Animal Manager
Chestnut Centre
Otter and Owl Wildlife and Conservation Park
Position: Animal Manager (Full-time / Permanent)
Salary: (dependant
on experience, minimum 3 years at management level paid zoological employment).
About Us:
The Chestnut Centre
is an established and expanding family run business. It is one of three BIAZA
accredited zoos within our company, and we strive for the highest standards in
animal husbandry, conservation and education. Our mission is to promote and achieve
the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats through engagement and
interaction with the general public. This particularly involves both otter and
owl species at the park, so intimate knowledge of both taxa is a must with this
role.
Our company aim is
realised over our three centres which hold an important and diverse range of
species. The Chestnut Centre promotes and champions our U.K. and European
native species. Focusing on both extant and extinct species of Britain, with
the addition of some important exotic species too. Native species knowledge
would be advantageous.
Overview of Role:
We are seeking an
experienced Animal Manager to work with a wide range of species within our
park. The successful candidate will be expected to ensure high standards of
animal welfare, animal husbandry and keep daily checks and records of animals
within all sections. As well as training, supervising and working closely with
the small team keeping staff and working closely with the General Manager and
Curator to move the collection forward.
Working hours are
40hrs per week, worked within a roster which includes regular weekends and bank
holiday’s, so flexibility regarding hours is crucial.
The role is
physically demanding and our site is mainly outdoors, so ability to deal with
all weathers essential.
Applicants must have
a passion for working with a variety of animals within a Zoo environment
however experience with native species and native species wildlife
rehabilitation would be desirable. Good communication skills and experience of
dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work
effectively within a small and self-reliant team.
A minimum of three
year’s paid employment within a zoological related management/supervisory
position required.
Main Duties:
- • managing the staff in regards to cleaning of all areas within the zoo, and being included in tasking these duties
- • managing enclosure/paddock servicing, maintenance and refurbishment. A basic use of hand tools and equipment would be an advantage.
- • Continued reviewal and updating of all approved diets, nutrition and enrichment.
- • Managing the supervision of correct feeding procedures where this is deemed appropriate for each species and working with curator and keepers to ensure all husbandry, welfare and dietary needs are met for the specific species we house.
- • Ensuring that all safety and emergency procedures are implemented/followed at all times.
- • Liaising with the curator in regards to the movement and/or training of animals, “Meet the Animals” etc.
- • Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors. Dealing with customer requests and information.
- • Reporting defects and repairs required to the maintenance department.
- • Assisting in various projects related to animal management as directed by senior animal management staff.
- · Reporting directly to our company vet in regards to any medical or veterinary issues or concerns as they become apparent.
Person Specification:
- • Practical experience of animal management with a range of domestic and exotic species.
- • Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections. Particular advantage would be carnivore/mustelid and strigiform husbandry.
- • Willingness to work on and learn about 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 techniques used to handle specific animals should catch ups or veterinary procedures require this.
- • Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked.
- Keeper experiences are an essential part of our business, we are very customer focused so please make sure you are.
Please note*
- · A full clean driving licence is required.
- · Accommodation will not be provided on site.
- · Public transport is not an option for those seeking this position.
- · We do not hold telephone or Skype interviews; all interviews will be held at the Park.
- · Our park is set in the Derbyshire Peak district, this role, although within a small collection in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, is physically demanding and requires the ability to think on ones’ own and adjust to a demanding, flexible work environment.
Closing Date: Midnight Monday 12th June
To Apply:
Applicants will need
to contact Zoe O’Reilly at the email address below, an application form will
then be sent out. Please return your CV,
application form and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills,
stating why they want the position and including details of availability etc),
to hr@chestnutcentre.co.uk
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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