Senior Animal Keeper
Position: Senior
Animal Keeper - Birds (Part time /
Permanent)
Salary: £11,745 (Inclusive of Weekend Enhancement)
Location: ZSL
Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire
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:
An exciting opening has arisen for a Senior Animal Keeper
in our Birds Section at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Applicants must have a passion for
working with a variety of animals within a Zoo environment however experience
with birds would be desirable. Good communication skills and experience of
dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work
effectively within a team. The role will also involve the day to day husbandry
of a large and diverse collection of Birds, focussing on animal welfare, bio-security,
record keeping and ensuring that exhibits are maintained to the highest
standards. The successful
candidate will also be expected to:
·
Observe the behaviour, health and security of
animals and report any problems to the Team Leader or manager including defects
or repairs required to enclosures and relevant departments required to support
work needed.
·
Assist with the preparation of approved
diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
·
Cleaning and maintaining of exhibits and
other designated areas.
The
successful candidate will:
·
Be able to demonstrate up to date knowledge
of Bird husbandry practices. We are looking for in depth experience in the
successful husbandry of a range of birds.
·
Have extensive experience from working in
zoos, private collections, museums, universities, or in the field.
·
Have proven experience working with a range
of birds.
·
Have a logical, precise and scientific
approach to animal keeping.
·
Understand the conservation, research and
educational role of ex situ animal populations.
·
Able to use Microsoft software including
Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Have a
qualification in a relevant field at university level and/or diploma in
the DMZAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.
·
Be reliable and have good time-keeping and
attendance record and able to demonstrate leadership and professionalism.
Please note: The role holder will be required to work
1,044 hours in a calendar year (equivalent to 20 hours per week) on a 6 week
rolling roster including weekend working.
To
Apply:
Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering
letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the
position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the
"Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries
regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact
Human Resources at wzhr@zsl.org
Closing
Date: Midnight Wednesday 12th October 2016
The Zoological
Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.
To Apply please click HERE
The Zoological
Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.
More Information -
Job Description
Job Title: Senior
Animal Keeper
Section:
Department: Animal
Department
Directorate:
Zoological
Responsible to:
Current job holder:
Approved by:
Head of Department/
Director:
Job Evaluation
Committee Reference Number:
Grade Allocated:
Date Allocated:
Key Purpose of the
Job
The main purpose of
the qualified keeper position is to manage the day to day operational duties
relating to animal husbandry and visitor interaction within the section. This
is directed day to day by the section Team Leader or other key, senior animal management
staff within the section.
Main Duties and
Responsibilities
• Observing
the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the
Team Leader or Senior staff
• Ensuring
that conditions for animals are suitable and reporting any problems, including
defects or repairs required to enclosures the senior managers on section and
relevant departments required to support work needed.
• Assisting
with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding
procedures.
• Cleaning
and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas
• Ensuring
that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times.
• Assisting
with the movement and/or training of animals.
• Supporting
in the training and mentoring of less experienced staff.
• Maintaining
courteous and helpful relations with visitors and media.
• Supporting
broader ZSL lead events such as late evening s and specialist functions
Expectations of job
holder
• To
ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted
in all aspects of the post holder’s work.
• To
ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of
the work and responsibilities attached to this post.
• Demonstrate
professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
• To
comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to
undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.
• To
be committed to professional self-development, through participation in
specific training opportunities aimed at supporting and developing the post
• To
undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
• In
consultation with the Team Leader the job holder plans his/her own work and may
plan the work of others. Most decisions are made using the job holder’s
personal experience but discussions with the Team Leader usually take place
before a decision is made. There are
general guidelines for the job.
• Most
problems relate to animal care or staff.
Some are resolved independently often after investigation. Less frequent, more complex, problems are
referred to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager. Some involvement in
exhibit planning.
• A
flexible approach is required in order to support the broader zoological
collection as well as the post holder’s specific section. Animal work
frequently requires individuals to work outside of normal working hours if for
example specific levels of care are required. During other events, keeper staff
are likely to be required to help out other sections or be present for events
managed by other departments (Evening functions, animal talks etc)
• Working
with animals requires detailed levels of concentration on both noting animal
behaviour and changes to behaviour, as well as security and health and safety
elements required to manage Category 1 species. This will include the locking
up and checking of locks for category 1 animals or restraint and control of
animals for movement or veterinary procedures.
• An
ability to work as part of a team, to communicate clearly, effectively and
fairly to colleagues.
• Effective
communication across all levels of the society. An ability to engage with
junior staff as well as senior colleagues across all departments.
• Capable
of supporting and mentoring less experienced team members and volunteers in
order to develop them within their specific roles. Beyond this, senior keepers
should be looking to assist with the continual development of junior staff to
enable them to progress within their careers.
• A
willingness and ability to present work to various peer groups both externally
and internally to the organisation.
• A
supportive and engaging approach to visitors.
• A
presentable appearance through following uniform and clothing policy.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a
range of main duties that may be encountered.
It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied
in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or
the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications &
Experience
• Specific
vocational and technical skills pertaining to the husbandry and management of
the managed species.
• DMZAA
qualification or suitable, recognised equivalent.
• Experience
of visitor interactions in an organisation. An understanding of how to engage
and support visitors to the collection.
• Be
able to mentor, train and enthuse junior members of a team. Instruct and
oversee best practice within the section. To support the Team Leader and Deputy
Team Leader in ensuring agreed standards of work are met.
• To
be able to effectively and respectfully communicate to staff of all levels
regardless of their position.
• Maintain
high standards of hygiene, equipment care and house-keeping as routine part of
daily duties.
• Familiarity
with other ZSL departments and an ability to contact key people in emergencies
e.g. duty electrician out of hours.
• Effective
supervision of volunteers and students providing clear tasks, adequate
supervision and a relevant experience.
• Ability
to manage and prioritise a diverse workload.
Knowledge
• Familiarity
and compliance with all Health and Safety protocols and documentation. This
includes emergency procedures, risk assessment and safe working practices.
Ability to instruct
others in the above and monitor compliance.
• Broad
taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological
collections.
• Understanding
of evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include
positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods
of enrichment for a range of species.
• Knowledge
of life support systems, temperature ranges and UV requirements for specific
species.
• Knowledge
of restraint techniques for specific animals should catch ups or veterinary
procedures require this.
• Produce
written documentation such as Health and safety information, including Risk
Assessments, dietary records and any other relevant material.
• Ability
to research a specialist topic using library and internet resources effectively
and apply findings to practical operation.
• Effectively
input relevant date onto the Daily Report Sheet and zoological Recording
programs such as ZIMS.
• Competency
in Microsoft Office packages.
Skills &
Abilities
• Familiarity
with the operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting of all equipment in
regular use.
• Excellent
observational skills and the ability to identify animal health problems
quickly.
• An
ability to carry out agreed veterinary treatments accurately as determined by
vet team/team leader/curator. Good record keeping and follow up observations on
treatments and conditions.
• Demonstrate
a thorough and evolving knowledge of husbandry, exhibition, diet and
reproduction.
• Have
a wider knowledge of specific animal groups, outside of the immediate
collection. Have a working knowledge of behavioural enrichment and conditioning
and training programs.
• Demonstrate
a knowledge of the role of modern zoo’s in terms of conservation and education.
• A
clear awareness and understanding of the conservation issues relating to
species within the zoological collection and conservation on the whole.
• Public
Relations - An ability to interact with stakeholders and represent ZSL where
required, to include VIP and media based situations.
• Presentation
Skills – An ability and willingness to present papers, research or Society
based material at conferences, or select groups.
• An
understanding and supportive approach to the commercial nature of the
Zoological collection whilst maintaining the highest standards of husbandry and
welfare to the living collection.
• An
understanding and support of ZSL’s sustainability program. Overseeing and
implementing best practice in terms of sustainability within the department.
Other Requirements
• Flexible
approach in terms of working hours and an awareness that the post requires
weekend working.
• Ability
to travel and attend conferences or other zoo’s as the position requires, in
order to share knowledge, beneficial to the collection
• An
ability to present work in a conference or lecture based environment would be
an advantage.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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