ANIMAL DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR - Isle of Wight Zoo

ANIMAL DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR - Isle of Wight Zoo


The Isle of Wight Zoo is the Island’s original and leading zoo. It is located on the popular east coast of the Isle of Wight overlooking a spectacular sandy beach just half an hour’s drive away from the capital town. The zoo is privately operated by a proactive and dedicated team.

A valuable and exciting opportunity has arisen for an Animal Department Supervisor to head a specialist collection comprising mainly of big cats and lemurs, alongside a small collection of other exotic species and farm and companion animals. This post will report to the Zoo Curator and, ultimately, share a Duty Manager role to oversee day-to-day operations of all departments.

The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic alongside superior animal and people management skills. The ability to organize and motivate a small team of animal care staff will be a vital aspect of this position. Working knowledge of species held in our collection is a requirement of the post and a minimum of 5 years experience in a zoo or associated organization is mandatory.

Applicants must hold a full drivers licence and be in a position to re-locate to the Isle of Wight.

For more detailed information and to apply online please visit the vacancies section of our website: http://www.isleofwightzoo.com/

Closing date for applications: 28th February 2010

Interviews will commence beginning March 2010

Post will commence mid March 2010

Website details

General post info:

• Permanent

• 45 hrs/wk

• Rate of pay negotiable depending on experience

Job spec:

• Supervise team of 5-7 animal care staff

• Supervise work experience , internship students and volunteers

• Hands-on keeper duty support

• Duty Manager cover (subject to a successful probationary period)

• Daily work planning and rotas

• Assist with budgetary control

Supervise care and management of animal collection including:

• General feeding and cleaning activities

• Provision of veterinary care

• Behavioural/environmental enrichment

• Assist with development of nutrition programmes and preventative health care

• Enclosure decoration and general upkeep

• Record keeping

• Breeding programmes

• Capture and restraint

• Security

• Assist maintenance and construction department

• Animal accommodation maintenance

• Construction projects

• Public education

• Conduct daily presentations and involvement in other educational activities

• Supervise animal department educators

Duty Manager role to include:

• Oversee and support all department staff in absence of CEO and Zoo Curator

• Responsibility for zoo visitors and contractors

• Responsibility for animal collection

Key skills/attributes:

• Proven ability to supervise and motivate a team

• Reliable with a strong work ethic and lead-by-example approach

• Desire to contribute to the development of an up-and-coming zoo

• Flexible with an open-minded attitude

• Attention to detail

• Great sense of humour

Required:

• Minimum 5 years experience in a zoo or associated organization

• Working knowledge of core species held in collection

• Experience with public education

• Full driving licence

• Ability to excel in a physically and mentally challenging role

Advantageous:

• ANC in Animal Management

• Firearms licence

• First Aid certificate

• Health and Safety qualifications

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Please mention you saw this vacancy on the Zoo News Digest Job site should you apply for the post. Many thanks - Peter

Aboriginal Education Officer - Taronga Zoo

Aboriginal Education Officer - Taronga Zoo

Taronga Conservation Society Australia currently has a vacancy for a Full-time Aboriginal Education Officer, based at Taronga Zoo. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative and exciting experiences and programs from an Aboriginal perspective.


The successful applicant will be a member of a supportive and multi-disciplinary team. The role is to coordinate the development and delivery of education programs and provide excellent service to school groups and visitors to Taronga Zoo’s.


To be successful in this role you will require:

• Aboriginality (Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14 of the Anti-discrimination Act of 1977);

• Hold a formal teaching qualification from a higher education institution recognised by the Department of Education and Training;

• Diverse knowledge of Aboriginal communities;

• Experience in developing and implementing Aboriginal education programs;

• Excellent communication, teamwork, negotiation and organisational skills;

• Experience in theatre or performance based activities;

• High level computer literacy skills including Microsoft office;

• Experience in project management and budget development, reporting and reconciliation.



Please visit http://www.taronga.org.au/  to obtain an application form and information package or for further information regarding this position, please contact Paul Maguire on (02) 9978 4555, or email pmaguire@zoo.nsw.gov.au



Applications, including resume, application form and completed selection criteria should be sent to HR Officer, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, PO Box 20, Mosman 2088 or email Mitchell McLachlan mmclachlan@zoo.nsw.gov.au  by Tuesday 2 March quoting reference. no 2010/7.

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Displays Supervisor - Oban Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary

Displays Supervisor - Oban Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary

Oban, Scotland
(2 hours drive from Glasgow airport)

The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary opens a window into a watery wonderland, teeming with amazing sea creatures of astonishing variety. Nestling amidst the pine trees on the shores of picturesque Loch Creran, the Centre combines a spectacular aquarium with a busy rescue and rehabilitation facility for both common and grey seal pups.

The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is Scotland's leading animal rescue centre caring for dozens of sick, injured and orphaned seal pups every year. To continue this wonderful work we are seeking a Displays Supervisor to manage the team.

In this varied and highly challenging role, you will have full responsibility of ensuring that all livestock displays are well presented and maintained always working towards providing our visitors with world class displays. You’ll also take responsibility for managing the sanctuary’s seal hospital that rehabilitates rescued seals in the local area as well as look after the resident seals, otters and penguins.

