Monday, September 29, 2014

Vacancy – Five Sisters Zoo



Vacancy – Permanent position

Five Sisters Zoo – Head of ‘The Lost Kingdom’ & ‘The Castle Zoo’

About the role:
Five sisters Zoo was founded in 2005, it is an ever evolving zoological collection with innovative guest experiences and animal habitats.

The Successful candidate will work under the leadership of the Zoo manager, providing the best possible care and management for a diverse collection of animals. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the launch of our new facility that will house a variety of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and primates with a prime focus on Ecto-therms.

This Brand new facility with some of the largest reptile enclosures found under one roof you are likely to have seen. It will be an immersive interactive guest experience and it will be the
responsibility of the Head of this department to ensure that operations run smoothly at all times.

This is a ‘Hands on role’ requiring the successful candidate to be able to work practically, efficiently and effectively whilst overseeing public interactive areas, staff and volunteers.

As well as managing ‘The Lost Kingdom’ the successful candidate will also manage the smooth daily operations of ‘The Castle Zoo’ which is one of our most loved interactive experiences in the park, consisting of a Medieval theme with nocturnal exhibits, raptors and domestic livestock.

It's important that all visitors have an enjoyable day out and Guest experience is paramount to our overall mission. You will be responsible for conversing with visitors whilst carrying out
your daily duties around the park as well as delivering engaging presentations. It's essential therefore that you enjoy and are just as confident working behind the scenes as well as Front of House. 

Key Accountabilities:
Provide the highest level of husbandry according to the needs and requirements of the animals in your care.
Ensure a positive impression of yourself and the company is presented to all customers (internal and external) at all times to reflect the quality of the organisation.

The successful applicant will need to be a highly motivated, hard working individual with at least 3 years experience working within a zoological collection and with proven expertise with Ecto-therms. 
Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills are essential and experience with any of the above named species is preferable. 
The successful applicant will have the ability to continuously develop themselves through appropriate learning and development activities as agreed by line management in order to deliver excellence. 
Applicants must hold a qualification in Zoo animal management or equivalent and have a full valid driving licence.

About you:
You are expected to have completed the DMZAA qualification or have relevant based qualifications. 
The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills have an understanding and interest in modern zoo animal management, including animal enrichment and animal training using operant conditioning methods, Reptile handling experience is highly beneficial. 

Candidates are expected to be computer literate with a reasonable understanding of Microsoft Word and Animal record keeping systems.

The position is based at Five Sisters Zoo, you will work an average 40 hour week, and working hours will be flexible and include bank holidays and occasional evenings.

This Position is a Permanent position.
Salary will be circa £17,000
Holiday entitlement is 28 days per year.

Should you feel that you have the attributes for this vacancy, please send your CV and covering letter in writing or email to:

FOA Zoo Management Team
Five Sisters Zoo
Gavieside
West Calder
West Lothian
EH55 8PT
Scotland

OR


Closing Date: 12.00pm - Friday 17th October 2014













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Sunday, September 28, 2014

ANIMAL CARE APPRENTICE / TRAINER –DOLPHINS



Applications are invited for the position of
ANIMAL CARE APPRENTICE / TRAINER –DOLPHINS
CONTRACT

The candidate will be required to perform tasks related to animal care in the Marine Mammals and Birds Department, under the supervision of senior animal care staff. 

Candidates with suitable experience may be offered a higher level than Animal Care Apprentice.

The responsibilities will include:
•        Carry out support duties including: diet preparation, hygiene maintenance, checklists.
•        Support staff in quality animal demonstrations, photograph sessions, and shows.
•        Where required, participate in any activity related to animal well-being and husbandry, such as observations and record keeping.
•        Responsibilities will primarily include the Dolphin areas, but not be limited to include Seals and Birds assistance.

Requirements for the position are:
•        Matric or equivalent.
•        Able to work in a team environment.
•        An interest in marine mammals and birds.
•        Sound communication skills in English, eloquent and able to present for large audiences.
•        Pass a swim test.
•        Physically fit and healthy with a good attitude to physical work.
•        Be a team player.
•        Support and endorse the conservation objectives of SAAMBR.

