Zoo Jobs: Trainee Animal Keeper

Trainee Animal Keeper – Rhino Section

Salary commensurate with experience

Plus a living out allowance, or possibly, on-site accommodation.

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, is a charity- based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is seeking a hardworking and dedicated keeper to work with our team of enthusiastic and like-minded keepers on our Rhino Section. This fascinating section includes the largest collection of Black Rhinos in the world outside of Africa and White rhinos. With Port Lympne being one of the most successful breeders of Black rhino in Europe.

This is a very physical role, and the successful applicant will be expected to undertake all duties on the section including, enclosure cleaning, general maintenance and upkeep of enclosures including all aspects of exhibit presentation. Conservation, education, and enrichment play a big role in the park, so there will be plenty of opportunities for doing talks and displays to the public.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Previous experience gained in a zoo park/equivalent environment

• Knowledge of Rhino species

• Knowledge of current conservation issues concerning Rhinos

• Experience of restraining animals

• A zoo animal management qualification or willingness to work towards one

• Full, valid driving license

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Rhino experience

• Off road driving experience

• Tractor experience

• Basic building skills

Working 40 hours per week, 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.

Cover letter and CV to lauraj@aspinallfoundation.org

Closing Date: 24 February 2022

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