Newquay Zoo Keeping Internships
Closing date for applications October the 12th
2012
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, 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 are currently advertising for
voluntary internships for a period of 6 or 12 months working with our keeping 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 keeping interns
will be to attend the husbandry requirements of the animal collection as
directed by the Head Keeper in charge. Interns will normally focus on one of
our animal sections and at this time we are specifically looking for interns
for the bird, primate and carnivore sections.
All internships are purely
voluntary and as such it is with regret that Newquay zoo cannot provide any
financial support or expenses to those wishing to apply for these positions. To
ensure that interns are provided with valuable experience; a training agreement
will be completed and reviewed regularly and a training record will be provided
upon completion of the placement.
Objectives of the placement
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To gain experience and understanding of the work of a
zoo animal keeping department.
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To apply own personal skills and take ownership of a
series of tasks and/or a research project.
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To reflect on training and experience throughout the
placement.
Anticipated tasks/training provided
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Assisting with daily animal husbandry e.g. feeding,
cleaning, enrichment provision, enclosure modification etc.
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Observations of animals and recording of relevant
information.
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Training in basic research methods.
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Visitor interaction e.g. answering visitor questions in
a polite and sensitive manner.
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Assisting with student supervision at the direction of
the head keeper.
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Training in animal-management related computer
software.
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Training in all aspects of the company’s code of
practise.
Skills Required
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A qualification or enrolment on an animal science
related discipline would be desirable.
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Previous animal-related work experience.
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Good communication skills.
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Adaptable to different working environments.
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Able to work in a team and independently.
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Physically fit for the demands of the post.
To apply for the above position please send a CV and
covering letter to Kathy Baker,
Newquay Zoo, Trenance gardens,
Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ
For Your Information