Zoo Jobs: Assistant Head Keeper

Assistant Head Keeper

Permanent – Full time – 40 hours per week.

Award winning Blackpool Zoo is looking to appoint an experienced Assistant Head Keeper to assist in overseeing the day to day running of the Animal Department. Your main focus will be to supervise, support and assist the animal keeping team ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare at all times, Zoo best practice, compliance with H&S regulations and a consistent and continuous performance to improve the overall zoo animal management standards is the key focus of this role.

We are looking for someone to be a positive role model to others through demonstrated behaviors & you will need to be able to manage and priorities a diverse workload and have problem solving skills.

As well as being responsible for staff supervision, you will also be part of the Senior

Animal Management team where you will assist and deputize for the Head Keeper and Animal Manager. You will be expected to play a very active role in developing and moving forward the animal department within its framework aims and objectives in this new and exciting time within Blackpool Zoo’s history.

You will currently be working at a similar level in a well-recognized animal collection and will have at least 6 years zoo keeping experience working with a wide range of taxa. You will possess the DMZAA course, or equivalent and will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic and reliable.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills and a proven ability to motivate and manage staff.

You will have a thorough understanding and interest in modern zoo management, including Zoo legislation, animal enrichment and training using positive operant conditioning methods.

Blackpool zoo currently maintains over 200 species of animals including many high profile zoo species such as Asian Elephant, Giraffe, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Lions, Amur Tigers, Iberian Wolves, Bornean Orang-utan, Western Lowland Gorilla, Cuban Flamingo, and Magellanic Penguins along with many more EEP & ESB program species.

A full driving license is essential and candidates should also be in the possession of or willing to apply for a Firearms licence.

We offer a competitive salary plus performance related bonus and the opportunity to further your career within the zoological world.

Blackpool Zoo offers the following benefits (after probationary period);

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

• Work place pension

• Company sick pay (after 1-year service)

• Branded uniform provided (as required)

• Relevant internal and external training provided

• Complimentary tickets

• Free entry to our 2 sister aquariums for staff and immediate family

• Discount in our catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

• Free staff parking

• Company life cover

• Childcare vouchers

Subsidised (on site) accommodation will be available with this post, if required.

Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established medium sized zoos, and in recent years the zoo has gone through a rapid modernization and development process.

The Zoo is operated by Parques Reunidos, one of Europe’s largest leisure and attraction operators which specializes in the tourism/leisure sector. Parques Reunidos currently operates over 60 parks around the world and attracts over 20million visitors

The closing date for applications: 31st May 2018

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. We are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.

Please send a detailed CV and covering letter explaining why you wish to be considered for this post to Mrs Anita Bubbins, Personnel Manager, Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire. FY3 8PP or by email to anita.bubbins@blackpoolzoo.org.uk