Experienced Primate Keeper

Experienced Primate Keeper

The Aspinall Foundation is a registered charity that is actively involved with several projects incorporating a diverse range of conservation activities both at their Kent based Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve and overseas projects in the Congo, Gabon, Indonesia and Madagascar.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of dedicated primate keepers at Howletts Wild Animal Park. The ideal candidate will have experience in a mainstream zoological collection (preferably in a similar position) and an awareness of current conservation issues and a passion for animal welfare.

This is a physically demanding position so candidates must be physically fit. A full valid driving licence is essential to the role. Ideally you will posses experience of good all round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the primate species around the park. Holding a recognised Zoo Animal Management qualification and being comfortable interacting with the public would be an advantage.

Working 5 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays, the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours. Single person accommodation may be available.

Howletts Wild Animal Park, situated near Canterbury in Kent, works to support a number of overseas conservation projects including the Java Primate Project in Indonesia. We are home to a collection of around 170 rare and endangered primates, including Javan gibbons, Dusky langurs, Sulawesi macaques, Pied tamarins and Gelada baboons to name a few.

We have recently built a rescue and rehabilitation centre in Java where rare Indonesian primates can be confiscated and taken care of; with a view to either returning them back to the wild or providing them with a better quality of life. Ultimately, captive bred animals may also relocate to the centre, providing offspring that could boost the wild population when reintroduction conditions are right.

All applicants must have right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Friday 18th December 2015.

To apply, please email a CV along with a covering letter to Jo Stephens: joannas@aspinallfoundation.org 

Or post to: Human Resources, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD

Visit our website at www.aspinallfoundation.org for further information.