Zoo Jobs: Animal Manager

Animal Manager

Saola Working Group (SWG)

Vietnam

Through the Saola Working Group (SWG), a sub-group of the IUCN SSC Asian Cattle Specialist Group, and with approval and support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), a new conservation breeding facility will be constructed in Vietnam as part of a wider conservation initiative for the critically endangered saola and large-antlered muntjac. Ahead of this work the SWG is looking to appoint staff to assist in the development of the new centre and to then take on its daily operation. The primary aim is to provide the highest level of care for the animals, that are brought into the centre. The overall management of the centre will be the responsibility of Wroclaw Zoo in Poland.

The Annamites Endangered Ungulate Conservation Centre is located 55km from Hue and approximately 20km from Da Nang on the coast inside Bach Ma National Park. The centre will be run under a non-profit organisation basis and will be dedicated to the breeding, research, and conservation of wild caught and confiscated endangered ungulates. It is intended that the centre will become an endangered ungulate conservation institution with an internationally high reputation.

Work will start shortly on the first phase with the plan to manage initially 5 - 10 individuals of both saola and large-antlered muntjac. The centre will be run by an experienced senior team comprising a Manager and Veterinary Officer working with local staff.

The SWG in conjunction with Wroclaw Zoo is currently looking to find a permanent Animal Manager. This is a challenging position in a demanding environment suitable for a highly dedicated and motivated individual. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of a groundbreaking conservation breeding project that will determine whether the saola, possibly the most exciting mammalian discovery since the okapi, survives or goes extinct.This is an exceptional opportunity to be involved in one of the most important species conservation initiatives of its kind working with little known species in a country and with organisations committed to this valuable work.

Main duties and responsibilities will include:

Managing all aspects of the daily operation of the centre, as well as the further development of the project.
Work effectively and in cooperation with the centre veterinarian.
Possibly assisting the capture teams with acquiring the animals for the centre.
Develop husbandry and management protocols for saola and large-antlered muntjac.
Supervising and managing all aspects of animal management and husbandry.
Managing the budget for the centre and all of its activities and to be responsible for the finances of the centre including salaries, purchases and other procurements and the accounting thereof.
Taking responsibility for the routine maintenance of the facilities, the planning and construction of future facilities and other works as required.
Taking responsibility for any project vehicles and transport requirements for the centre’s staff.
Organising visiting researchers and volunteer keepers.
Providing routine reports to all stakeholders and to prepare and disseminate papers, reports, and articles on the work at the centre.
Taking responsibility for all aspects of Health and Safety in the centre and ensure a safe working environment for all people on site.
Serving as the centre’s country representative on behalf of the SWG and Wroclaw Zoo in collaboration with the Vietnamese authorities Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Department of Nature Conservation (DONC) and Bach Ma National Park.
Organisation of educational work and field research
Giving technical and practical advice to the authorities of Bach Ma NP and other authorities as required.
Coordinating activities and cooperation with other conservation projects/NGOs in Vietnam.
Supporting the SWG and Wroclaw Zoo in the acquisition of third-party funding.

Professional Requirements:

A formal zoo animal management qualification or equivalent experience.
At least 10 years practical exotic hoofstock experience, either as a senior keeper or manager in a zoo or a similar animal facility is essential.
Management experience in comparable projects in Vietnam/Asia could be beneficial, but not essential.
Good command of English (spoken and written). Knowledge of Vietnamese desirable, but not essential.
Excellent organisational and communication skills and an ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to new situations is essential.
Proven ability to manage a budget and handle the finances of a small project desirable.
Good practical skills and computer literacy and proven ability to produce technical and more general reports is desirable.
Technical skills/knowledge of generators, pumps, electrical fence systems, etc, desirable.

General Essential Requirements:

Good practical computer skills and literacy.
Full clean driving licence.
Physically fit and able to work in a hot and humid climate.
Ability to live under simple conditions in a rural area.
General technical skills and knowledge in a range of other skills and ability and interest to learn new skills.
The post-holder must be sensitive to different cultures and traditions and be able to work effectively in Vietnam.
The post-holder is expected to work 40 hours over 5 days a week on a rota with other senior staff, ensuring there is appropriate cover at the centre at all times. With the nature of this work, it is likely that longer working days will be required and occasionally, over extended periods.

Applicants must be hard-working, flexible and conscientious. They must be prepared to work as a team, expected to work weekends and National holidays and provide support for the rest of the team.

Simple self-contained accommodation will be provided at the Park Headquarters, close to the breeding centre.

To apply for this job:

Please send your CV (with two references, one current) and a covering letter to: Terry Hornsey, terry.hornsey@africa-alive.co.uk by 31st December 2017