Zoo Jobs: Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Raptor Foundation

The Raptor Foundation currently has a vacancy for an enthusiastic and hard working person to fill the role of animal keeper within the birds of prey section and reptile house.

The successful applicant will have an active keeper role and will assist in the day to day running of the sections, husbandry and welfare, diets and supervision of staff. The applicant will be responsible for the delivery of interactive animal experiences for the parks visitors such as keeper talks and 1-1 meet and greets. There is also the opportunity of representing The Raptor Foundation on our outreach activities.

The Raptor Foundation has a small team of animal keepers, interns and volunteers that they will have to work alongside. The applicant must be approachable and able to communicate well with staff and visitors. Be able to deliver school educational activities for Primary - Post 16 school groups on a range of subjects, these activities could include outreach sessions and education for other groups, including running the zoo's informal education programme across school holiday periods, fund raising events.

Job description

Full time: permanent position

Reports to: head keeper & senior management

Hours; Summer 8am-5pm, Winter 8am-4pm. Includes weekend and bank holiday work on a flexible rotated basis. Flexibility is necessary in this post as it would include working occasional evenings.

Part of a cohesive senior keeper team

Salary to be confirmed, to be paid monthly

Duties and responsibilities include:

High standards of animal husbandry and welfare in both the birds of prey and reptile house
Maintain and record animal observations
Have knowledge of relevant best practice, statutory regulations and Health & Safety
Communicate to a high standard with visitors during keeper talks, encounters and experiences
Attend regular keeper meetings

Other duties

Support site maintenance, first aider, company vehicle drive, rubbish removal, litter picking, grass cutting

Requirements

An animal science related qualification, level 3 , RA , Raptor Award/Lantra
Minimum of 2 years full experience in a zoological collection including relevant bird of prey handling and flying and small mammal and reptile experience
Excellent communication and people management skills
Flexible and adaptable for the demands of the rota
Physically fit for the demands of this role
Full UK driving licence

Closing date for applications is: 31st Jan 2018

Please send your completed application form together with a CV and covering letter for the attention of Liz Blows by email at: elizabeth.blows@raptorfoundation.org.uk or by post to; The Raptor Foundation, The Heath, St Ives Road, Woodhurst, Cambs PE28 3BT