Animal keeper

Animal keeper

Reaseheath College

Post Title:                   Animal management keeper

Responsible to:          Animal Centre Manager

Salary:                         GBP 17,342 per annum (A16)

Status:                         Full Time, fixed term contract for 12 months

The hours will include weekend and bank holidays as required.

Reaseheath College is one of the premier land-based College located in South Cheshire with an enviable reputation for quality and partnerships with industry.  The College has a beautiful rural setting situated amongst 330 hectares of farms, parklands, lake, woodland and sports facilities.

Our GBP 4 million Animal Management Centre opened in 2010 and offers world class facilities including rooms for reptiles, amphibians and fish, a mammal house, teaching and meeting rooms and an impressive entrance to the college's zoo.  We have 40 specialist staff, over 800 students and more than 1000 animals of around 200 species.

Due to this continued expansion an exciting opportunity has arisen for a keeper to join our hard working and dynamic team.  Ideally with skills and knowledge covering a wide range of taxonomic groups including Mammals ,Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates, the successful applicant will possess a vocational qualification in Animal Management or an equivalent discipline at Level 3 or above.

Please demonstrate your area of specialisation and experience with groups of animals.

You will have wide ranging experience of animal husbandry in both domestic and zoo animals and species. The role will include supervising students and providing support to the department as required.

Please note this role constitutes 'regulated activity' as defined by the Protection of Freedom Act 2012. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with barred list information prior to starting employment.

Closing Date:  Midnight, Monday 6th August 2018

Assessment Centre Date: 14th August 2018

For further details and to apply, please visit our website HERE

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE

Section leader - Senior Primate Keeper

Section leader - Senior Primate Keeper

Paradise Wildlife Park

The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH) (registered charity no.1108609) currently has a vacancy for a senior keeper to join our expanding animal park team, running our Primate Section at Paradise Wildlife Park.

 The primate section is responsible for the husbandry of many species, including multiple EEP species. The section includes; red ruffed lemur;black and white ruffed lemur; black lemur; ring-tailed lemur; cotton topped tamarin; golden headed lion tamarin; emperor tamarin; silvery marmoset; pygmy marmoset; Geoffroy’s marmoset, squirrel monkeys; white cheek gibbon;lLargGibbon, along with two toed sloth and three banded armadillo in a mixed exhibit.

The successful applicant will have an active primate keeper role and will be responsible for the day to day running of the section, husbandry and welfare, and supervision of staff.  The applicant will deliver and be responsible for training staff on the delivery of interactive visitor experiences such as ‘Feed the Lemurs’ and keeper talks.

Paradise Wildlife Park has a small team of primate mammal keepers, cover keepers, interns & volunteers that the section leader will supervise, train and work alongside. The applicant must be very personable and able to communicate well with staff and visitors.

The successful applicant must have minimum five years of experience working within a zoo environment and experience working with primates is a must.

Job details:

Full time; Permanent position

Reports to; Head keeper & Senior management

Hours; Summer 8am-6pm, Winter 8am – 5pm. Includes weekend and bank holiday work on a flexible rotated basis. Flexibility is necessary in this post

Part of a cohesive section leader/senior keeper team

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Carry out and enforce high standards of welfare and animal husbandry
• Ensure up-to-date knowledge of relevant best practice, and statutory regulations, including Health and Safety
• Undertake and record animal observations
• Carry out high standards of record keeping (incl. ZIMS)
• Deliver high standards of visitor interaction on the section in the form of; keeper talks, encounters and experiences
• Oversee further training of deputy section leader, keepers, interns and volunteers
• Attend and contribute to the regular Section Leader meetings
• Consistent communication with head keepers
• Liaise and assist in general duties and requirements as directed by senior management
• Other duties to support effective and efficient site maintenance may include: Fire Marshall, First Aider, Firearms team, company vehicle driver and general site maintenance to maintain high standards (nb - full training will be a given prior to the post holder being required to undertake new tasks)

Requirements:

• An animal science related qualification (level 5-6 e.g. DMZAA or degree)
• Minimum 5 years full-time experience in a zoological collection. Including experience with a range of species.
• Excellent communication and people management skills
• Adaptable and flexible for the demands of the rota and section’s needs
• Physically fit for the demands of this role
• Full UK driving licence

If you would like the opportunity to join our Animal Park's Section Leader Team please send your CV and cover letter to hr@pwpark.com.  Do not hesitate to get in touch if you require further information about this position.

Closing date for applications is: 24th Aug 2018

This opening will close once a suitable candidate has been selected so please send applications as soon as possible.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE

Primate Care Staff - Internship

Primate Care Staff - Internship

Location - Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset

This internationally-acclaimed rescue centre, in 65 acres of beautiful Dorset woodland, is home to over 250 primates.  Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty.  At Monkey World, we strive to provide them company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide a permanent, stable home for abused Spanish chimps.  Today, his wife, Dr Alison Cronin and the primate care staff continue to rescue and rehabilitate primates from all over the world.

We currently have a vacancy for a twelve month internship within our Primate Care Staff Department. This position offers a practical work placement. The successful applicant will work our 7 week rolling roster system which includes working weekends. 

The Role

The successful candidate will be working on one of the six primate sections at the park. They will be involved in the day to day care of the primates including cleaning, diet preparation, health monitoring and enrichment.

Applicants must be 18 years old or over, therefore our internships could work for individuals taking a gap-year between Further Education and Higher Education, sandwich placements or those who have already graduated from University/College, having studied in a related subject.  This internship would suit someone wishing to gain experience as grounds for their first practical animal keeping position.

This position is voluntary and therefore unpaid. We recognise that this position takes a level of commitment from individuals and therefore we aim for interns to come away with experience that will help them in their future careers. Interns will receive uniform, in-house training, and accommodation if required.

Expected duties:

•        Assisting with daily animal husbandry e.g. food prep, feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision etc.

•        Enclosure maintenance, cleaning and preparation

Desirable

•        An animal science related qualification or working towards one.

•        Previous animal-related work experience.

Required

•        Good communication skills.

•        Adaptable for a flexible rota.

•        Able to work in a team and independently.

•        Physically fit for the demands of this role.

•        18 years +

Please send covering letter and current CV to: - hradmin@monkeyworld.org

Or alternatively post to:-

Jayne Gray

HR Manager

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Longthorns

Wareham

Dorset

BH20 6HH

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE

Primate and Predator Project

Primate and Predator Project

POSITION: Research Co-ordination and General Management of the field based activities for the Primate and Predator Project

JOB SUMMARY: Based in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo Province, South Africa: Ensure the implementation of the Primate and Predator Project research activities. This position would be most suited to a management/research couple, however, individual applicants will also be considered.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal Investigator: Professor Russell Hill (Department of Anthropology, Durham University)

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS TITLE: Field Assistants, Volunteers

KEY RESPONSIBILITY: Ensure the implementation of the Primate and Predator Project research activities, including student recruitment and training, hosting and management of international student and professional groups for field based workshops, provide general logistical support to the project and report on finances. On site point of contact for collaborating host partner, Lajuma Research Centre, Luvhondo Nature Reserve.

KEY TASKS:

General Management

•        Management of all on-site staff and students, including work schedules, training and pastoral care.

•        Effective and timely communication with Principal Investigator, land owners, staff, students and general correspondence.

•        Overseeing finances, monthly and annual reporting.

•        Managing, implementing and improving health and safety protocols, while ensuring the procedures are followed by all staff and assistants.

•        Vehicle maintenance.

•        Management and maintenance of staff and student accommodation in coordination with the land owner.

•        Event organisation.

•        Field course group management and hosting.

Research Coordination

•        Planning and implementing ongoing and new research.

•        Supervision of placement students and their project requirements.

•        Data management, ensuring all data is entered and filed correctly, and backed up.

•        Primate Research, assisting and supporting the Primate Research Coordinator as required.

•        Predator Research, assisting and supporting the Predator Research Coordinator as required.

•        Supporting community engagement activities.

•        Maintaining and improving PPP's social media profile, including the website, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

•        GPS and radio collar management as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

•        A MSc qualification (or higher) in a biology related subject, (if applying as a couple this qualification is only required by one applicant).

•        Practical experience of conducting field research, behavioural data collection, phenological sampling, tracking using radio telemetry and using motion sensor cameras.

•        Basic practical and technical skills to maintain camp, technical infrastructure and vehicles.

•        Able to drive a manual 4x4 vehicle in off road settings.

•        Ability to live and work in a relatively remote location.

•        Capacity to work with an international team of students and volunteers.

•        Previous experience with primate and/or predator data collection is sought, but not essential.

