Friday, May 31, 2019

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

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