The following would stand applicants in good stead:
•        Proven dedication and experience in the field of animal care and training.
•        Proven experience in the field of marine mammal care and training.
•        Proven experience in the field of bird care and training.
•        Proven experience in the field of terrestrial mammal care and training.
•        Any relevant education or experience in public speaking.

Submit your Curriculum Vitae including references and letter of motivation by either:
•        E-mail:                 hashford@saambr.org.za
•        Hand Delivery:        The South African Association for Marine Biological Research, 1 King Shaka Avenue, Durban

The closing date for Applications is 5 October 2014

Should you not have heard from us by 24 October 2014, please consider your application unsuccessful.









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Friday, September 26, 2014

HEAD KEEPER




HEAD KEEPER

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) was established in 2003 by Münster Zoo and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). It is the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia, located on 25 hectares of land in Phnom Kulen National Park at the trailhead for the historic site of Kbal Spean, about 50 km north of Siem Reap. The goals of the ACCB include the rehabilitation of confiscated, mainly globally threatened wildlife and the conservation breeding of selected species, in combination with environmental education and capacity building for conservation and an expanding in-situ conservation and research programme.

For additional information regarding the project please familiarize yourself further at our website www.accb-cambodia.org, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ACCBCambodia.

 The ACCB is currently looking for a Head Keeper. This is a challenging but rewarding position for a highly dedicated and motivated individual with a keen interest in making a contribution to conservation. In addition, he/she will have to be prepared to support a variety of other activities at ACCB as required, such as helping in education, maintenance, and administration. The Head Keeper reports to the Curator and oversees the daily tasks of the animal keeping team, currently including one senior animal keeper and six animal keepers. The animal stock at ACCB currently includes approximately 275 individuals from about 40 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Head Keeper attends to daily animal care, providing oversight, training, and leadership for the animal keeping team, while participating in animal husbandry in an active role. The Head Keeper is supervised by the Curator.

•        Under the direction of the Curator, carry out all aspects of animal husbandry and rehabilitation, physical and psychological enrichment, preparation for release, and animal record keeping
•        Provide day-to-day oversight, assignment of daily tasks, training, and leadership of the animal keeping team; oversee and directly participate in preparation of food, feeding of animals, cleaning of enclosures, and other daily tasks
•        Assist in identifying and mitigating hazards within the Animal Department; adhere to and oversee compliance of subordinates with safety guidelines
•        Observe animals to detect signs of illness and inform the Curator and Veterinarian when illness or injury is suspected
•        Perform routine inspection of enclosures for cleanliness and structural defects
•        Perform minor maintenance and repair of animal enclosures when feasible, and otherwise consults with the Curator and Facilities Specialist for repairs
•        Assist the Curator in the development of training plans for animal keepers; participate in the routine development of staff expertise in animal husbandry and training, operant conditioning, and behavioral enrichment
•        Under the direction of the Curator, provide training and operant conditioning to permanent animal collections to enhance animal welfare, enrichment, and safety
•        Make recommendations to the Curator for improvement in all aspects of the animal husbandry and breeding conservation program; assist in developing and implementing animal husbandry and conservation breeding protocols
•        Implement international standards to ensure ACCB’s animal collection receives the best care
•        Under the direction of the Curator, assist carrying out all aspects of artificial incubation and special care for neonates, carry out all aspects of hand-rearing of juveniles/orphans
•        Report grievances received from the animal keeping team immediately to the Curator
•        Conduct animal acquisitions as requested
•        Continually learn and adapt techniques to optimize animal husbandry and breeding success

Requirements
•        Animal husbandry experience in a zoo or wildlife rescue center
•        Good command of English (spoken and written)
•        Excellent organization and communication skills
•        Flexibility and ability to cope with a sometimes heavy workload and to multi-task in a demanding environment
•        Good practical skills and common sense
•        Computer literacy
•        Physically fit and able to work in a hot and humid climate
•        Ability to live under simple conditions in a poor and rural area in a different culture

