Head Keeper – Newquay Zoo

£25,207.65

Permanent Full-time – 38.75 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity to help lead the keeper team at Newquay Zoo. Newquay Zoo is a part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, a conservation and education charity and has a strong culture of evidenced based husbandry and participation in BIAZA/EAZA. Reporting to the Curator, the Head Keeper is responsible for the daily husbandry of the animal collection and supervision of the keeper team. The successful applicant will have at least 4 years keeping experience preferably at a supervisory level, expertise with ZIMS and a clear understanding of the keeper role in providing outstanding guest experience.

DUTIES:

• To delegate (if applicable) the duties of the keeper staff in his or her charge on a daily basis and to act as the first line of communication between the Curator and those keeper staff.

• To maintain (if applicable) Duty Rotas ensuring that there is adequate cover, keep own record of any absences and maintain discipline of staff in the department/section.

• To inform the curator of all occurrences pertaining to the collection, both verbally and by means of the daily report sheet.

• To ensure that the instructions of the curator are carried out and that he or she is directly involved in those activities which require a certain level of expertise or experience.

• To be responsible for the training of new keepers/work experience students as directed by the Curator and to advise on their subsequent assessment.

• To carry out routine husbandry when necessary and ensure that standards are maintained by subordinate staff, if applicable.

• To answer questions asked by the zoo visitors in a courteous and informative manner or, should such questions be of a sensitive nature and/or concern zoo policy, refer them to the Senior Head Keeper or Curator.

• To give verbal presentations to the public on aspects with which they are expected to be familiar e.g. the animals, the work of the zoo etc.

• To give public/media interviews as required by the appropriate Curator.

• To give conducted tours of the zoo.

• To be involved in the work of Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG's) and be trained in basic word processing skills and the use of animal- management related computer software.

• To drive zoo vehicles as required, (assuming the relevant licence is held).

• To participate in evening lock-up duty if required.

• To be familiar with all aspects of the company's Codes of Practice and in particular the Head keeper's role in the event of an escaped animal.

• To be trained in the use of fire-arms if required.

• To assist in duties not necessarily associated with the animal departments as required.

• To carry out any further duties as required by Curator or Director of Living Collections.

Benefits include:

• Defined contribution pension scheme

• 28 days paid holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) rising to 33 days after 5 years

• Company sick pay

• Branded uniform provided (as required)

• Relevant internal and external training provided