Senior Animal Keeper

Senior Animal Keeper

Location:    Highland Wildlife Park

Salary:        £20,162 per annum

About Us & Section Highlights

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.  The Highland Wildlife Park specialises in cold weather adapted species that are housed in enclosures that generally exceed the norm in scale.  We probably devote more space to polar bears than any institution in the world, with a cutting edge approach to how the species should be kept and bred.  The recent arrival of an adult, proven female and the completion of her specific enclosure complex will allow us to introduce animals for breeding in spring of 2016.

We are currently building a spectacular cliff-face enclosure for snow leopards which should be completed by early summer.  As well as being visually spectacular, it will incorporate a unique (non-lethal) enrichment capability that involves the neighbouring herd of markhor.

As well as being the key regional institution for processing wild caught individuals and breeding Scottish wildcats as part of the national conservation action plan, in mid-summer we will be starting construction of a large off-exhibit Amur leopard breeding centre.  The point of this facility is to be able to produce leopard cubs that are not habituated to humans and so are eligible for transporting to Russia for the reintroduction programme.

(A Google image search Highland Wildlife Park will bring up a wide range of photographs that will give you both a flavour of the Park in general and show a good cross section of the species we maintain.)

Living in the Highlands

We are centrally based within the Cairngorm National Park, surrounded by arguably the most stunning scenery in the UK.  That said, we are in very easy reach (literally 50 metres away) of the main north/south road, the A9, which is the primary link between Inverness and Edinburgh.  Equally we are only 4 miles away from the town of Kingussie, whose train station is a primary stop for trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.  The nearest Airport is Inverness and there are direct flights to London, Amsterdam and a range of other UK and European destinations.

Rented accommodation is available locally, and you may find that house purchase prices are somewhat lower than what you are used to.  We will of course assist the successful candidate in finding suitable local accommodation.

(As for images of the Wildlife Park, a similar Google search Kingussie will bring up images of one of the local places that could be your new home; some other local villages are Newtonmore, Kincraig and Aviemore.)

The Position

The vacancy within the Living Collections Department at the Highland Wildlife Park is for the second-in-charge post on the animal section responsible for all non-ungulate species, primarily carnivores but also some birds, a primate and a rodent species. The successful candidate will have relevant carnivore experience and ideally a fairly broad exposure to other taxa.  It is essential that the successful candidate is computer literate, has passed the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals, or an equivalent zoo focused qualification, and holds a valid driving license; qualifications should be confirmed within your application material. Experience of working in a supervisory or managerial role would be beneficial. The successful candidate will be required to cover all aspects of managing the section, including the staff, in the absence of the Team Leader.  It is also important to note that the current Team Leader will likely be going on a year’s leave of absence training staff at various bear rescue centres in Southeast Asia during 2015, and the successful candidate may be asked to run the section in her absence, being paid accordingly, and answerable directly to the Head of Living Collections.

Working hours are 37.5 hours per week (annualized figure) and the post involves weekend and occasional evening work.

This post is not suitable for those that are relatively new to the zoo community and only applicants with significant and appropriate zoo experience will be considered.  Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing Date:      Sunday 12 July 2015.

For full information on how to apply, please visit the Highland Wildlife Park vacancy page and follow the instructions or visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/careers-vacancies/.  Registered charity number: SC004064

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CARNIVORE SECTION INTERNSHIP

CARNIVORE SECTION INTERNSHIP - (UNPAID)

Rare Species Conservation Centre, in Sandwich, Kent U.K. is looking for a passionate, hardworking individual to
join our team of keepers as an unpaid Intern on our carnivore section.

Our facility specialises in carnivores and works with many diverse species including Malayan Tiger, Clouded Leopard, various Malagasy carnivores such as
Fosa, Fanaloka and Ring Tailed Vontsira. Also various SE Asian small carnivores such as Palawan Bearcat and Banded Palm Civet.

The role will be full time, working 5 days out of 7. A six month commitment os required. The Intern will undertake general husbandry duties including routine cleaning, feed prep, basic maintenance tasks, daily enrichment and record keeping. You will also take part in giving talks and tours to visitors. Whilst at the centre you will also be able to assist with other animal sections where appropriate.

We are looking for an individual who is looking to gain further experience within this group of animals and who has a genuine interest in them.
You need to be confident, self motivated and organised and have good communication skills. The role is physically demanding and involves long hours.
Previous animal husbandry experience would be preferred as would an animal management qualification. The role would suit an individual wishing to gain experience as a solid foundation for their first animal keeping position.

No salary or accommodation is provided with this role.