 Conditions / remuneration:
•        Free shared accommodation at ACCB, located at Kbal Spean in Phnom Kulen National Park
•        On-site transport and internet access available
•        Preference will be given to candidates indicating that they are prepared to stay for longer periods
•        Salary is dependent on experience

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please apply as soon as possible via email including covering letter, CV and the contact details of two references to:




Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis














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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Trainee Elephant Keeper



Trainee Elephant Keeper

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Bedfordshire

Salary: £15,705 p.a. (inclusive of Weekend Enhancement)
A vacancy for a trainee elephant keeper (3 year fixed term) has arisen at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. This is an exciting opportunity to join our innovative and dynamic elephant team in the management of our breeding herd of Asian elephants.  Primarily free contact the Elephants are given daily walks around our 600 acre site as well as providing public education demonstrations.  ZSL has and continues to contribute to research and AI projects.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to working on the elephant section, be prepared to immerse themselves in the less glamorous aspects of the work and work hard to develop the grounding necessary to progress to elephant keeper. The position is both physically and mentally demanding but the rewards are good for the right candidate. They must also be prepared to take the DMZAA animal management course.

To apply please complete and attach separately the ZSL Application Form and Equality of Opportunity Monitoring form on our website (www.zsl.org) and email to wzhr@zsl.org 


Closing date for applications is: Friday 10 October 2014



The Zoological Society of London is a registered Charity.  No: 208728








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Elephant Keeper


Elephant Keeper

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Bedfordshire

Salary: from £20,694 to £23,802 p.a. (inclusive of Weekend Enhancement), depending on experience.

A vacancy has arisen for an experienced elephant keeper at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. This is an exciting opportunity to join our innovative and dynamic elephant team in the management of our breeding herd of Asian elephants.  Primarily free contact the Elephants are given daily walks around our 600 acre site as well as providing public education demonstrations.  ZSL has and continues to contribute to research and AI projects.

If you are currently an Elephant Keeper and would like to join ZSL’s world class Elephant team and you match the following requirements:

• A proven track record of working with Elephants and familiar with all aspects of elephant management.   
• Have attained the DMZAA in the Management of Zoo Animals or equivalent, or be prepared to undertake the 2 year Animal Management Course. 
• Have good communication skills, enthusiasm and an outgoing and friendly personality in order to communicate with visitors on a one-to-one basis and in front of a large audience.  
• Be flexible both in approach to work and working hours. 
• Be totally reliable, and be able to work effectively within a well disciplined team.
• Have a full driving licence.

To apply please complete and attach separately the ZSL Application Form and Equality of Opportunity Monitoring form on our website (www.zsl.org) and email to wzhr@zsl.org 

Closing date for applications is:  Friday 10 October 2014



The Zoological Society of London is a registered Charity.  No: 208728










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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

International Technical Adviser



International Technical Adviser

Organisation:        Save Vietnam's Wildlife
Salary:                    312,000,000 VND ($US15,000) pa
Location:               Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Hours:                    Full Time
Position type:       Paid
Contract:               Fixed Term Contract
Closing date:        Fri 31 October 14
Contact name:        Thai Nguyen
Contact telephone:        +84303848053
Contact email:        asianpangolin@gmail.com


Save Vietnam’s Wildlife is a national conservation Non-Profit Organisation in Vietnam that has grown from the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program since it was founded in 1995. Our mission is to secure a future for wild populations of threatened wildlife in Vietnam through rescuing individual animals, protecting entire populations and ensuring secure habitats.

We act to choose the best solutions which have high conservation value, are scientifically sound and consider human needs, empowering people to take action.

The Technical Advisor will report to the Director, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, but will also be required to maintain regular contact with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust in the UK (the primary funding body for this post). He or she will work closely with the existing team to deliver an excellent husbandry programme for the small carnivores and pangolins held at Cuc Phuong National Park including health monitoring, environmental enrichment, live food production and captive breeding of Owston’s civet. Importantly, the Technical Advisor will also help develop fund-raising and communication strategies and will be expected to contribute to grant applications and updating websites and social media.

