Experienced
Keeper (Cats)
The Big
Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat
Sanctuary is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, dedicated and highly
motivated individual to join our small, friendly team, to provide the highest
standards of husbandry, enrichment and care to our cats. This position presents
an exciting opportunity to take on a very rewarding role in an exceptional
environment.
Position
Overview
BCS Keepers undertake a full range of husbandry duties, provision of
appropriate enrichments and the execution of cognitive operant conditioning and
target training. BCS also has a changing team of volunteers and interns, which
you will be tasked with working alongside, as well as visitors on team building
exercises (who will undertake a full range of general site and enclosure
maintenance duties). The post holder is expected to work independently as well
as in a team environment, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and
complete priorities in an efficient & effective way.
Principal
Duties & Responsibilities include:
• Working as per the instructions of the Head Keeper &
Deputy Head Keeper contribute to the day-to-day and long-term care and welfare
of the animals held at BCS; ensuring daily security checks, animal husbandry
and welfare routines/management, environmental enrichment and veterinary
intervention are undertaken as instructed
• Help the Head Keeper & Deputy Head Keeper develop and
supervise volunteers & interns, as required
• At all times, work within the guidelines of all Health
& Safety Procedures and Protocols, ensuring ongoing animal, personal and
visitor safety and security
• Maintain a strong understanding of emergency procedures, be
fully aware of your individual role and responsibilities in an emergency
situation, engaging with practice routines/drills, as required
• Immediately notify Head Keeper, Deputy Head Keeper or Head
of Building & Maintenance (or their Deputy) of any concerns re: enclosure
safety
• Undertake & record animal observations accurately and
effectively, as required
• Deliver high standards of visitor interaction in the form
of regular keeper talks, encounters, experiences, tours and education events
and engaged guests both formally during presentations etc. & informally
during the routine operation of the Sanctuary
• Maintain a good knowledge of industry specific working
practices/guidelines and legislation, contributing to Zoo License inspections
and other audits, as required
• Identify development opportunities, attending formal &
informal training as appropriate
• Foster a pleasant working environment & atmosphere,
raising any issues professionally
• Encourage positive communication and collaborative working
between all departments
Job
Requirements (Essential)
§ Proven experience
(ideally 2 years plus) in the care and management of a variety of species
(ideally big cats and large carnivores)
§ Strong
communication and interpersonal skills; ability empathise and engage with
visitors
§ Experience of
delivering visitor experiences
§ Full, clean
driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential due to our rural
location
Job
Requirements (Desirable)
§ HND or degree
level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
Working
Conditions
§ This post involves
spending a large amount of time outdoors in all weathers
§ Full time,
permanent position; generally 40 hours per week 8am-5pm (includes weekend and
bank holiday work) with some overtime available for late tours and events
§ Additional early
and late working will be required to accommodate emergencies, deadlines or
special events
§ The post will pay
initially at National Minimum wage, with a salary review after successful
completion of a six-month probationary period
§ We give statutory
holiday entitlement
To apply,
please send your CV and a covering letter
to lisa@thebigcatsanctuary.org with the reference CAT KEEPER in the
email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.
Closing
Date: Sunday 5th December 2021 @ 5pm
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