ASSISTANT HEAD
KEEPER
Manor House Wildlife
Park are looking to recruit an experienced animal keeper to assist the current
Head keeper and supervise in their absence. The successful applicant will be
expected to lead a small team of staff and oversee the day to day management of
the diverse animal collection, ensuring the highest standards of animal care
and welfare at all times. Taxa include primates, Small and large Hoofstock
(including rhino), small mammals, marsupials and some birds and reptiles.
With some new and
exciting developments planned over the next few years the Assistant Head keeper
will be expected to be involved in all aspects of these projects including
enclosure design, collection planning, health and safety, working protocols and
day to day operations. This is a supervisory role and there will be office time
and administrative work required.
The successful
candidate will be expected to:
• Ensure the highest standards of animal
husbandry and welfare at all times including implementing training and
enrichment programmes, monitoring health, researching nutritional needs and
excellent enclosure presentation.
• Liaise with the
veterinary team as and when needed and administer medication when appropriate
in the absence of an on-site vet.
• Supervise staff in
the absence of the Head keeper which will include managing rotas and holidays,
training new and existing staff to the required standards, organising working
protocols and procedures and providing feedback on performance.
• Assist in the
management and implementation of all aspects of Health and Safety including
working protocols, risk assessments and manual handling.
• Assist in
providing Firearms cover as and when needed.
• Manage animal
records, produce reports and put forward proposals.
• Ensure the highest
of standards of visitor experience through exceptional customer services and
care.
The successful
candidate will need to have worked in a Zoo environment for at least 7 years,
have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo animals and Aquaria (DMZAA) or an
equivalent qualification and have some previous experience supervising staff.
With the completion
of a new big cat facility in the near future experience working with big cats
is essential to this position. The candidate must be able to demonstrate
excellent safe working practices with big cats and have knowledge of all
aspects of their care and husbandry. Experience with the Taxa listed above
would also be beneficial and in particular with Rhino.
A full driving
licence is essential and candidates should also be in the possession of a
Firearms licence or at least in a position to apply for one.
The successful
applicant will be computer literate with an excellent understanding of MS word
and working knowledge of ZIMS would be desirable.
Working hours vary
dependant on time of year with longer shifts during the summer period and
shorter days throughout winter. Staff are salaried so monthly wages are not
affected by varying hours.
Salary will be
dependent on experience and will include other company benefits.
To apply send or
email an up to date CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability to this
position to:
The Director
Manor House Wildlife
Park
St Florence
Tenby
Pembrokeshire
SA70 8RJ
Closing date for
this position is Monday the 30th of March 2015
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Thank You!
