Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Experienced Animal Keeper - Hoofstock Section

Experienced Animal Keeper - Hoofstock Section

Salary is £5.90 - £8.17 DOE

A living out allowance may also be provided if site accommodation is not available.

Howletts Wild Animal Park is a world class wildlife park supporting the international conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation, which runs a number of overseas conservation projects. We are home to a collection of rare and endangered Hoofstock, including Black Rhino, European Bison and Bongo Antelope – all of which we have reintroduction projects for. Other species on the section include Red River Hog, Giant Anteater, Asian deer and Capybara.

Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury, Kent is recruiting for the position of Experienced Hoofstock Keeper, Working 5 days per week 8am – 5pm.

The main duties will involve:

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

Ensuring the correct diets are prepared and distributed
Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times
Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors
Assisting with the movement and transport of animals
Maintaining good and detailed communication at all levels, including veterinary and other animal collections
Contributing to the enrichment of the species on the section
Representing the parks at seminars and conferences.
Supervision and training of less experienced staff and supervision of volunteers and interns
Section management on occasion.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience with ungulates in a mainstream zoological collection, an awareness of current conservation issues and a genuine passion for animal welfare. They must possess excellent all round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the Hoofstock species around the park. A relevant animal management qualification or similar would be advantageous. You must hold a full valid driving licence, and experience of driving agricultural vehicle is essential.

A practical and proactive approach coupled with good organisation and communication skills and an overall understanding of the role of the modern animal collection is essential. This is a physically demanding job and duties will include heavy lifting, as well as enclosure maintenance and browse cutting.

Working 40 hours per week, 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: Friday 20 July 2018