Friday, May 31, 2019

Animal Keeper




Animal Keeper

Woodside Wildlife Park

Woodside Wildlife Park is a growing, hand’s on, friendly, family run small zoo, situated near Langworth, Lincoln. We have a wide range of animals from tropical butterflies to tigers, crocodiles to wolves and red panda to penguins.

The successful candidate will be trained to work in all area’s and all departments.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team.

The position starts immediately. This position is offered as a permanent position for a suitable candidate.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:
  •                 Deliver talks and presentations to school groups and at public shows.
  •                 Feed, clean out and provide enrichment for animals.
  •                 Maintain accurate records and identify areas for improvement.


Candidate:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Must be a team player with the ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
  • A minimum of two years previous experience of working with a range of relevant species is desired.
  • A relevant animal qualification is desired.
  • Pay will be commensurate with age and experience.


Closing date for applications: 10th June 2019

Unfortunately we are not able to respond personally to all applicants. Therefore, if you have not heard from us by 15th June 2019 you have been unsuccessful.

Applications in writing. Please send CV and covering letter to neil@woodsidewildlife.com







photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Animal Care Manager




Animal Care Manager

Fota Wildife Park

Fota Wildlife Park, part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City and has an annual attendance of 465,000 visitors

Fota Wildlife Park’s vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education, research and entertainment have ensured that we are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity. Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 9 years upgrading its older infrastructure and developing 27 acres of additional land that focuses on Asian species including Sumatran tiger, Indian rhino and Asiatic lion.

 Job Brief – Animal Care Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Animal Care Manager within Fota Wildlife Park reporting to the Park Director. The role will form part of the senior management team and will be responsible for the operational management of animal issues and assist with development and implementation of the expanding Wildlife Park’s strategic needs and goals.



Key Responsibilities:

  • To work with the Director to implement strategic plans in the animal area including the development of new animal exhibits within a long-term strategic plan of Fota Wildlife Park. 
  • To plan and organise all animal collection and movement in accordance with best practice.
  • To manage all responsibilities in the context of robust adherence to and compliance with Health and Safety Policies and Procedures with all animal staff and facilities at the Park
  • The Animal Care Manager liaises with other departments to ensure the animal department is fully involved and aware of the benefits of public engagement in the areas of biodiversity and conservation education.
  • Represent Fota Wildlife Park at national and international level, at conferences, species meetings, zoological and public forums.
  • To implement and develop, in consultation with Park Director and Senior Rangers, a range of animal training and enrichment activities
  • To effectively lead a team to ensure that day to day animal husbandry duties, including animal observation, health and welfare and ensure that feeding and cleaning tasks are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures. 
  • To work effectively with all staff to ensure the efficient running and continued development of the wildlife park.


 Applicant should possess

·         A minimum of  a primary but preferably a master’s degree in Animal Science or equivalent in a related discipline.

·         Have a minimum of ten years’ relevant experience, to include management experience in an Animal Collection Role, in a Zoological Park setting or equivalent.

·         Possess a comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety as it applies in a zoological setting and be proficient in the use of IT systems including ZIMS.



Candidates will possess sufficient experience to effectively lead and manage an experienced team of Rangers and maintain a positive work culture. They will require excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong organisational and problem-solving abilities. They must be competent in customer engagement and have the capacity to engage with the press and media.

This role carries with it an attractive compensation package incorporating pension and other benefits such as support relocation assistance where relevant.

To apply for this vacant position please submit a CV and covering letter by email only to HR@fotawildlife.ie by Tuesday 18th June 2019







photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Head Keeper - Carnivores




Head Keeper - Carnivores

West Midland Safari  & Leisure Park

West Midland Safari Park are currently recruiting a Head Keeper for our Carnivore Section. This is an exciting opportunity to work with an extensive range of carnivores predominantly in drivethrough exhibits. The right candidate will be required to lead a dedicated team of both permanent and seasonal staff to deliver daily animal operations, husbandry and welfare to our Lions, Tigers, African Wild Dogs, Cheetahs and Dholes. As well as leading the development of the species and section, the role will work closely with other members of management to drive wildlife operational improvements, achieving an enhanced and engaging guest experience.