Start date: January 2015

Duration of contract: 1 year; preference will be given to candidates prepared to stay for two years.

Probation period: 3 months

Salary: 312,000,000 VND per annum (approx. £9,000) plus annual international return flights and visas (For who may not be familiar with the cost here, total local living cost and accommodation are less than 20% of your salary). Travel insurance is the responsibility of the employee but will also be covered by the project.

Location: Cuc Phuong National Park, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province

Accommodation: will be provided at Cuc Phuong National Park.

Benefits: 12 working days annual holiday following Vietnamese Labour law, plus 10 national holiday days.

Hours of work:        8 hours each day and 5 days/week. However, as the animals within the centre are nocturnal it is expected that the employee would sometimes work during the evenings. Any overtime will be accrued and time given off in lieu.

Working with: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife /WWCT staff, including those based at Cuc Phoung and in the UK; other NGO partners; government departments; visiting researchers; and community organisations.

Essential criteria:

Qualifications:
Educated to degree level in biology, or a related topic, or with equivalent experience.

Knowledge and experience:
  • Significant experience in the field of captive animal management.
  • Sound knowledge of wildlife and habitat conservation.
  • Experience of working in a multi-faceted project, including planning and development, monitoring outputs, writing reports and managing budgets.
  • Experience of living and working in a tropical country.
  • Demonstrable experience of working effectively with a number of partners including communities, government departments and NGO’s.

Skills and personal qualities:
  • Dynamic, effective team leadership skills with ability to work under own initiative.
  • Good communicator; able to write, speak and present with a high level of proficiency in English.
  • Excellent administration and organisation skills.
  • Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, website management and social media.
  • Highly motivated, good humoured and positive personality.
  • Creative, adaptable and resourceful to meet the demands of a challenging environment.
  • Active, fit and healthy.

Desirable criteria:
  • Familiar with south-east Asian conservation issues and living/working in Vietnam/Asia.
  • Experience of captive husbandry of small mammals.
  • Proven fundraising skills and experience of writing successful grant applications.
  • Driving licence and ability to ride a motorbike.
  • Ability to maintain basic equipment and vehicles.
  • Some knowledge of Vietnamese would be advantageous.
  • Willingness to travel as required.

A job description is available. Please send a CV and covering letter to Nguyen Van Thai asianpangolin@gmail.com by 31st October 2014.

For more information of Save Vietnam’s Wildlife please visit:
Save Vietnam’s Wildlife Facebook page
Carnivore & Pangolin Facebook page
www.savevietnamswildlife.org (website will be launched soon)














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Animal Keeper



Animal Keeper
Full time – 37.5 hours per week, permanent position
Salary £14,613 per annum

The Wild Place Project is now in its second year of operation and expanding fast. Due to this we have an exciting new position within the animal department. Bristol Zoological Society is proud to be continuing on its journey towards achieving the ultimate goal of the National Wildlife Conservation Park.
Building on and celebrating the natural environment, Wild Place will be an invigorating setting that brings nature and the woodland to life. This family-led attraction will focus on fun, play and learning with children and adults being inspired to protect threatened habitats on their doorsteps as well as around the globe.
This role will be part of the animal team and be crucial for ensuring our conservation and wildlife message is top priority, but you will be required to be flexible and assist with wider day to day operating duties as and when necessary. 

Experience of working within a zoological collection is not essential but would be beneficial.  Knowledge of mammal husbandry would be an advantage.  Applicants should be educated to at least GCSE level and include English and a biological science. The successful applicant will be expected to study for the DMZAA qualification in Zoo Animal Management if he/she doesn’t already have this qualification. 

Visit our website www.bristolzoo.org.uk for a copy of the job description, person specification and details on applying for this position. Closing date for applications is 12noon on Monday 6th October 2014.
 
