Zoo Jobs: WZ Team Leader - Elephants (Full-Time / Permanent)

WZ Team Leader - Elephants (Full-Time / Permanent)

Whipsnade Zoo ZSL

Advertised Salary:

£34,348.00 (Inclusive of Weekend Enhancement)

Overview:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, to inspire people to take conservation action.

Role Profile:

An exciting opportunity has arisen at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and we are looking to recruit a Team Leader for our Elephant department to manage the staff and animals on the section. They will work with the Curator, Zoological Manager and Head of Zoological Management to ensure that best practice protocols and procedures are followed within the section.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

In consultation with keeping staff, Health & Safety, Curators and Zoological Management, write and implement safe systems of work; training processes; risk assessments; animal husbandry best practice protocols and procedures.
Mentoring and training staff in the above systems and ensure that high standards of welfare, maintenance, enrichment and cleaning and is kept a top priority for the keeping staff on section.
Undertaking performance development reviews for all staff on section and ensuring that objectives are suitable and met.
Ensure that the relevant systems (ZIMS etc.) are kept up to date and accurate. Delegating section management and administrative tasks to the Deputy Team Leader as required.
Working on the section as a member of the keeper team to supervise and cover staff shortages as required.
Ensuring that the health & safety of the keeping team, visitors and animals is a priority.
Supporting and implementing the collection plan with curators.
Ensuring staff understand the role of a modern zoo and the importance of ensuring that visitors have an enjoyable, educational and informative day

Person Specification:

Extensive practical experience of working with Elephants and other species within a zoological collection.
Qualified to the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) level or equivalent qualification. A higher qualification in a related subject is an advantage.
Experience supervising or managing a large team of varied experience with the ability to motivate, manage and train a team of keepers, with a variety of specialisms, interests and experience.
An ability to lead change and development within a team.
Good communication skills and experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a team.
Willingness to continually learn about and lead evolving elephant husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment.

Applicants will need to upload their CV plus a covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button HERE

If you have any queries regarding these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 17th December 2017.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.