Zoo Jobs: Senior Hoofstock Keeper

Senior Hoofstock Keeper

(Salary commensurate with experience)

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, are a charity based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The parks are home of one of the world’s most prized wild animal collections and are one of the biggest visitor attractions in Kent.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of dedicated Hoofstock keepers at Port Lympne Reserve. The section comprises of various ungulate species including; Malayan Tapir, Eastern Bongo, Visayan Warty Pigs, European Bison, Waterbuck, Water Buffalo and Takin among others. The section is involved in reintroduction initiatives for a number of these species.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with similar species, in a mainstream zoological collection and an awareness of current conservation issues and a passion for animal welfare. The main duties of this role will include:

· Observing the behavior, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the Section Head

Preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures
Cleaning and maintaining enclosures as well as adjacent working areas
Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times
Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors
Assisting with the movement/transport of animals
Supporting in the training of less experienced staff and supervision of volunteers and interns.
Maintaining good and detailed communication at all levels, including veterinary, marketing and other animal collections.

You will need to be familiar with health and safety documentation including risk assessments and safe systems of work, have a broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species and excellent observations skills. This is a physically demanding position, so candidates must be physically fit and a full valid driving licence is essential to the role. You will possess excellent all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the various species around the park.

This role is 40 hours a week working 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays, the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours.

All applicants must have right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Monday 26 March 2018

To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to - personnel@aspinallfoundation.org