Interviews will be held on either Thursday 9th October or Friday 10th October 2014.

Due to the expected number of applications we will only be contacting those shortlisted for interview.










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Overseer – Mammals








Bristol Zoological Society
Overseer – Mammals
Permanent Position, working 80 hours per fortnight
Salary £20,548 per annum

Bristol Zoological Society has a vacancy for an Overseer on its mammal section at the Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton, Bristol.  This is a hands-on position with the post holder assisting the head of section with daily care of the Zoo’s mammal collection as well as supervising the staff involved with their care.

The position is permanent working 80 hours per fortnight as part of the departmental 14 day rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays.

The successful applicant must have a minimum of 5 years’ full time experience, with an excellent knowledge of mammal husbandry and captive breeding protocols within a zoo environment.  You must have excellent communication skills to supervise and pass on knowledge to a mixture of staff, volunteers and students who assist in the daily care of the collection.

The successful applicant will be educated to at least GCSE level, including English and a biological science and must hold the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals – DMZAA (previously known as ANCMZA).  The ability to supervise staff is essential and having knowledge of the conservation and educational roles of zoos is desirable.

A copy of the job description and person specification for this position please visit our web site www.bristolzoo.org.uk

To apply for this position please email a covering letter and full CV to hr@bristolzoo.org.uk ‘OM application’ the closing date for applications is Friday 10th October 2014.  Interviews will take place on Friday, 24th October 2014.


Bristol Zoo Gardens reserves the right to close this vacancy early.  Due to the expected number of applications we will only be contacting those shortlisted for interview.











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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Wildcat Project Officer







Wildcat Project Officer

Wildcat Project Officer to work within the Conservation Team, based at the Highland Wildlife Park. This is a full time 12 month fixed term position, with the possibility of extension. The Closing date for this post is Friday 3rd October.

For further details please visit either the Edinburgh Zoo or Highland Wildlife Park vacancy pages.

Full role profiles can be provided by HR.  Applicants are required to fill in and return the RZSS Internal Application Form. Please direct all completed applications to Sharon Ancell, sancell@rzss.org.uk











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Senior Animal Presenter


Senior Animal Presenter

About us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, based in Kingussie.  Both parks are premier visitor attractions, offering visitors a fantastic day out.  Of equal importance is our excellent international reputation for our conservation and education programmes and we are looking to the future with confidence.  We’ve been a charity since our founding in 1909 and maintain a keen commercial edge to ensure we can sustain our excellent reputation.  Our mission is to connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction.

Senior Animal Presenter – Part Time (22.5 hours)
A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Animal Presenter to work within the Living Collections Department. The role will involve the development and delivery of an innovative and creative programme of live animal interactive activities and the delivery of keeper experience packages to a high standard. The successful candidate will supervise the work of other colleagues, to engage and excite visitors’ and ensure high animal welfare.  They will also contribute to the development of the Society in achieving its Mission and Aims.


About you
The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, with proven presentation skills. In addition you will have team supervision and people management skills and also be comfortable working as part of a team whilst building strong relationships across the organisation. Customer service will be key to this role and you must have an excellent understanding of the principals involved and how to interact with the public to ensure a memorable experience.

To operate effectively in this role, it is essential that you hold the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals or equivalent qualification or experience at SVQ 3 or equivalent level. Practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment is essential and experience of working with a range of animal taxon groups desirable. You must also have up-to-date basic knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice, along with a sound basis of practical knowledge and skills about good animal management including dietary knowledge. Proven success in animal training or an appropriate qualification in the use of positive reinforcement training is desirable.

This is a part-time position working 22.5 hrs per week.  The successful candidate must be able to work weekends.

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure check.

Closing date: Monday 6 October 2014

For more details and information on how to apply, please visit the Edinburgh Zoo or Highland Wildlife Park’s vacancy page and follow the instructions.

Registered charity number: SC004064


OUR MISSION   
Connecting people with nature. Safeguarding species from extinction












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