Zoo Jobs: Experienced Animal Keeper

Experienced Animal Keeper

Experienced Animal Keeper with strong interpersonal skills

Kolmården Wildlife Park in Sweden has been on a continuous journey of development for the last few years and we have no plans of stopping anytime soon.

We are currently looking for an experienced animal keeper to join our team. Are you ready to come on an exciting journey with us? Read on!

In the role as Animal Keeper on our Hoofstock section you will be part of a team that ensures the highest possible welfare standards for our large collection of species, including but not limited to; Giraffe, White Rhino, European Bison, European Elk, Eland antelope, Wildebeest and Gemsbok. We aim for optimal welfare for all our animals at all times and as such you will not only be responsible for ensuring exceptional enclosure cleanliness and appropriate nutrition for the animals, but you will also be expected to carry out daily animal observations, evaluate behaviour and assess welfare, keep thorough records and plan and execute daily, goal-oriented husbandry training for a wide range of species.

You will be required to research, develop, deliver and evaluate environmental enrichment that meet species-specific needs. Additional duties include coaching of students and apprentices and supporting our education, sustainability, veterinary and research departments.

Lastly, Kolmården’s mission is to inspire adults and children to a lifelong commitment to animals and nature. Therefore, all our animal staff engage with our visitors on a daily basis, inspiring and educating them through guided tours, presentations, media and school programs.

The right candidate for this position has a minimum of 5 years’ experience working as an animal caretaker in a Zoological setting, preferably with species such as Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra and various antelopes. Experience working with animals in mixed exhibits is preferred. A sense of responsibility and awareness of safe practices when working with and around large mammals is a requirement.

The expected knowledge and skills of an experienced animal keeper is valued at Kolmården, but equally important are interpersonal skills. As we are always looking to improve in all areas, a person who is passionate about positive developments, particularly in animal welfare would be suitable in this role. We want you to apply for this position if you are a skilled problem solver who is flexible with a can-do approach in work. Creativity and the ability to think outside the box is important, as is exceptional communication skills alongside a knack for adapting them.

Animal Keepers at Kolmården work under high pressure year-round and the job is physically very demanding. As such, you need to be resilient, effective and physically fit.

Work is more enjoyable when we make it so! Therefore we aim to recruit animal caretakers who possess a positive and optimistic attitude and who know how to have fun.

Naturally, we want all our keepers to be comfortable in front of large audiences. Showmanship and customer service comes easy to them and they are passionate about teaching our visitors about our animals and inspiring them to care for our planet and its wildlife.

Driver’s license and experience of driving a tractor is a requirement for this position. Knowledge of ZIMS is desirable. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. The successful applicant will be expected to master a basic level of the native language within his or her first year of employment. Applicants must have a right to work within the EU.

This is a full-time, permanent position that includes a 6-month probation period. Applications close 31th January 2018.

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact: liza.wrangenby@kolmarden.com

For CVs and any questions about the vacancy, please contact: linda.berggren@kolmarden.com

We look forward to reading your application!