To Apply:

Please email your full CV and a covering letter to:
info@rarespeciesconservationcentre.org

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Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Permanent, part time position

 Working 40 hours per fortnight

Salary Range £14,905 - £17,510 per annum, pro rata for part time hours

Bristol Zoological Society is recruiting for the position of Animal Keeper on our Mammal Section at the Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton, Bristol.  This is a permanent position working 40 hours per fortnight as part of the departmental 14 day rota which will include weekends and bank holidays.

The successful applicant will be an experienced mammal keeper and must have at least two years’ full time experience of working with a variety of mammal species, great ape experience would be an advantage.  Applicants should be educated to at least GCSE level to include English and a biological science.  Holding the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals – DMZAA (previously known as ANCMZA) would also be an advantage. 

To apply for this position please email a covering letter and full CV to hr@bristolzoo.org.uk.  Please clearly mark your application ‘BZGAK application’. The closing date for this position is 1.00 pm on Friday, 10^th July 2015. Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 22^nd July 2015.

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Schools Liaison Officer/Education Officer

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Schools Liaison Officer/Education Officer

Are you enthusiastic, reliable, and flexible with a “can do” attitude? Candidates must be able to undertake the planning and organisation of outreach programs to schools and groups in the south west.  We are looking for someone with a minimum of 1 years’ experience in a similar role, organisational and time management skills, excellent verbal and written communications skills, comfortable with public speaking, provide excellent administration skills and confident in Microsoft Office. Own transport required due to location,  

This is a full time position Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, however occasional weekend days and/or evenings will be required, for which time off in lieu will be given. Salary negotiable depending on experience.

To Apply:-

Please send a copy of your CV together with a hand written covering letter to Sophie Sparrow, HR Administrator, Monkey World, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH. Email: hradmin@monkeyworld.org closing date for applications Monday 13^th July 2015

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TEAM LEADER - CAPUCHINS

THIS POST IS NOW FILLED

TEAM LEADER - CAPUCHINS

Hiring Organisation

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World is currently home to over 250 primates of 20 different species. The majority of our primates are rescue animals from a variety of different backgrounds. Many have suffered years of abuse or neglect. On arrival at Monkey World these primates are rehabilitated into appropriate social groupings and provided with an environment which encourages them to express natural behaviours.

Date Posted: 29^th June 2015

Job Description

Monkey World is looking for an experienced primate keeper to manage our large capuchin section. We currently have 80 capuchin monkeys managed in four mixed sexed groups. Many of these monkeys were rescued from a laboratory in 2008 and were singly housed prior to their arrival and subsequent rehabilitation at Monkey World. The remaining individuals were rescued from the pet trade.  The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the section including animal husbandry, diets, operant conditioning, enrichment and health checks. You will also be responsible for staff training and monitoring. This is an extremely busy section so the successful candidate will need to demonstrate excellent delegation and organisational skills.

Qualifications/Experience

This role requires a primate keeper with at least 4 years new world primate experience.

Experience of operant conditioning

Applicants will need to demonstrate good communication skills, be physically fit, self motivated and able to lead and work as part of a team.

Desirable

Experience of working with capuchins

Full driving licence

Shotgun certificate

Experience of public speaking

Familiarity with rescue and rehabilitation of primates

Salary & Benefits

Dependent on experience.

Accommodation available

Short/long haul travel grants

Study/education grants

  

Condition of appointment

This position will be subject to a six-month probationary period

Please send covering letter and current CV to :-

Sophie Sparrow

HR Administrator

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Longthorns

Wareham

Dorset

BH20 6HH

e-mail:- hradmin@monkeyworld.org

Closing date for applications: Monday 13^th July 2015

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Experienced Zoo Keeper

Experienced Zoo Keeper

Drusillas Park

East Sussex

We are seeking a confident, outgoing, experienced, full time zoo keeper with a minimum of two years' experience working for a zoo or in a similar animal environment.

You must possess a good work history and be determined to make zoo keeping your career. An outgoing personality and the ability to communicate effectively with the general public (including undertaking keeper talks) are essential.

A full driving license and car is essential and it is advantageous to hold, or be studying for, the City & Guilds Certificate in Animal Management.

For information about the animals at Drusillas please see our Animal Gallery website page. We offer a competitive annual salary, subsidised lunches and provide a sensible relocation package.

For an application form please contact Sue Woodgate Zoo Manager sue.woodgate@drusillas.co.uk 01323 874110.

