Friday, April 29, 2016

Assistant Zoo Manager



Assistant Zoo Manager

ZSL London Zoo
London

Contract: Full-Time / Permanent
Salary: £43,039 p.a. (inclusive of London Weighting and Weekend Enhancement)

About Us:
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Overview of Role:
To provide consistent management of the animal collections and the team that manage them and to support the Head of Zoo Management in ensuring the smooth operational function of London Zoo.

Other main duties will include:
•    To have budgetary responsibility for the staffing and operational needs of the Living Collections at London Zoo, with the support of the Head of Zoo Management
•    To manage the Team Leaders of the animal collections, conduct their PDRs and ensure they are effectively managing their teams
•    Responsible for ensuring that the daily presentation of the zoo is up to an excellent standard
•    Helping the Living Collections teams prioritise daily engagements and ensuring that appropriate trained staff are available to cover events such as sunset safari, fundraising events etc.
•    Be the first point of conduct for cross-departmental functions, including Business Development, Marketing, PR, HR, Fundraising, Commercial (including the Main Gate) and Discovery & Learning
•    Be the main Animal Duty Manager for the site and responsible for staff training, daily ADM cover. Also responsible for animal emergency procedures and ensure that there is an appropriate level of drills.
•    To act as the Firearms Manager for ZSL London Zoo, managing selection, training, licences etc.
•    Working with the Head of Zoo Management and Zoo Manager, Whipsnade Zoo to ensure consistency across sites

Person Specification:
•    BSc in a relevant area or equivalent experience
•    Prior experience in managing and developing large teams
•    In depth knowledge of up to date animal husbandry practices in a zoological collection environment
•    An understanding of Zoological licences would be desirable
•    Ability to prioritise and very well organised
•    Great communicator
•    Able to challenge ideas respectably
•    Demonstrates a consistent, collaborative and respectful approach to management and building relationships with other teams
•    Respects confidentiality
•    Strong problem solving skills and able to help others to resolve them
•    Stays calm in difficult situations
•    Able to stay focused on tasks in hand
•    Ability to listen and have empathy and understanding

To Apply:
Please visit our website, www.zsl.org, for a full job descriptions and details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 8th May 2016.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.



Zoo Manager



Zoo Manager

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Bedfordshire

Contract: Full-Time / Permanent
Salary: £48,411 p.a. (inclusive of Weekend Enhancement)

About Us:
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Overview of Role:
To provide consistent management of the animal collections and the team that manage them and to ensure the smooth operational function of Whipsnade Zoo. To oversee the Whipsnade Zoo Collection plan.

Other main duties will include:
•    To have budgetary responsibility for the staffing and operational needs of the Living Collections at Whipsnade Zoo
•    To manage the Team Leaders of the animal collections, conduct their PDRs and ensure they are effectively managing their teams
•    To oversee the Whipsnade Zoo Collection plan to ensure a comprehensive collection which meets the priorities for Whipsnade Zoo. This will be done in close collaboration with taxonomic curators
•    Responsible for ensuring that the daily presentation of the zoo is up to an excellent standard
•    Helping the Living Collections teams prioritise daily engagements and ensuring that appropriate trained staffs are available to cover events such as sunset safari, fundraising events etc.
•    Be the first point of conduct for cross-departmental functions, including Business Development, Marketing, PR, HR, Fundraising, Commercial (including the Main Gate) and Discovery & Learning
•    Be the main Animal Duty Manager for the site and responsible for staff training, daily ADM cover. Also responsible for animal emergency procedures and ensure that there is an appropriate level of drills
•    To act as the Firearms Manager for ZSL London Zoo, managing selection, training, licences etc.

Person Specification:
•    BSc in a relevant area or equivalent experience
•    Prior experience in managing and developing large teams
•    In depth knowledge of up to date animal husbandry practices in a zoological collection environment
•    An understanding of Zoological licences would be desirable
•    Ability to prioritise and very well organised
•    Great communicator
•    Able to challenge ideas respectably
•    Demonstrates a consistent, collaborative and respectful approach to management and building relationships with other teams
•    Respects confidentiality
•    Strong problem solving skills and able to help others to resolve them
•    Stays calm in difficult situations
•    Able to stay focused on tasks in hand
•    Ability to listen and have empathy and understanding

To Apply:
Please visit our website, www.zsl.org, for a full job descriptions and details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 8th May 2016.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.