About you

We are looking for an experienced leader who is confident, motivated and approachable. You will have a proven track record of managing carnivore species, demonstrating excellent animal husbandry and training knowledge. Your approach to the role will be methodical and safety focused, ensuring that all relevant Heath and Safety and Zoo Licensing regulations are met. You will hold an Animal Management qualification, and due to driving in animal restricted areas, possess a full, valid Driving Licence. You will be passionate and enthusiastic about wildlife, education and biodiversity management. You will need to be flexible in your approach to work outside of standard business hours, including weekends, bank holidays and some evenings. Firearms experience is desirable, but not essential for candidate selection.



Benefits

As well as benefitting from working with unique and beautiful species, you'll also receive a range of additional perks to employment including:

• 30 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

• Annual pass which gives you and your family and friends unlimited free admission and ride wristbands

• WMSP reward scheme membership

• Discount in our retail and catering outlets

• Free onsite parking

Closing date for applications is: 14th Jun 2019

To apply for this position applicants are to visit www.wmsp.co.uk/careers and follow the onscreen instructions.





photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Zoo Keeper




Zoo Keeper

Drusillas Park

We are seeking a confident, outgoing, full time Zoo Keeper with a minimum of three years’ experience working for a zoo or in a similar animal environment.  An outgoing personality and the ability to communicate effectively with the general public (including undertaking keeper talks and animal encounters) are essential.

Applicants must have a full driving licence and a car.  It is advantageous for the applicants to have completed the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals or similar.  Drusillas has earned a reputation as being one of the best small zoos in Europe with a wide range of animals from Red pandas and Two Toed Sloths to Binturongs and boasts a diverse collection of Primates.  We offer a competitive salary, subsidised lunches and a sensible relocation package.

Closing date for applications is: 14th Jun 2019

Applications forms can be found the Drusillas website vacancies page www.drusillas.co.uk




photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Head of Birds / Aviculture



Head of Birds / Aviculture

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

37.5 hours per week to be worked on a rota basis to include weekends, bank holidays and evenings in line with business requirements.
£26,669 per annum

The opportunity to live on site in rent free accommodation is available, subject to conditions.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is evolving and growing. We have a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to curate and breed our renowned collection of over 2,500 water birds, and lead a dedicated team of aviculturists. If you are passionate about birds and are eager to play a vital role in their care this is the ideal role in which to pursue your career ambitions and make a real difference. 
We are looking for a leader with a track record of managing animal care teams at a well-respected animal institution. You will be motivated, energetic and approachable with a good knowledge of water bird management and their environmental requirements. An enthusiastic approach and a desire to pass on that enthusiasm to others is also essential.

You will work closely with other departments to drive operational improvements across the site and achieve an amazing, surprising, inspiring and engaging visitor experience. The successful candidate will also support WWT’s visitor engagement strategy and specific centre objectives.
An on-site 3 bedroom cottage is available for you and your family to reside in, rent free, should you wish, this residence is subject to additional security and welfare responsibilities which will be fully explained to you at interview.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a conservation charity that protects wetlands for wildlife and people. We conserve, restore and create wetlands. We are pioneers in saving wetland wildlife, both in the UK and around the world. At our 10 UK sites around a million visitors a year engage with wetland nature. We work internationally in key global wetland areas, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods and influencing national and international conservation policies.

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:
-        25 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service
-        Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
-        Life assurance
-        Free parking
-        Cycle to work scheme
-        Free entry to all our centres

This role is known internally as Deputy Living Collections Manager – Aviculture

 WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

For more information, and to apply for the role, please visit

Closing date:  Sunday 16th June
Interview date:  Friday 28th June


Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410 








photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

Monday, May 27, 2019

Carnivore Keeper



Carnivore Keeper

Due to the rapid development of our animal collection, a position for a full-time carnivore keeper is expected to become available soon at Hamerton Zoo Park.

We would welcome contact from anyone who is available and interested in joining our team.











photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant