ANIMAL CURATOR - Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

ANIMAL CURATOR

Applications are invited from capable and motivated individuals for the position of Animal Curator at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.

The Park is a progressive general zoological collection set in the grounds of a 200 year old Manor House in 150 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside.

The incumbent is responsible for management of all Zoology, Veterinary, Conservation and Education matters as well as areas of Public Relations, Advertising, Park Security, Waste Management and General Health & Safety. This department has 25 staff caring for around 2000 individuals of 270 species.

Duties include:
i) Ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Animal departments, providing direction on animal related matters, including husbandry, nutrition, animal health and education of school groups and members of the public.

ii) Providing direction and setting operating objectives for veterinary care, conservation and research projects participation.

iii) Continuously introducing improvements to husbandry, enclosures and in the design of new enclosures, and working closely with the Veterinary Practice and Maintenance and Horticulture Departments for the overall improvements of animal health and exhibit presentation.

iv) Encouraging efforts by the department in making significant contributions to wildlife research and conservation of endangered species.

v) Development and production of animal signs and interpretation.

vi) Assisting PR and Marketing with animal related activities.

vii) Responsibility for all Animal Husbandry Staff, Records keeper/Registrar, Education Coordinator and P.R Officer.

viii) Firearms.

Requirements:

i) At least 10 years working on the animal department of a Wildlife Park/Zoo with significant experience at management level.

ii) Good level of computer literacy and knowledge of animal record keeping systems.iii) Must be conversant with the EC Zoos Directive and SSSMZP.

iv) Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written, across a broad age range with the ability to work effectively and motivate people.

General information:

Responsible to the Board of Directors.

Reporting to the Managing Director.

Salary paid position.

The successful applicant will be required to work most weekends and Bank Holidays.

A standard 5 day working week of 40 hours from 8am – 5pm or as necessary to ensure adequate Park cover for fulfilment of your duties.

30 days paid annual leave (inc Bank holidays).

Non-contributory pension scheme.

Accomodation provided

Please apply, in writing enclosing a full CV, to:

David Edgington
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
BurfordOxfordshire
OX18 4JP

The closing date for applications is 14th July 2008

Please mention you saw the advertisement in ZooNews Digest should you apply for this post

http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html