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Senior Veterinary Surgeon

THIS POST IS NOW FILLED

Senior Veterinary Surgeon

We are seeking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon for our bear rescue centre in Tam Dao, Vietnam (VBRC). The position will involve overall responsibility for the provision of extensive veterinary care to bears at our centre who are rescued from the bear bile industry and to local domestic animals at our basic small animal clinic.

The Senior Veterinary Surgeon will report to the Bear and Vet Team Director, but will ultimately be responsible for all veterinary clinical decision making, and will supervise and manage a team comprising of one Resident Veterinary Surgeon and 2 qualified Veterinary Nurses. He/She will be responsible for veterinary department budgeting and reporting, and may be required to travel within Asia and participate in outreach and training projects, and work with local veterinarians.

Please contact hrhkg@animalsasia.org for further details and a full job description.

Requirements

§  At least 5 years work experience in a large mixed veterinary practice, zoological facility, specialist referral centre, or similar working environment.

§  Experience in a management or supervisory role.

§  Excellent clinical and organizational skills, an aptitude for problem-solving medicine and self-directed learning and plenty of initiative and flexibility.

§  Excellent communication skills and the ability to live and work closely with the rest of the team comprising both western and local staff.

§  Cultural sensitivity and a history of working abroad, plus a background in captive wildlife management or charitable veterinary work are beneficial.

§  Suitable candidates must be able to commit for a minimum of 2 years.

Appointment is paid, full-time, five (5) days a week with some weekend work applicable.

The following items are included in your full-time contract

On-site accommodation           

Relocation assistance                           

Emergency medical insurance

Paid holidays

How to apply

Interested parties please forward your cover letter (stating the applied position), CV (with your expected salary) and completed Job Application form to: hrhkg@animalsasia.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

For more information please visit our website www.animalsasia.org

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.  Personal data collected will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purposes.

Closing date: July 3, 2015

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Endangered Primate Species Centre Manager

Endangered Primate Species Centre Manager

Job Description

The Endangered Asian Species Trust founded by Monkey World Ape-Rescue UK, is currently seeking a manager to work in Vietnam at the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, on a two year placement.

Centre background

In 2008 the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre was established in Cat Tien National Park, in direct collaboration with the Vietnamese Government. Dao Tien focuses on four species of primate (golden-cheeked gibbon, black-shanked douc, silvered langur and pygmy loris), supporting the Vietnamese Government with rescue, rehabilitation and developing reintroduction techniques for healthy individuals. In addition to finding solutions for individuals not fit for release. The centre is located in a remote location, on a 56 ha island- applicants must be comfortable with this isolated lifestyle

Basic job information

We are currently recruiting for an onsite manager based on the island of Dao Tien in Vietnam. This post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with in situ conservation on the front-line.

Responsibilities include:

• Animal responsibilities Supporting and training our Vietnamese primate care team in daily husbandry
• Observe the centres primates for signs of illness, injury or assessment of rehabilitation
• Able to undertake basic veterinary nurse skills (under guidance)
• Monitoring diets and protocols (food quality, variety and hygiene)
• Maintaining appropriate environmental and behavioural enrichment
• Supervising cage infrastructure maintenance/development (identify the need for the repair or replacement of facilities and equipment)
• Supervising maintenance of solar panel electric fences for semi-forested gibbon enclosures (2-20ha)
• Supporting the Forestry Protection Department on rescues, with animal handling and intensive care procedures.

Admin, education and capacity building responsibilities

• Capacity building within our Vietnamese team members
• The manager will work closely with our head Vietnamese keeper and Vietnamese Director ensuring staffing rotas are complete.
• Supervising International volunteers and researchers. (in particular guiding the work of animal and education volunteers)
• Maintaining animal/financial and eco-tourism records and reports
• Reporting to Vietnamese and UK Director on a regular basis.
• Overseeing monthly budgets
• Conducting guided educational tours in English on Dao Tien and education to schools when necessary
• Representing Dao Tien at media interviews, internal and external meetings.

Qualifications

• Candidates will have a higher education qualification in a Zoological related science (min degree) or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of three years primate care experience essential
• Experience in basic veterinary nurse skills desirable
• Excellent communication skills are required, both verbal and written, in English. With a willingness to learn basic Vietnamese.
• Applicants must be prepared to work flexible hours, dependent on rescue centre needs.
• Leadership skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across teams
• Excellent project management skills, the ability to prioritise and time management skills are essential.
• The successful applicant must meet this position's medical standard including required vaccinations

Salary will vary based on experience and length of contract (£10,000 - £16,000 per annum). In addition to the agreed salary basic food and accommodation will be provided on site at Dao Tien at no charge, and one International flight per year will be paid for by EAST.