Resident Veterinarian / Assistant Camp Manager





Resident Veterinarian / Assistant Camp Manager


Position Description:

The Vacancy:
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary requires a resident veterinarian to take over from the current veterinarian, per July 2016. The veterinarian is responsible for the daily health and welfare of almost 80 chimpanzees and also undertakes additional tasks to support the overall daily operation of the sanctuary.

The Sanctuary:
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1995 by the Government of Sierra Leone, through the help of conservationist Bala Amarasekaran and the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone to rescue, care for and rehabilitate confiscated pets and orphaned or abandoned wild chimpanzees. It plays a vital role in conserving and protecting chimpanzees in the wild through education, communication and legal enforcement. Tacugama is located 20 minutes from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in West Africa.

The Role:
The role of the veterinarian will include overall observation and management of chimpanzee health following standard operating procedures. Responses to identified health problems can include dispensing of medication, immobilizing chimps as necessary for treatment, implementation of disease prevention measures and attending to any medical emergencies. Health checks and close monitoring of newly rescued chimps may also be needed. Experience of post-mortem examination procedures and basic laboratory skills are required. Key responsibilities include the capture, filing and maintenance of daily data records.

The veterinarian also will act as assistant camp manager, helping with the overall operational management and smooth running of the sanctuary which includes staff management, general camp infrastructure monitoring and light accounting and administration. The post reports to the Programme Director and the Programme Manager.

Qualifications/Experience:
We are looking for an enthusiastic team player who possesses a recognised university degree in Veterinary Sciences.
Ideally you will:
- have a minimum of 5 years experience as a qualified veterinary practitioner
- have previous experience working with primates
-have a post-graduate qualification in conservation/wildlife medicine
-have experience with disease investigations/epidemiology
- have strong English language and computer skills
- have travelled / lived overseas preferably in Africa
- be willing to live in relatively basic conditions
- enjoy working with others to develop their knowledge and skills

Support provided for this position (travel, meals, lodging):
You will be provided with an annual return economy plane ticket to Sierra Leone and on-site accommodation. A daily meal (local food) is prepared for all staff. A monthly stipend of $800 is provided.

Comments:
Please send your CV, a covering letter and two references as soon as possible by email to info@tacugama.com and ensure that your email subject is "Vet Application 2016". 

The position is available per July 2016.
Contact Information:
Programme Manager
Sofie Meilvang
info@tacugama.com

+23244625111



Animal Keeper/Presenter



Animal Keeper/Presenter

Part time
Here at All Things Wild Nature Centre we are currently in our next phase of development with exciting times ahead. As the zoo expands, so does the need for new keepers to join our zoo keeper team.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the need of a part time animal keeper to work on Saturdays and Sundays. The successful applicant will have a keen passion for the natural world and conservation. A good eye for detail and high standards for animal husbandry are a must.

Other key requirements:
•        Previous experience working in a zoological facility is an advantage but full training will be given.
•        Must have a can do attitude.
•        Strong verbal communication skills as she/he will be delivering animal presentations/talks to our visitors.
•        An excellent time keeper.
•        Work well as part of a team.

To Apply
Please send your CV and covering letter to Robert Killips, Head Keeper, All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, WR11 7QZ. Alternatively you can email headkeeper@allthingswild.co.uk.  

This Job advertisement will be a two part interview, if you are successful in the initial interview you will be invited back to attend a ‘trial day’.


Closing date for applications: As soon as the right applicant is appointed.



Animal Stores Co-ordinator



     
Animal Stores Co-ordinator

Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 year masterplan already underway. The plan will see the zoo developing new habitats for a refreshed animal collection starting with Gibbon Forest in 2016.

A new role has been created for an Animal Stores Co-ordinator to co-ordinate, monitor, source and order supplies for the animal department which comprises of 4 sections: Great Apes, Primates, Large Mammals and Birds & Pets. The successful candidate will have strong organisational skills and take a hands-on approach, being confident in handling all types of produce including meat and fish in frozen and fresh
forms.

Key Responsibilities:
· Develop the animal stores and goods ordering processes to improve efficiency
· Ensure stock is controlled, monitored, organised and rotated (general stores, dry feed, fresh and frozen food)
· Source competitively priced alternatives
· Receive, unload and organise deliveries and donations
· Assist in the management of budgets in conjunction with the Curator of Living Collections
· Collect goods and donations using zoo vehicles as required
· Assist with stock movement around the site
· Ensure animal stores, barn, centralised kitchen and yard areas are maintained to a high level of cleanliness and tidiness

Key Skills & Requirements:
· Strong organisational skills in both operational and administrative areas
· Good communication skills with a calm and approachable manner
· Good IT skills (word, excel) and basic mathematical competence
· Experience in stores management desirable
· Full valid driving licence essential and willingness to undertake training on operation of zoo vehicles
· Self-motivated and independent with ability to work well within the broader zoo team
· Physically fit for the required tasks including daily manual handling

The role is permanent full-time working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 0800 to 1700 with 1 hour’s unpaid break and may include occasional weekend working. Salary is paid monthly and we provide uniform and 31 days holiday per annum (including bank holidays).

Please apply on-line by sending your CV with a covering letter to: recruitment@twycrosszoo.org

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible.



Animal Keeper: Primates



Animal Keeper: Primates

Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 yearmasterplan already underway. The plan will see the zoo developing new habitats for a refreshed animal collection starting with Gibbon Forest in 2016.

We currently have a vacancy for an Animal Keeper to work on our Primates section. This area manages all our small primate species including callitrichids, cebids, guenons, lemurs and gibbons.

Key Responsibilities:
· Basic animal husbandry and regular interaction with the public

Key Skills & Requirements:
· Enthusiastic, motivated and with an interest in zoo animal management and
education
· Committed to continued professional development
· A good team worker
· 2 years zoo keeping experience and a relevant animal-related qualification such as
ANCMZA or DZMAA

The role is permanent full time and includes weekend duties on a rota system. Salary is paid monthly and we provide uniform and 31 days holiday per annum (including bank holidays).

Please apply on-line by sending your CV with a covering letter to:

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore

you should submit your application as soon as possible.






Animal Keeper: Great Apes



Animal Keeper: Great Apes

Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 year masterplan already underway. The plan will see the zoo developing new habitats for a refreshed animal collection starting with Gibbon Forest in 2016.

We currently have a vacancy for an Animal Keeper to work on our Great Apes section. This area manages all four species of great ape: gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan and bonobo.

Key Responsibilities:
· Basic animal husbandry and regular interaction with the public

Key Skills & Requirements:
· Enthusiastic, motivated and with an interest in zoo animal management and
education
· Committed to continued professional development
· A good team worker
· 2 years zoo keeping experience and a relevant animal-related qualification such as
ANCMZA or DZMAA

The role is permanent full time and includes weekend duties on a rota system. Salary is paid monthly and we provide uniform and 31 days holiday per annum (including bank holidays).

Please apply on-line by sending your CV with a covering letter to:

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore

you should submit your application as soon as possible.




Conservation Physiology Technician



Conservation Physiology Technician

Permanent – 40 hours per week

Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

We are currently recruiting for a Conservation Physiology Technician which will support Chester Zoo science activities through the provision of technical lab skills which contribute to the identification of physiological biomarkers that can be used to assess the relationship between the environment, fitness and welfare in wildlife helping to establish us as a centre of excellence for conservation breeding and animal welfare.

The Role

Our Conservation Physiology Technician will provide an effective technical service ensuring accurate and timely laboratory results which contribute to exploring the physiological biomarkers that can be used to assess fitness and welfare in wildlife. In addition to routine enzyme immunoassay analysis they will effectively explore and validate new innovative biomarkers and lab techniques (e.g. Chromatography (HPLC/GS) and/or Mass Spectrometry). Provide professional technical training support to the society’s staff and collaborators both within and outside the zoo and promote best practice in conservation physiology research. Participate in scientific communication opportunities to establish Chester Zoo as a centre of excellence for the field of conservation physiology. Support the Head of Applied Science to progress our understanding of conservation physiology through the technical support of targeted, collaborative research and problem-solving in line with the society’s values and needs. Contribute to published research through effective dissemination of the materials and methods sections of manuscripts. Effective delivery of external Biological Sample Requests

