Keeper – Monarto

Keeper – Monarto
(New, Full-Time, Permanent Role)

Monarto Zoo is part of Zoos SA and is South Australia’s open range zoo located 70 km from Adelaide’s CBD. It is gaining a well-deserved reputation as a leader in conservation of endangered species and is in the process of further enhancing the visitor experience with several projects in development at both Monarto and Adelaide Zoos. Zoos SA has a progressive conservation theme based on teamwork and a commitment to achieve the Society’s Aim and Objectives.

Summary of Responsibilities

Under general supervision and within specified guidelines, perform all keeping duties in a safe, efficient and effective manner. Undertake all Husbandry tasks associated with the care and presentation of a range of mammals within the Department.

This position will include public presentations and animal handling.

Experience and Qualifications

Applicants must have proven experience as a Keeper with either Carnivores or Primates and have either completed an approved course of study or be prepared to undertake one. Animal training experience will be highly regarded. You must be able to demonstrate excellent team working abilities, a flexible approach to work and a commitment to Health and Safety.

The site is large and vehicles are required to travel between exhibits. As such candidates will be required to hold or obtain and maintain a firearms licence. You will need to hold a Drivers Licence and have experience with manual vehicles.

How to Apply


External candidates are required to submit a CV and a covering letter, outlining;

· An outline of their carnivore and/or primate experience
· The extent of their behavioural training and presentation experience and where applied.


Copies of the position description and application requirements can be obtained from information@zoossa.com.au

CLOSING DATE: 12 Noon, Friday 18th September 2009
INTERVIEWS: Week commencing 28th September 2009


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC

ADELAIDE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS


POSITION DESCRIPTION




POSITION IDENTIFICATION


POSITION TITLE: KEEPER

HOURS: 76 per fortnight on a 7 day roster

EMPLOYMENT LOCATION: Monarto Zoological Park

RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Keeper or Assistant Curator

REMUNERATION: In accordance with the Staff Agreement




JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision and within specified guidelines, safely, efficiently and effectively undertake a wide range of tasks which may require the application of relevant experience and training. Develop a broad range of Zoo Keeper skills by working for extended periods in most areas of the animal collection.


SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Duties are performed under general supervision and primarily out of doors.


JOB DUTIES

(1) Core Duties

Husbandry
1.1 Obtain, prepare and provide food to animals in accordance with established diets, feeding schedules and procedures.
1.2 Clean food and water vessels, holding areas, exhibits and food preparation and storage areas to required standards, ensure animal areas are maintained free of debris and hazardous materials.
1.3 Provide animals with nesting and bedding materials and other items required to meet their behavioural requirements, particularly in relation to breeding or raising offspring.
1.4 Observe and report on animal behaviour and changes to the condition of animals.

1.5 Maintain diaries and animal records and report matters of interest to the supervisor.
1.6 Capture, restrain and handle animals as required.
1.7 Maintain and care for live food colonies as required.

Animal Health
1.8 Inform the supervisor of animal health problems.
1.9 Under veterinary supervision, treat animals and administer medication to required standard.
1.10 Provide samples for testing and analysis.
1.11 Participate in the implementation and monitoring of programmes to affect animal behaviour.

Exhibits
1.12 Maintain exhibit presentation to required standards including pruning of plants, weeding, irrigation and rodent control.
1.13 Make minor repairs to exhibit and inform supervisor of exhibit maintenance requirements.

Safety
1.14 Work consistently in accordance with established safety procedures to ensure animal security, personal safety, protection of other staff and the public.
1.15 Identify and report issues of safety to the supervisor.

Education and Public Relations
1.16 Interact informally with the public on an ad hoc basis providing directions and information on Zoo activities, exhibits, facilities and animals.
1.17 Make informal presentations, which may involve animal handling, to small public groups and respond to questions.
1.18 Assist with public relations activities.
1.19 Maintain exhibit graphics to required standards.

Other
1.20 Assist with providing guidance to Keepers-in-Training, other Zoo staff, volunteers and work experience students.
1.21 Participate in training and development programmes including external coursework as required.
1.22 Conduct literature searches on species and habitats under care.
1.23 Other duties as required.


Occupant ..................................................................................... Date ...................................


PERSON SPECIFICATION


(2) Experience

2.1 Demonstrate experience in animal husbandry.
2.2 Demonstrate experience in exhibit maintenance.

(3) Skills

3.1 Good numeracy and written and verbal communication skills.
3.2 Well developed observational skills.
3.3 Ability to arrange personal work routines and practices to make optimum use of time and resources.
3.4 Basic horticulture and maintenance skills.
3.5 Current car drivers licence.

(4) Knowledge

4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the following:
- Aim and objectives of the Zoo
- Animal nutrition
- Exhibit hygiene
- Abnormal animal behaviour including signs of ill health
- Ecosystems and habitats
- Basic zoology
- Principles of wildlife conservation
4.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the Zoo's animal record keeping system.
4.3 Knowledge of quarantine procedures.
4.4 Demonstrate an understanding of species management programmes.
4.5 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of animal behaviour.
4.6 Knowledge of the Industrial Agreement.
4.7 Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of scientific research.
4.8 Understand the role of education and public relations in the achievement of Zoo objectives.
4.9 Knowledge of appropriate techniques for handling public enquiries and misconduct.

(5) Personal Attributes

5.1 Commitment to the Aim and Objectives of the Society.
5.2 Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to work closely with others in a team environment.
5.3 Demonstrate a caring attitude towards animals.
5.4 Ability to work consistently to established standards.
5.5 Self motivated and shows initiative.
5.6 Physically capable of performing all of the tasks required.

(6) Essential Academic Requirements

Nil

(7) Desirable Academic Requirements

7.1 Completed a negotiated amount of Zoo approved course of study.
7.2 Successful completion of Year 12, or equivalent.



Occupant ..................................................................................... Date ...................................

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