Head Keeper –
Gorilla Section
Salary
commensurate with experience
Plus a living
out allowance or possibly, on-site accommodation.
The Aspinall Foundation is a registered
charity that is actively involved with several projects incorporating a diverse
range of conservation activities both at their Kent based Howletts Wild Animal
Park and Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve and overseas projects in the Congo, Gabon,
Indonesia and Madagascar.
We
are currently recruiting a Head Keeper, for our world-renowned Gorilla Section
at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. Reporting directly to the Animal Director
you will be required to oversee the management of the gorilla collection and
personnel with duties including:
- Production
of a section plan for the animals based at Port Lympne Hotel &
Reserve.
- Assisting
with the planning and transport of animals for our ex-situ projects.
- Recruitment,
development of the team, conducting performance appraisals and dealing
with disciplinary issues.
- Assisting with the development of trainee
keepers and providing guidance to interns and volunteers.
- Maintenance
of animal welfare standards.
- Reporting any animal health concerns to the
Animal Director and liaising with the on-site veterinary team when
required.
- Managing, preparing and distributing diets.
- Completing
the time management system for the section.
- Liaising with the Animal Director’s Assistant
for feed orders and departmental supplies.
- Maintaining enclosures to a high standard of
hygiene and cleanliness as well as assisting with the general repair and
improvement of enclosures when required.
- Giving talks, encounters and answering
enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner.
- Communication
with other departments to keep them informed of developments within the
collection.
- Representation
of the company in media or external talks when required.
The ideal
candidate must have:
- Significant experience as a senior Keeper,
which must have included working with Gorillas for a substantial number of
years.
·
Worked in a
zoological collection or similar, to at least deputy head of section level, and
be a highly organised, self-motivated individual with a proactive approach.
- An in-depth understanding or Gorilla nutrition, husbandry and successful breeding programmes.
- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to
work effectively in a team.
- This is a physically demanding position so candidates
must have a good level of physical fitness.
- A full valid driving licence.
- Be accurate in written work with good attention to
detail, possess excellent organisational skills and be
computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Outstanding all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the species.
- Be comfortable interacting with the public and delivering
talks.
- An awareness of current conservation issues and a passion
for animal welfare.
- Holding a recognised Animal Management qualification and
knowledge of all aspects of H&S including risk assessments would be an
advantage.
Working 40
hours per week, worked 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays,
the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working
hours.
All applicants must have right to work in the UK.
Closing date: Tuesday 4 May 2021
To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to: personnel@aspinallfoundation.org
Visit our website at www.aspinallfoundation.org for further information
If it's not posted here you may not reach the right candidate
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