Zoo Jobs: HEAD KEEPER

HEAD KEEPER

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) was established in 2003 by Allwetterzoo Münster and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). It was one of the first nature conservation centres in Cambodia, located within Phnom Kulen National Park at the trailhead to the historic site of Kbal Spean, about 50km north of Siem Reap Town and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. The animal collection at ACCB currently includes approximately 550 individuals from about 40 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The primary goals of the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity are:

ü To promote the rescue of selected native Cambodian wildlife and to provide adequate rehabilitation and release facilities while ensuring the maintenance of internationally recognized standards.

ü To provide facilities and technical expertise for the conservation breeding of selected threatened species, and to initiate and carry out appropriate reintroduction programs.

ü To serve as an education and training centre for communities, wildlife officials and visitors to the centre in order to increase awareness of and build capacity for conservation and environmental protection and management, and to promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

ü To initiate and participate in wildlife conservation and research activities in Cambodia, including in situ conservation activities, species recovery efforts, biodiversity inventories and natural resource-use assessment, and to provide information to support management recommendations for protected areas.

The ACCB is currently looking to fill its full-time Head Keeper position.

This is a challenging but rewarding position for a highly dedicated and motivated individual with a keen interest in making a contribution towards conservation. In addition, she or he will have to be prepared to support a variety of other activities at ACCB as required, such as assisting the Veterinarian, helping with environmental education, maintenance, administration, participation in special events, or fundraising. The Head Keeper is required to live permanently on-site and to be on call for emergencies.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Head Keeper reports to the Curator and works closely with the existing team to deliver an excellent husbandry program for the animals held at ACCB including e.g., rehabilitation and release, environmental enrichment and animal record keeping

§ Provide day-to-day oversight, assignment of daily tasks, training, and leadership of the animal keeping team; oversee and directly participate in preparation of food, feeding of animals, cleaning of enclosures, and other daily tasks
§ Carry out animal observations with regards to health issues and behaviour and inform the Curator and Veterinarian when illness or injury is suspected
§ Perform routine inspection of enclosures for cleanliness and structural defects
§ Perform minor maintenance and repair of animal enclosures when feasible
§ Assist in the development of training plans for animal keepers; participate in the routine development of staff expertise in animal husbandry and training, operant conditioning, and environmental enrichment
§ Provide training and operant conditioning to permanent animal collections to enhance animal welfare, enrichment, and safety
§ Make recommendations for improvement in all aspects of the animal husbandry and breeding conservation program; assist in developing and implementing animal husbandry and conservation breeding protocols
§ Implement international standards to ensure ACCB’s animal collection receives the best care possible
§ Assist in carrying out all aspects of artificial incubation and special care, including hand-rearing, for neonates/juveniles
§ Collaborate with the Project Manager, Field Conservation Manager, Curator and animal keeping team in pre-release assessments of animals prior to (re-)introduction to the wild
§ Assist with animal acquisitions, if required
§ Continually learn and adapt techniques to optimize animal husbandry and breeding success
§ Supervision of students or volunteers

Requirements

§ A degree in zoology, biology, conservation, animal behavior, zoo keeping or related field
§ Working experience in a zoo, rescue centre or similar working environment
§ A keen interest in the conservation of birds and chelonians is essential, as currently these are the focus species of ACCB
§ Working experience with birds and/or chelonians would be an advantage
§ Demonstrable experience in staff training and capacity building
§ Excellent administration, organization and communication skills
§ Sound knowledge of wildlife and habitat conservation, especially with regards to Southeast Asian conservation issues
§ Good command of English (spoken and written)
§ Good improvisational and practical skills
§ Flexibility and ability to cope with a sometimes heavy workload (also on weekends and possible night shifts) and to multi-task in a demanding environment
§ Ability to live and work under simple conditions in a rural area. Some previous experience of working/living in developing countries and/or in tropical climates would be an advantage
Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office. ZIMS experience would be § an advantage
§ Physically fit and able to work in a hot and humid climate
§ Ability to work in a multi-national team
§ Cultural sensitivity
§ A clean driving license for cars

Conditions/remuneration:

§ Free shared accommodation, water, electricity and internet at ACCB, located at Kbal Spean in Phnom Kulen National Park
§ Airfare to/from site if required, including one return flight per year (for contracts >1 year)
§ Full-time work (usually from 7-11 am and 1-5 pm), with flexibility as required and on-call availability for emergencies
§ 6 days off per month
§ 30 days annual leave per calendar year
§ A salary will be provided, which will be sufficient to cover living expenses

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled

Preference will be given to candidates indicating that they are prepared to stay for longer periods (minimum 1 year). Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please apply as soon as possible via email (not exceeding 10 MB) including cover letter, CV and the contact details of two references to:

Christel Griffioen, ACCB Curator

Email: application@accb-cambodia.org