Thursday, September 28, 2017

Animal Keepers / Animal Keeper - Trainees


Animal Keepers / Animal Keeper - Trainees

RZSS Edinburgh Zoo




Salary:       £15,918 - £18,990 depending on qualifications and experience

The charity that owns both RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park – is looking for committed, compassionate and conservation-minded individuals to join our animal management team.

RZSS aims to connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction, a mission that sees us work both here in Scotland and in over 20 countries around the world. From inspiring our visitors about wildlife in our parks to field conservation projects and breeding threatened species for reintroduction, RZSS is making a huge difference and we need your help to continue to grow.

The Role
A number of exciting opportunities have arisen for experienced Animal Keepers to work within the Living Collections team at Edinburgh Zoo, it is highly desirable that the successful candidate has experience of working within a zoo keeping role.  This is a physical hands-on role in a busy animal park which will involve bending and lifting, feeding, cleaning, maintaining and presenting the enclosures and general care and welfare of the animals and associated tasks, including record keeping and interacting with our visitors.  A working knowledge of ZIMS, SPARKS and other zoo management systems would be desirable. 

Who we are looking for

To operate effectively in this role, practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment is highly desirable and experience of working with a wide range of animal taxon groups is also desirable.  You must also have up-to-date basic knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice, along with a sound basis of practical knowledge and good animal management skills.  You must be a team player, have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate a quality approach to your work.  A full UK driving license is desirable.

We have several temporary contracts available for cover positions ranging from 3 months to a year in duration, the earliest available from October. The working hours are between 22.5 to 37.5 hours per week depending on the post (annualized figure) and the posts all involve weekend and occasional evening work.

Our offer                                                                  
As a Charity, first and foremost, we work hard to make sure our benefits package is competitive and attractive.  As well as the fundamental benefits like salary and pension, we offer other rewards that can help you financially, can make work a bit easier and make life outside of work a lot more fun!

Apply details
For an experienced candidate, this is an opportunity to join a team that aims to be dynamic and innovative, if you have qualified with the DMZAA please mark your application for the post of Qualified Keeper.  For someone new to the profession, this is an ideal learning environment, please mark your application for the post of Trainee Keeper. For full information on how to apply, please visit the RZSS vacancy page and follow the instructions.


Closing date:                     Sunday 8 October 2017



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Animal Keeper



Animal Keeper

RZSS Edinburgh Zoo

The charity that owns both RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park – is looking for a committed, compassionate and conservation-minded individual to join our animal management team.

RZSS aims to connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction, a mission that sees us work both here in Scotland and in over 20 countries around the world. From inspiring our visitors about wildlife in our parks to field conservation projects and breeding threatened species for reintroduction, RZSS is making a huge difference and we need your help to continue to grow.

The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Animal Keeper to work within the Living Collections team at Edinburgh Zoo, it is essential that the successful candidate has experience of working within a zoo keeping role.  This is a physical hands-on role in a busy animal park which will involve bending and lifting, feeding, cleaning, maintaining and presenting the enclosures and general care and welfare of the animals and associated tasks, including record keeping and interacting with our visitors.  A working knowledge of ZIMS, SPARKS and other zoo management systems would be desirable. 

Who we are looking for

It is a requirement of this role that you will have passed the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or a directly equivalent zoo husbandry qualification.

To operate effectively in this role, practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment is essential and experience of working with a wide range of animal taxon groups is desirable.  Experience working with category 1 dangerous animals is also highly desirable.  You must also have up-to-date basic knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice, along with a sound basis of practical knowledge and good animal management skills.  You must be a team player, have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate a quality approach to your work.  A full UK driving license is desirable.

Working hours are 37.5 hours per week (annualized figure) and the post involves weekend and occasional evening work.

Our offer
As a Charity first and foremost, we work hard to make sure our benefits package is competitive and attractive.  As well as the fundamental benefits like salary and pension, we offer other rewards that can help you financially, can make work a bit easier and make life outside of work a lot more fun!

Apply details
For full information on how to apply, please visit the RZSS vacancy page and follow the instructions.


Closing date:                     Sunday 8 October 2017



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Animal Keeper



Animal Keeper

(Salary commensurate with experience)

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, are a charity based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The parks are home of one of the world’s most prized wild animal collections and are one of the biggest visitor attractions in Kent.

