Monday, July 3, 2017

Bird Keeper



Bird Keeper | Auckland Zoo



Rare opportunity to work at one of the world's leading zoos
Contribute to the in situ conservation of New Zealand wildlife
Unique chance to work regularly in the field.


Auckland Zoo is proud of its commitment to the World Zoo and Aquarium Strategy. Sign up to our team and help "build a future for wildlife".

We are currently seeking an experienced Keeper to join the bird team at the Zoo.

As a member of the Zoo's bird team the primary focus of the role is to care for the Zoo's bird collection, providing best practice husbandry, contributing to our understanding of the biology of these species and delivering attractive animal exhibits and meaningful encounters to our 700,000+ annual visitors.

Auckland Zoo's New Zealand precinct - Te Wao Nui - is a journey through six geographic zones and the flora and fauna of each.  The focus on native species provided by Te Wao Nui catalyses many opportunities for the zoo to contribute to the conservation of New Zealand wildlife, both directly and indirectly.  Around 25 New Zealand bird species are managed by the bird team, at least four of which are actively involved in breed-to-release programmes. The bird team is also responsible for the care of a small collection of exotic birds, predominantly Australian psittacines, and will take an active role in developing this aspect of the collection in line with the Zoo's masterplan.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the care and development of the Zoo's bird collection, to actively contribute to conservation both in the zoo and in the field, and to work in the zoo and/or in the field with some of the world's most threatened bird species, including brown teal and blue duck, fairy terns and shore plover, kaka, takahe, kokako and even kakapo.

The successful candidate will:

  • Hold a recognised qualification in captive animal management and/or tertiary qualification in zoology/biology-related field
  • Have at least 3 years' recent experience working with a variety of bird species in captivity
  • Up to date artificial incubation/rearing skills and first-had experience with kiwi O.N.E would be a great advantage
  • Demonstrate a track record of innovative husbandry and captive research
  • Have an understanding of training and conditioning techniques and behavioural enrichment
  • Be self-motivated, and be able to work independently or as part of a large team
  • Have excellent customer service skills
  • Express a commitment to and understanding of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy 2005
  • Show effective communication skills and ability to perform keeper encounters
  • Have an aptitude for and interest in undertaking field work
  • Possess a valid full driver's licence.



If you have proven relevant bird husbandry experience, a high level of energy and physical fitness and a desire to achieve conservation outcomes through your zoo-based career, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.  High priorities for this position include playing a key role in the development and delivery of visitor experiences and contributing to the overall strategic management of the zoo by actively participating as a member of the Life Sciences team.

Please note: This role is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing.


Applications for this role close on Monday, 17 July 2017 at 10:30 pm.

To apply and further details click HERE




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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