The ideal candidate will have:

    •    A Bachelor’s degree in a science related field
    •    Evidence of substantial laboratory experience
    •    High proficiency with enzyme immune assays (validation and troubleshooting)
    •    Experience with chromatography (HPLC/GS) and/or mass spectrometry
    •    Experience with a variety of sample types (e.g. faecal/urine) and preparation procedures (extraction/concentration)
    •    Demonstrated ability to manage a lab to a high standard
    •    Experience with technical lab training
    •    Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications
    •    Proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
    •    A strong commitment to animal health and well-being and conservation
    •    Evidence of contributions to peer-reviewed publications is desirable
    •    Knowledge and experience of zoo operations is desirable

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked Monday-Friday.

Salary is £24,017 per annum based on a 40 working week.

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for our Conservation Physiology Technician role to http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers.




Closing date for applications is 22nd May 2016.






Animal Keeper



Animal Keeper

Knowsley Safari
Liverpool


About the role
Knowsley Safari are looking for an experienced Keeper to join our dedicated team. With wonderful new exhibits planned, our animal collection changing and growing, and further work in research, conservation and education, this is such an exciting time to be joining us.

This is a permanent full time position on a rota system including weekends and public holidays. Flexibility is required. Experience working with large mammals would be an advantage. Salary will be in accordance with skills and experience. No accommodation is offered with this role.

About us
Opened in 1971, our impressive five-mile safari drive is the longest in the UK and is currently home to over 750 of our animals including mixed exhibits, our African lion pride, baboons and White rhino. We also have our Foot Safari where you will find our African elephants, giraffes and mixed exhibit. Last year we opened our new European Moose exhibit known as the Wild Trail and later this year, work will begin on our exciting new Amur Tiger Trail.

We now greet over 550,000 guests every year and were awarded the Best Family Day Out in the Liverpool Lifestyle Awards 2016 as well as the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2015.

About you
We are looking for a Keeper with experience and so you are expected to have been in paid, full time employment in a zoological collection for a minimum of two years. You should have an animal based qualification and a full UK driving licence. Applicants must be hard-working, conscientious, able to work as part of a team and always looking to pursue high standards of welfare and husbandry, as well as visitor experience.

If you believe that you are the person we are looking for and would love the opportunity to join our team, you can find more information and details on how to apply for this position on our website at http://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/vacancies/

The closing date for applications is Sunday 22 May 2016.
First stage interviews will be held on Thursday 2 June 2016.

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






Animal Keeper – Trainee




Animal Keeper – Trainee

Animal Keeper – Trainee - Part Time Weekend (14 hours) – Fixed Term 6 months

Based at Edinburgh Zoo

About Us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.  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’.

Animal Keeper – Trainee
As a member of the Living Collection’s team, the successful candidates will be required to perform all duties to ensure the smooth running of the relevant section at Edinburgh Zoo, aiming to optimise, where necessary in conjunction with other departments, the quality of animal welfare and visitor experience.

About You
Practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment is desirable and experience of working with a range of animal taxon groups would be advantageous. You should 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 would be beneficial. Appropriate training will be provided.

This is a part time (14 hours) 6 month fixed term position, and the successful candidate must be able to work weekends.

Closing date:         Thursday 12 May 2016. 

For full information on how to apply, please visit the RZSS vacancy page and follow the instructions. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Registered charity number: SC004064


OUR MISSION                Connecting people with nature. Safeguarding species from extinction





Monday, April 18, 2016

Animal Encounters Officer Resource Technician



Animal Encounters Officer Resource Technician

Job title: Animal Encounters Officer / Resource Technician
Location: Enfield
Salary: £16,810 to £18,351 + £ 1,773 London Weighting


Start Date: ASAP


Capel Manor College is London’s only Specialist College for land-based studies and an internationally renowned learning resource for all those interested in Horticulture, Animal Management, Saddlery, Arboriculture, Floristry, Garden Design, Countryside and the Environment. Our aim is to ensure our staff enjoy coming to work, not only because they can make a difference to the communities the college serve, but because the College provides them with a great place to work.


The College are currently looking for an Animal Encounters Officer / Resource Technician who will provide day-to-day care for a wide range of animals kept by the College and supporting and resourcing the teaching of animal care including maintaining practical facilities.


Main Duties and Responsibilities:
  • The day-to-day routine care of the College’s animal stock in accordance with the animal welfare policy to include cleaning out of accommodation, provision of feed, water, bedding, nesting material, and daily health checks
  • Supervising college student volunteers carrying out practical duties in animal areas at weekends
  • Co-ordinating and supervising animal interactive sessions for the public at weekends
  • Assisting academic staff within the School, supervising students and providing technical assistance and advice as required
  • Completing records relating to routine animal care, reporting any abnormalities or problems to Line Manager as appropriate
  • Ordering feed, bedding and other consumables for all centres as required in consultation with Line Manager.  Storage, security and stock control of such consumables
  • Ensuring high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all animal areas and associated storage and service areas
  • Ensuring the correct disposal of all waste from the animal areas
  • The exercising, training and handling of animal stock as appropriate and as required
  • Responsible for ensuring that the health and safety of students is maintained whilst undertaking practical sessions
  • Liaising with external bodies e.g. vet, RSPCA, Defra etc. as appropriate
  • Liaising internally with other staff as appropriate with regard to animal activities and co-operating to maintain continuity of care during weekends and holidays


Required Qualifications and Experience:
  • Level 2 qualification or higher in an animal care discipline
  • Experience of caring for a range of rodents, exotic animals, birds and farm-stock on a day-to-day basis
  • Experience of working with the public, demonstrating good principles of “Customer Care”
  • Knowledge of correct hygiene and cleaning procedures for Animal Unit and associated areas
  • Awareness of Health and Safety issues with regard to own duties and the Animal Unit


What’s in it for you?
Capel Manor offers a unique working environment with a range of benefits including:


  • Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or LGPS (depending on job role)
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Superb staff development opportunities


The post is permanent, full time and will require working weekends and 3 week days. The week days are likely to be Monday- Wednesday, although flexibility to accommodate changing demands and circumstances would be desirable.


The postholder will be required to be available “on-call” over specified periods by arrangement with the Line Manager to ensure that the welfare of the college’s animal stock is not compromised. Time off In Lieu/payment will be agreed as appropriate.


This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring list check as it is within regulated activity due to the college being defined as a ‘specified place’. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.


How to Apply
To apply for this position, please click on ‘Apply’ and complete an online application form.


Closing date is 2nd May 2016



Sunday, April 17, 2016

Bird Keeper Internship



Newquay Zoo Internships

Bird Keeper

Closing date for applications 1st may 2016
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 currently have a vacancy for a voluntary internship, for a period of 6 months (including a one month probationary period), working with our bird keeping department. Newquay Zoo is open every day and the placements will be full time i.e. a five day working, possibly including weekends. The main role of the keeping interns will be to attend the husbandry requirements of the bird collection as directed by the Senior Keeper in charge.

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
-         To gain experience and understanding of the work of a zoo animal keeping department.
-         To apply own personal skills and take ownership of a series of tasks and/or a research project.
-         To reflect on training and experience throughout the placement.

Anticipated tasks/training provided
-         Assisting with daily animal husbandry e.g. feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision, enclosure modification etc.
-         Observations of animals and recording of relevant information.
-         Training in basic research methods.
-         Visitor interaction e.g. answering visitor questions in a polite and sensitive manner.
-         Assisting with student supervision at the direction of the head keeper.
-         Training in animal-management related computer software.
-         Training in all aspects of the company’s code of practise.

Skills Required
-         A qualification in an animal science related discipline would be desirable.
-         Previous animal-related work experience.
-         Good communication skills.
-         Adaptable to different working environments.
-         Able to work in a team and independently.
-         Physically fit for the demands of the post.


To apply for the above position please send a CV and covering letter, indicating which position you are applying for, to Miss Sam Harley, Newquay Zoo, Trenance gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ


Or alternatively, email sam.harley@newquayzoo.org.uk