The Aspinall Foundation is a registered charity that is actively involved with several projects incorporating a diverse range of conservation activities both at their Kent based Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve and overseas projects in the Congo, Gabon, Indonesia and Madagascar. Over the past few years alone, we have released Back to The Wild a range of animals including black Rhino, Javan Langurs, Javan Gibbon, European Bison and Western Lowland Gorillas back to their natural habitat.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of dedicated animal keepers at Port Lympne Reserve. The ideal candidate will have some experience of working with animals, in a mainstream zoological collection and an awareness of current conservation issues and a passion for animal welfare. The successful candidate will be working across a variety of animal sections, main duties will involve:
·        observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the Section Head
  • Preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
  • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures as well as adjacent working areas.
  • Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times.
  • Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors.
This is a physically demanding position so candidates must be physically fit. A full valid driving licence is essential to the role. Ideally you will possess good all round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the various species around the park.

This role is 40 hours a week working 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays, the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours.

All applicants must have right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Friday 13 October 2017.

To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to - personnel@aspinallfoundation.org
Or post to: Human Resources, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD


Visit our website at www.aspinallfoundation.org for further information.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Monday, September 25, 2017

Head of Conservation (Singapore)



Head of Conservation (Singapore)

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the Conservation Department and the development of a high impact conservation programme that spans Singapore and Southeast Asia. In pioneering modern conservation solutions, this position requires a strong grasp of environmental sustainability issues, and an entrepreneur’s approach in engaging corporate, government and public stakeholders. You will spearhead market transformational initiatives in the palm oil, forestry and food sectors, maintaining a pipeline of programs across Asia and seeing the projects through to implementation.


Learn more HERE



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Intern Field Assistants Required – Islands Restoration Programme




Intern Field Assistants Required – Islands Restoration Programme

Project background The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), has been working on and restoring island biodiversity for the past thirty years. The focus has been towards removing invasive species, replanting native vegetation, monitoring and reintroducing threatened bird and reptile species.


The position We are looking for highly self-motivated and conscientious individuals to assist with work on the offshore islands within our project teams to:
•        support plant, reptile and seabird restoration and research on Round Island;
•        ensure island biosecurity is maintained and to remove emergent threats caused by invasive species introductions;
•        assist when required, our reptile projects (skinks, geckos, snakes, tortoises) for the monitoring of island populations, assisting with reptile translocations and headstarting of young reptiles for release;
•        support the maintenance of island infrastructure, such as equipment, enclosures, field stations etc.

Due to the nature of working on islands, the hours worked will be irregular and at times will involve working nights, weekends and public holidays, with up to a month spent on an island at a time. Training and guidance from the Islands Restoration teams will be given. The work will involve the capture, handling and release of wild animals. Accurate data collection/entry and reporting are a necessity. Interns will be expected to talk to tourists/visitors about the restoration work and assist in training of staff, students and research projects.

Requirements Applicants will need to:
•        Have gained a BSc in the biological sciences
•        Demonstrate a keen interest in conservation and wildlife
•        Be physically fit for working in tough remote conditions and able to stay focused on repetitive work
•        Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care
•        Have good written and spoken English
•        Have a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management
•        Preferably have a driving license for car and/or motorbike
•        Preferably be able to swim and have first aid certification

Individuals will need to commit for a six-month period from December 2017. They would be required to pay for their own return airfare and must have comprehensive insurance cover (including repatriation) for the duration of their stay. Accommodation and transport between MWF sites will be provided and the intern will need approximately £200 per month to cover their own costs for food (on and off the islands), socialising and personal items. Personal equipment needs are basic (eg work clothes, sturdy boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone).

To apply: please send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Islands’ followed by your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

The selection process will involve short-listing and a Skype interview for the short-listed candidates with senior Islands Restoration Staff.

Closing date for applications: 16th October 2017.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


Primate Keeper



Primate Keeper

Wellington Zoo is committed to its vision of igniting a Zoo revolution. We care about making connections between animals, people and our environment, while growing love and support for our Zoo. We punch above our weight in leading the way through connecting people with animals, saving animals in the wild and ensuring we’re a voice to be heard.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our Animal Care team as a Primate Keeper on a permanent full time basis. The successful applicant will be responsible for the daily care of a variety of species and habitats within the Zoo. They will also need to be confident engaging with our visitors.

To be considered for this opportunity you will need to have:

  • A minimum of two years’ experience in working with a variety of Primates in human care and daily husbandry.
  • National Certificate in Captive Wild Animals, Certificate in Zoo Keeping or equivalent qualification.
  • Knowledge of behavioural and environmental enrichment techniques.
  • The ability to work with limited supervision, solve problems and work well in a team environment.
  • The flexibility to work on a roster that includes weekends and public holidays.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills combined with excellent visitor engagement skills.
  • Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.


Click HERE for more details and application form

To apply please email your covering letter, CV and completed application form to zooapplications@wellingtonzoo.com


Applications must be received by close of business Monday 9th of October.




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant