Keeper - Herpetology
Job
Title: Keeper
Department: Herpetology
Reporting
to: Head
of Herpetology Department
Full time /
Part-time: Full Time
Permanent /
Contract: Permanent
The Role
For its
world-renowned Herpetology Department, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is
looking for a Keeper with an understanding of the role and function of a modern
zoological collection and ex-situ conservation programmes.
Responsibilities
will include the daily husbandry of a diverse herpetological collection and
associated invertebrate food colonies in conjunction with the other section
staff, detailed record keeping, training of visiting students and participation
in wider herpetological and zoo activities including research as required.
(For a full job
description explaining the role and duties in detail please visit www.durrell.org/jobs)
The Candidate
Essential
Requirements:
• We
are looking for a highly experienced specialist keeper with a very thorough
knowledge of the management and husbandry required for a wide range of reptile
and amphibian species.
• The
successful candidate will be able to demonstrate very high husbandry standards,
be highly organised and motivated to learn and possess good levels of fitness.
• It
is essential to have proven experience in and comprehensive knowledge of the
successful husbandry and breeding of a variety of amphibian and reptile
species.
• The
successful candidate will be diligent and passionate with a logical, precise
and consistent approach to animal keeping.
• Exceptional
attention to detail is required as is competency with standard computer
software.
• Good
written and verbal communication skills and considerable interpersonal skills
are essential as the position involves interaction not just with colleagues but
also students, visitors and on occasion the media.
• The
successful applicant will be a strong and reliable team player able to maintain
a high work rate with good time-keeping, high levels of cleanliness and an
organised work environment.
How to apply
To apply for this
position please send your completed application form (download from www.durrell.org/jobs) and CV with cover
letter to recruitment@durrell.org, clearly indicating for which position you
wish to apply for.
Closing date for
internal applications: Sunday, 19th
February 2017.
1. Job
Purpose
To promote the
Trust's work in the captive breeding of endangered species by working on the
daily management of the diverse herpetological collection and associated
invertebrate food colonies under the direction of the Department Head or the
Supervisor and by teaching visiting students practical aspects of animal
management, carrying out research and supporting others conducting research. To
develop the Trust's work overseas by contributing to species recovery
programmes.
2. Principal
Accountabilities
§ To
maintain high standards of cleanliness in all animal enclosures, public viewing
areas and “off view” facilities;
§ To
prepare and distribute food to the animals, following the prescribed diets;
§ To
ensure the accommodation for animals is maintained to a high standard for the
safety, health and well-being of the animals and for attractive exhibition to
the public;
§ To
monitor the animals carefully for behavioural, reproductive and medical
problems and ensure prompt action is taken to alleviate them;
§ To
encourage, or discourage, the reproduction of the animals according to the
species management plan by identifying and developing reproduction or
contraception techniques;
§ To
provide additional animal care as necessary, beyond the normal routine, to
incubate eggs, hand-rear young and attend sick animals;
§ To
assist with the capture and restraint of animals, for enclosure movement,
veterinary examination or export from the collection, while minimising stress
and ensuring the maximum amount of information is collected during each event;
§ To
be responsible for correct techniques, such as id chip implants, used to
identify animals within the department;
§ To
provide accurate daily records to the Animal Registrar of animal movements,
births, deaths, transactions, reproduction and behaviour to ensure a full set
of data is available for each animal to facilitate future management and
research;
§ To
be up to date on and able to cover for different animal routines to prevent any
breakdown in procedures due to days off, illness, or holiday leave of other
staff members in the department;
§ To
provide assistance, information, training and supervision to visiting students,
ITC trainees and conservation education staff to support DWCT’s training and
education programmes;
§ To
deliver regular public engagement activities, including keeper talks as
required, about the animals on site, providing accurate, current and in-depth
information relating to the breadth of conservation work of the Trust;
§ To
answer queries from volunteers and the visiting public to promote the work of
DWCT;
§ To
adhere to prescribed safety and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of
animals, fellow staff and the visiting public;
§ To
contribute to the development of management strategies for species maintained
at the Trust, including design and modification of accommodation, dietary
modifications, reproduction techniques and research projects to improve the
success of captive breeding programmes;
§ To
propose and carry out original research to further knowledge of species
maintained at the Trust and to provide practical support and specialist advice
to students, researchers or ITC trainees conducting research in the animal
collection;
§ To
propose and, if requested, carry out original field research overseas to
further knowledge of species for which the Trust has developed a species
recovery programme;
§ To
contribute to proposals for initiating recovery programmes in Jersey and
overseas for new species to further the Trust strategy;
§ To
assist senior keepers and department heads in dealing with correspondence from
the public, fellow scientists and other conservation organisations when
required;
§ To
ensure correct export, import and quarantine procedures are followed at the
request of the Animal Registrar and the Zoo Veterinarian and ensure the Zoo
Programme Director is kept informed;
§ To
train and supervise trainee keepers (students) or volunteers assisting in the
animal collection to ensure their safety and that of the animals;
§ To
attend national and international scientific meetings and conferences and to
make presentations of the Trust’s work if requested.
3. Knowledge
and skill
§ BSc
(Hons) Zoology or related subject desirable;
§ A
very thorough knowledge of the management and husbandry required for a wide
range of reptile and amphibian species;
§ Have
proven experience in the successful husbandry and breeding of a variety of
amphibian and reptile species;
§ The
successful candidate will be highly organised and motivated to learn;
§ The
successful candidate will be diligent and passionate with a logical, precise
and consistent approach to animal keeping;
§ A
high level of health and fitness in order to be able to carry heavy loads and
work in extreme outdoor weather conditions;
§ Exceptional
attention to detail is required as is competency with standard computer
software;
§ Good
written and verbal communication skills and considerable interpersonal skills
are essential as the position involves interaction not just with colleagues but
also students, visitors and on occasion the media;
§ The
ability to work both as a team player and using one's own initiative;
§ Time
management skills.
4. Verification
Durrell reserves the
right, if operational requirements make this necessary, to vary your normal
duties on either a short term or an ongoing basis provided that such variations
do not result in any increase to your normal number of working hours per week. Any need to make such a variation will be
discussed with you and confirmed in writing by the Human Resources Department
prior to implementation.
I confirm that the
contents of this job description are a true reflection of the job at today's
date.
Signed:_________________________ Date:________________
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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