You’ll be employed on permanent contract, working 43 hours per week on a set 3-week rota. You’ll work 5 days out of 7 between the hours of 8am to 6pm during the summer and 8am to 5pm during the winter months.

 

More about us:

 

At TZ you’ll be part of an evolving and progressive organisation, with staff engagement at its very core. We offer a diverse range of roles and are committed to the fundamental approach of equal opportunities in employment. Our team strives to educate and inspire everyone to care about, and therefore contribute to saving, the other species with which we share our planet.

 

With our dedicated and enthusiastic team of colleagues at the heart of everything we do, we aim to become a recognised “Centre of Excellence” that continues to make a significant contribution to the welfare and conservation of animals, especially primates, and remain at the heart of conservation.

 

We are based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, on the A444 which is easily accessed via the A5 and the M42 Junction 11.

 

Closing date: Closing date for applications is 27th of November 2020. Shortlisting of applications will take place while the advert is live. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.

 

All applications for this Deputy Team Leader (Animal Keeper - Great Apes) are to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.

 

To apply for this position, please head over to http://jobs.twycrosszoo.org, where you will be able to select this role and submit your CV for consideration.



Contact me? See below.



photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Marine Mammal Specialist

 


Marine Mammal Specialist

Atlantis Dubai

We are currently searching for a Marine Mammal Specialist 3 at Atlantis Dubai. We require at least 3 years of paid experience mainly with Sea Lions but Dolphins will also be considered.

If interested, please email your CV to Fabio.Silveira@atlantisdubai.com



Contact me? See below.



photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Team Manager – Aquarium

 


Team Manager – Aquarium

Reference:

OCT20209656

Expiry date:

23:59, 21 November 2020

Location:

Chester

Salary:

£33,373.43 Per Annum

Benefits:

Excellent benefits

 

Permanent – Full time, 40 hours per week

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and, despite all the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Team Manager to join and manage our Aquarium team. 

The role: 

  • Support the Curator and Deputy Curator in achieving departmental and team objectives, including prioritising and developing conservation, research and educational initiatives in the Zoo
  • Lead and develop your team, providing individual training and development opportunities and ensuring effective performance management with available resources
  • Ensure that accurate and effective policies, procedures and SOPs are in place, that knowledge is shared within the team, you have back-ups for key activities and that documentation is audited. Oversee the management of team operational budgets
  • Maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare
  • Maintain highest standards of exhibitory. Ensure the effective upkeep of buildings, enclosures and equipment within your control, liaising with other departments as required
  • Participate in internal meetings providing support and information as required in support of the Society’s mission. Ensure effective communication within your team
  • Participate on request in relevant external groups and Associations in UK and overseas, representing the Society’s views on Animal husbandry conservation, with the aim to meet the Society’s mission of Preventing Extinction  

The ideal candidate will: 

  • Have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent practical experience
  • Have experience working as an aquarist in a zoological or conservation–breeding facility
  • Have leadership experience, experience of supervising a team and be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment
  • Have a strong work ethic, prioritisation process and adaptability
  • Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
  • Have outstanding observational skills and excellent attention to detail and be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met
  • Have a proven track record in delivering high standards of marine and freshwater fishes and invertebrates’ husbandry and exhibitory
  • Have a thorough knowledge of ichthyology and anthozoa conservation practices
  • Have thorough understanding of the contribution that ex situ populations can make to education, science and conservation
  • Have a thorough knowledge of fish and aquatic invertebrates training techniques
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills
  • Have a good understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures

Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role.

This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the Aquarium team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.

The salary for this position is £33,373.43 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/ 

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Team Manager – Aquarium role.

Closing date for applications is 21 November 2020

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK HERE

 



Contact me? See below.



photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

SWP Keeper (Maternity Cover)

 


SWP Keeper (Maternity Cover)


Based at Sandwich Wildlife Park

 

We are looking for an ambitious individual to join our animal care team for a 12 month maternity cover position.

 

Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff and visitors. We are looking for a like minded “team player” who would fit in amongst our team working at our second site Sandwich Wildlife Park (SWP).

 

This position will cover the entire collection of animals held at SWP plus a small amount of general maintenance and gardening duties.

 

The Candidate Will:

  • Be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis.
  • Have experience working with exotic species in a zoo setting (experience with category 1 carnivores is essential).
  • Be able to work as part of a team and on their own.
  • Have exceptional time keeping skills.
  • Show outstanding practical animal husbandry skills.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of positive reinforcement training.
  • Have a good understanding of health and safety practices within a zoo setting
  • Be self-motivated.
  • Have a valid UK driving licence and own transportation (as there will be some travel between parks to collect supplies and for training purposes).

The Role Involves:

  • Day to day husbandry of all the animals in our park.
  • Good observational and note keeping skills when working with the animals at our park.
  • Conducting experiences with guests.
  • Strict adherence to safe working practices.
  • Maintaining high standards around the park including small maintenance tasks and gardening.
  • Some supervision of volunteers and work experience students involved.
  • Reporting directly to the Head of Sandwich and also the Head Keeper of both parks.

About Employment with WWP:

 

This position (40 hours per week on a rota based system) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including working on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

 

We give statutory holiday entitlement.

 

This position will pay at the rate of the national minimum wage.

 

All training will be provided and conducted in house, unless required to attend training courses outside of the company premises. 

 

The start date for this position will be 18th January 2021.

 

How to Apply:

 

All applications to be addressed for the attention of Ruth Wilder to headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk along with a covering letter and CV (there is no application form required).

For applications to this particular job please use reference MATERNITY COVER in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.

You must be eligible to work in the UK.

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible.

 

All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview.

 

The interview will consist of a practical session as well as a formal interview, all whilst adhering to social distancing measures.

 

Unfortunately we are unable to offer advice on unsuccessful applications.

 




Contact me? See below.



photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant