Newquay Zoo
Voluntary Placement
Tropical
House
Newquay Zoo is part
of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust family, comprising Paignton Zoo,
Living Coasts, Slapton Ley and two urban nature reserves. Newquay Zoo opened in 1969, and has become
one of the country's top Zoos, contributing towards ground breaking and
innovative conservation programmes. It
has also proved itself to be one of the best visitor attractions in the South
West.
We currently have a
vacancy for a voluntary placement for a period of 6 months (including a one
month probationary period) working with our Tropical House department. Newquay Zoo is open every day and the
placements will be full time i.e. a five day working week including some
weekends. The main role of the position
will be to attend the husbandry requirements of the Tropical House collection
as directed by the Senior Keeper in charge.
All placements are
purely voluntary and as such it is with regret that Newquay Zoo cannot provide
any financial support to those wishing to apply for this positions. To ensure
that volunteers are provided with valuable experience; a training agreement will
be completed and reviewed regularly and a Certificate of Completion will be
provided at the end of the placement.
Objectives of the
placement
- To
gain experience and understanding of the work of a zoo animal keeping
department.
- To
apply own personal skills and take ownership of a series of tasks and/or a
research project.
- To
reflect on training and experience throughout the placement.
Anticipated
tasks/training provided
- Assisting
with daily animal husbandry e.g. feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision,
enclosure modification etc.
- Observations
of animals and recording of relevant information.
- Training
in basic research methods.
- Visitor
interaction e.g. answering visitor questions in a polite and sensitive manner.
- Assisting
with student supervision at the direction of the Senior Keeper.
- Training
in animal-management related computer software.
- Training
in all aspects of the company’s code of practise.
Skills Required
- A
qualification in an animal science related discipline would be desirable.
- Previous
animal-related work experience.
- Good
communication skills.
- Adaptable
to different working environments.
- Able
to work in a team and independently.
- Physically
fit for the demands of the post.
To apply for the
above position please send a CV and covering letter, indicating which position
you are applying for, to Miss Sam Harley, Head Keeper, Newquay Zoo, Trenance
Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ.
Or alternatively,
email, sam.harley@newquayzoo.org.uk
Closing date for applications 2nd December 2016
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
