Team Leader Ectotherms

Team Leader Ectotherms 

(Full-Time/ Permanent)

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Bedfordshire

Salary: £29,533 plus £2,953 weekend enhancement

About Us:

The Zoological Society of London has a new and exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated zoo keeper or manager to take the lead in the development and management of a new section at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. This section will be formed in early 2015 with the opening of a new butterfly and crocodile facility as the first phase of a major development including a state of the art small aquarium and a reptile and amphibian collection.

Job Overview:

As this is a new position in a new section in the Animal Department the position will grow with the job but the core role is to act as team leader for the section and be the primary point of contact in the department at Whipsnade for the focal taxa in the section. The secondary aim of the job is to manage on a daily basis the new section at Whipsnade Zoo focussing on lower vertebrates and invertebrates whilst also significantly contributing to the design of its successful and ambitious development.

The post holder will report to the Senior Curator of Lower Vertebrae’s and will work closely with colleagues in London Zoo. You will be working within an enthusiastic customer-focused environment, and also have tremendous opportunities to be involved in the conservation of a range of species in support of ZSL conservation programmes in the UK and Overseas and to undertake appropriate research for publication.

Key Responsibilities:

Organise and manage the daily operations of the section, setting rosters, allocating duties and dealing with the associated administration and systems.

Maintain the highest standards of animal care, reporting and advising on the health and welfare of the animals.

Ensure that staff receives an annual PDR and have the necessary training and development, in particular, ensuring the requirements of the DMZAA are met.

Work on the section as a member of the keeper team on a daily basis.

Take on role as Animal Department Duty Co-ordinator/Team Leader as required.

Person Specification:

Knowledge of the technical requirements for invertebrate and lower vertebrate life support systems and the husbandry of these groups of animals.

Current or previous management experience being responsibility for several personnel and proven ability of managing teams through periods of change when deadlines are critical.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.

Recognised relevant professional qualification (degree, DMZAA, HND) or equivalent with experience in a senior position with management responsibilities would be advantageous.

Proven record of practical work with invertebrates, fish (and other aquatic taxa), reptiles and amphibians as a keeper over a significant period.

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

Closing date for applications will be on midnight on the 30 January 2015