•        The work requires a sense of leadership, and a strong motivation to serve the needs of different participants. Additionally, the candidate(s) must be responsible, organised, independent, resourceful, and get along well and easily with others.

•        Applicants must be eligible to work in South Africa, either a citizen of South African or hold a valid work permit/visa.

LINKS:         https://primateandpredatorproject.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/PrimateandPredat0rProject/

https://twitter.com/PrimatePredator

Salary: Negotiable, but dependent on experience and adjusted for an individual or couple appointment.

Benefits: On-site living accommodation in the form a tented house with utilities (gas, solar electricity, running water and Wi-Fi) and medical/travel insurance are provided.

Application process: Please send your C.V. a cover letter and the contact details for two referees to primate.predator@durham.ac.uk

Closing date: Applications considered until position is filled.  We will start initial shortlisting on August 15th 2018. 

Start date: Handover in September 2018 from current management team.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE

Full Time Carnivore Keeper

Full Time Carnivore Keeper

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated individual to join our team. We're looking for an experienced animal keeper to work on our Carnivore and South America Section. This is a full-time position working a 40 hour week on a flexible rota (including weekends and bank holidays).

This is a key role within the team of keepers covering a variety of duties. The position will take a proactive role in the daily management of the section as well as helping with other sections when required. Within this role there is also collective responsibility for the development of an intern working within the team. 

We expect applicants to have a sound knowledge of the species concerned, a strong work ethic, good team working skills and the ability to maintain high levels of hygiene.

Species on section include:

African lions

Tigers

Spectacled bears

Llamas

Alpacas

Rheas

Tapirs

Capybaras

Mara

Agouti

Degus

Coatis

Typical aspects of the role include:

• Assisting in the daily management and care of the animals on section
• Delivering talks and experiences to the visiting guests
• Driving the company vehicle for collection of resources, e.g. meat
• Assisting in the management training of the animals
• Assisting in the training of an intern

Other requirements:

Applicants must have a full driving licence.

Other Job Holder Expectations:

• Ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities.
• Mindful of the visitor experience in all aspects of your work.
• Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
• Christian belief is not expected, but willingness to work within the ethos of the business is necessary.
• Comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when required.
• Undertake such other duties as are relevant with the position

How to apply

To apply send a CV and covering letter to chris.wilkinson@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk subject of emails should read 'Application for keeper role'.

Your covering letter should include an accurate summery of your relevant experience with species we have listed above. If your experience is with other zoo species, please describe and explain why you would like to work with these species. Covering letters should be no longer than 1 side of A4.

We are looking to recruit an experienced candidate for this role as this is not an entry level position, as such applicants with no previous professional experience will not be considered. Pay will be no less that national living wage for age and dependant on experience.

Final closing date for applications will be 11th August. However, due the preference for a quick start date date, applications will be reviewed on arrival. Strong candidates may be contacted ahead of the closing date and interviews arranged at earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close the application process early if the role is filled. Because of this process early applications are advised.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE

Head of Department – Animal Management

Head of Department – Animal Management

Salary: £38,108 - £46,847

Location: York

Expiry date: 06/08/2018

Askham Bryan College is a specialist land-based college based across the North of England with centres in York, Middlesbrough, Saltaire, Wakefield, Newcastle and Penrith.

We currently have an opportunity available for a Head of Department to join us to take responsibility for the planning, delivery and management of all elements of the study programme, full cost and adult education provision.

Leading on full compliance regarding all elements of the Study Programme to meet student satisfaction and progression, you must ensure the effective implementation of the College quality management system and quality review schedule within the department and manage staff through robust recruitment, transparent performance management, strategic communications and strong quality assurance in order for staff to feel empowered and recognised.

Planning, preparing and teaching to a high standard and leading by example, you must lead on high quality teaching and curriculum management within the department and manage student expectations by implementing the student disciplinary policy and procedure.

Candidates for this role must be educated to degree level or equivalent in an Animal Management related subject, hold level 2 qualifications in Numeracy and Literacy (or be willing to work towards these) and hold a Teaching qualification. With substantial experience of leading a team or projects, you must have a proven track record of good / outstanding teaching in the last two years and have excellent knowledge of the further education sector.

Closing date for applications: 6th August 2018

Interview date: 13th August 2018

For details on how to apply please click HERE

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

 To Advertise Vacancies on Zoo News Digest 
Please click
HERE