Organisation Website

www.go-east.org

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and a covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for the Manager position to- daotien@go-east.org

PLEASE, NO PHONE INQUIRIES.

Applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application Deadline 30/06/2015 

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Captive Wild Animal Management Adviser (Voluntary)

Captive Wild Animal Management Adviser (Voluntary)

Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Centre (HWRC)

Hanoi, Vietnam

Job Description- Captive Wild Animal Management Adviser

Job Title: Captive Wild Animal Management Adviser (Voluntary)

Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

Period: 3 months

This is a voluntary appointment to be made in agreement with your current employer entering into a partnership with the stakeholders listed below to deliver the aims of the programme. Your employer’s contribution to this programme will be your time

Stakeholders: Hanoi Zoo, Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Centre, Animals Asia, Change for Animals Foundation, Wild Welfare

Proposed start date: As available

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Centre (HWRC) is a government-run wildlife rescue centre located about 40 Km outside Hanoi, and serves as a housing facility for animals confiscated from the wildlife trade. The daily operations (feeding, cleaning, etc.) are conducted by a team of local staff. The centre houses a large number, and variety, of wild animals, including: tigers, Asiatic Black bears, macaques, porcupines, various species of reptiles, civet cats, slow lorises, gibbons, etc.

Concerns:

There are significant concerns for the welfare of the animals housed in HWRC, currently the staff are not qualified to provide appropriate care to meet many of the needs of the large number, and variety, of wild animals – the animals are kept in inappropriate cages, with little or no enrichment and in some cases fed an inappropriate/ inadequate diet, resulting in poor psychological and physical states.  Animals Asia have an agreement with HWRC to work together to improve the welfare of the animals housed at the rescue centre.

Hanoi Zoo is a government-run zoo located in central Hanoi. Animals Asia has developed a positive relationship with Hanoi Zoo and have an agreement to improve the welfare of animals kept at the Zoo. In September 2013, Animals Asia, Change for Animals and Hanoi Zoo collaborated to organise the first ‘Shape of Enrichment’ workshop in Vietnam, delivered by Shape of Enrichment and Active Environments. A number of Captive wild animal management experts have volunteered their time at Hanoi zoo since April 2014 and significant improvements have already been achieved, but there is scope for much more. It is hoped that Hanoi Zoo could serve as a ‘model’ for how other collaborative relationships can be built and improvements for animals can be made that can be used to implement management procedures that meet the needs of captive wild animals, at other facilities housing wildlife throughout Vietnam.

2. OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:

To work as a consultant in Hanoi to develop and ensure the implementation of practical and sustainable improvements in animal management at HWRC and Hanoi Zoo through the provision of on-site training.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

To work in collaboration with the staff at HWRC and Hanoi Zoo, with support from Animals Asia and Wild Welfare and Change for Animals Foundation, to:

• Review existing animal management and husbandry protocols.

• Continue the work of previous ‘Captive Wild Animal Management Experts’ to develop improved animal management and husbandry protocols using a participatory approach; including enrichment calendars, feeding calendars to ensure varied and appropriate/ adequate diets for the various species, etc.

• Provide staff training on animal management and husbandry to improve captive animal welfare;

• Provide advice and support on the protocols for how the animals at HWRC are managed - e.g. protocols for animals suitable for re-release.

• Ensure agreed changes are understood by the staff and can be implemented beyond the scope of the programme.

• Advise on how modifications to existing buildings/ cages can be made inexpensively/ how existing buildings can be best used to improve the welfare of the animals housed within them.

4. PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualification/ Education/ Knowledge:

• Employed within a captive wild animal facility  (Essential)

• Degree in relevant subject (Desirable)

Experience:

• Experience in working in a captive wild animal facility  (E)

• Experience in working in a wildlife rehabilitation centre (D)

• Proven experience and expertise in enrichment and animal management (E)

• Experience of working in or with charity/NGO/voluntary sector  (D)

• Experience of working internationally or on projects with international application, (D)

Abilities/ Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills (E)

• Experience of hosting/ facilitating workshops (D)

• Ability to work in partnership with key stakeholders and sustain strategic partnerships (E)

• Ability to effectively manage staff and physical resources (E)

• Circumstances, Ability to reside in Hanoi for the duration of the posting.

• Full support of employer to take on this three month role, (E)

 5. COSTS 

The travel costs to and from Hanoi must be met by you / or your employer

All other expenses with regards to travel in Hanoi, food and accommodation will be met by the stakeholders.

For further details and/or to send an application letter please write to David Neale at  dneale@animalsasia.org

Opportunities are year round.

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