To be successful, you’ll have excellent knowledge of fish husbandry from working within an aquarium and a good knowledge of plant & equipment as you’ll be required to ensure our displays remain of a constant high standard. A relevant qualification in marine biology (or equivalent) is essential and a specialist knowledge of a particular species kept at the centre would be advantageous. Experience of managing medium to large projects is key as we are constantly looking for new ways to refresh and revitalise our attractions. Naturally you’ll have experience of managing a budget, managing a small team, good communication skills and be flexible with working hours to meet the needs of the business. A driving licence is also essential.

Joining us also means you’ll be apart of the Merlin Entertainments Group, the worlds second largest attractions operator. That means there'll always be further opportunities to grow, develop and try new things – plus full and continuous support along the way. As you’d expect we offer an excellent package of benefits including:
Free tickets to all Merlin attractions

• A bonus scheme that rewards individual and attraction performance

• Pension scheme

• And more…… If you are interested in the position and have the necessary skills to fulfil the position apply online at http://www.sealife-jobs.com/

We believe in equality of opportunity and employ people solely on the basis of their abilities.

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Curator Vacancy - Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium seeks Curator

Bristol Aquarium and the IMAX Cinema is due to open its doors in October 2009 on the former Wildwalk Site.

Both attractions are part of Blue Reef Leisure Ltd and are part of the ASPRO Ocio Group.Aspro Ocio is a Spanish multinational company with its headquarters based in Madrid. Aspro operates water parks, theme parks and aquaria in Spain, France, Finland, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium Holland and here in the UK.

The Aspro Group came into existence in 1991 and has experienced a fast and healthy development over the years, both organically and through acquisitions.

2008 has seen considerable growth in the UK with the recent Acquisitions of Oakwood Theme Park and Blue Reef Aquariums. Aspro also owns and operates Deep Sea Leisure Plc consisting of two aquaria Blue Planet Aquarium and Deep Sea World.

Our business depends on our visitors enjoying their experience and hopefully leaving the aquarium inspired to care more about the environment. To achieve this we rely on recruiting high quality staff who share our vision of exceptional service standards and who are committed to delivering this every day.

The responsibility of the Curator will be varied, challenging, but extremely rewarding. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Aquarist and Dive Team. A hands-on approach is required to ensure the team achieve the highest standard of animal care and husbandry.

You will be responsible for maintaining and developing displays and exhibits - promoting public education and awareness in relation to conservation of biodiversity and a memorable and entertaining experience to visitors.

You will promote a high standard of health and safety for all Aquarium visitors and staff.This exciting role is ideal for someone with proven experience in marine animal care and husbandry. You will have both the drive to succeed and the skills to motivate a team of dedicated Aquarist professionals.

This post is full time, with weekend shifts on a rota'd basis.

A Marine Biology degree qualification is essential.

A dive qualification is desirable at the level of :

PADI Dive master
CMAS 3*
HSE Part 1V

For this demanding and rewarding position previous experience in the visitor attractions sector would be advantageous.Key Responsibilities will include:
• Day to day management of animal husbandry through a hands on involved approached (including maintaining own exhibits)
• Manage the dive operation, through a hands on involved approach ensuring no contraventions of Health & Safety
• To manage, train and develop both Zoological team and self
• To control costs and expenses through effective and planned management of Zoological budget
• To provide leadership by communicating well, maintaining good business relationships and representing Bristol Aquarium in a positive light

Candidates should apply to Janeen Pickup, Human Resources Manager, Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire, CH65 9LF. E-mail: recruitment@blueplanetaquarium.co.uk

Your application letter should highlight why you would be able to fulfil this key role within the organisation; include your salary expectations; and clearly demonstrate how you meet our requirements.

Applications must be received by Thursday, 25th June 2009

Aspro Ocio is an Equal Opportunities Employer

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Life Sciences Manager – Auckland Zoo

Life Sciences Manager – Auckland Zoo

Unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in an award-winning zoo, positioned at the forefront of ethics and animal welfare, conservation and community involvement.

Internationally recognised zoological park

Opportunity to gain a career step

Lifestyle of New Zealand living

Auckland Zoo is an award-winning zoo and is widely regarded as a regional benchmark in Australasia. It is progressive, with a clearly defined and articulated vision and mission. The senior management team has a leading reputation as a group of zoological professionals who are “walking the talk”.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an expert in the life sciences, with several years’ operational experience in a zoo or conservation organisation. You will ensure that the highest levels of welfare, husbandry, species management and exhibit design are provided to the animals in the Zoos care. As part of the Zoos leadership team, you will proactively contribute to the strategic plan bringing fresh thinking and expertise to the organistaion. Taking ownership of all of the life science programmes, you will lead the development of an international network of collaborating Zoos. Reporting into the Zoo Director, you will be directly responsible for the leadership and development of half of the Zoos employees.

To be the successful applicant for this role you must demonstrate:-

Tacit knowledge of the intensive management needs across multiple species;

An in-depth understanding of some of the challenges faced today in a modern zoo;
specifically around space, eating habits, breeding and ‘population sustainability’;

Strong leadership and people management skills with experience in dealing effectively at the senior level of an organisation, as well as mentoring and coaching curators;

An established track record in initiating and maintaining exceptional internal and external relationships at an organisational level;

A commitment to conservation and sustainability;

Financial / budgetary responsibility;

Relevant postgraduate qualification, likely PhD qualified.

For further detail, or to express an interest in this opportunity, please contact Vikki Maclean in confidence on +64 9 969 9900 or email andrew@kerridgepartners.com


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